What are my rights in BC if I buy something I am not satisfied with?

In British Columbia, you have the right to expect that the goods and services you buy are safe, work properly, and match what was advertised.

If you are unsatisfied with a product or service, your rights depend on why you’re dissatisfied. Many people assume there's a legal right to return items simply because they changed their mind, but that's generally not the case.

1. If you simply changed your mind

In BC, there is generally no legal right to return or exchange a product because:

• You don't like it.
• It doesn't fit your needs.
• You found it cheaper elsewhere.
• You changed your mind.

Whether you can return it depends entirely on the seller’s return policy. Vendors are free to offer full refunds, store credit, exchanges only or no returns at all. They must not misrepresent their policy, so it's worth checking before you buy.

2. If the product is defective

You have much stronger rights. Under BC law, goods sold by a business are generally expected to:

• Be of acceptable quality
• Be reasonably durable
• Match their description
• Be fit for the purpose they were sold for (especially if you told the seller what you needed)

If a product fails these expectations, you may be entitled to repair, replacement or a refund. The appropriate remedy often depends on:

• How serious the defect is
• How long you've owned it
• Whether it can reasonably be repaired

3. If the seller misled you

If a business made false or misleading statements about a product or service, you may have remedies under BC's consumer protection laws. Examples include:

• False advertising
• Hidden fees
• Misrepresenting features
• Claiming something is new when it is used

4. Online, phone, and door-to-door purchases

Certain contracts entered into away from a traditional store may provide additional cancellation rights under BC consumer protection legislation. For example, some direct sales or distance sales have specific disclosure requirements and cancellation periods if the business does not comply with the law.

5. Gift cards

Generally:

• Businesses cannot charge expiry dates on most gift cards in BC (with some exceptions, such as promotional cards).
• They also cannot charge most inactivity fees.

What should you do if a retailer refuses?

1. Keep your receipt.
2. Ask politely to speak with a manager.
3. Point out if the product/service is defective or not as described.
4. Document all communications.
5. If necessary, you can pursue the matter through the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal (under $5000) or Small Claims Court ($5000-$35,000), depending on the amount involved.

BC law also protects you against unfair business practices, like being pressured into signing a contract you don’t understand. These rights apply whether you buy something in a store, online, or through a contract.

To better understand your rights as a consumer, visit Consumer Protection BC (opens in a new tab).