Can I get a refund if I unpack an item late?

How does when I open a delivery affect my rights? Can you get a refund if you open an item late? Many consumers delay unpacking deliveries, such as keeping them to give as gifts, moving house or they are on holiday. Waiting to open a delivery can affect your refund rights. Each week in The Complaining Cow Consumer Column, I answer one of the most common consumer questions I receive. Consumers ask me a variety of questions across my social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads. This week I look at how your rights are affected when you delay opening your delivery. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act When you receive your item, you should always check it and not wait for any reason. Under the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) 2015, products must: be fit for purpose be of satisfactory quality match the description be free from defects last a reasonable length of time How delaying opening a delivery can affect refunds The date of purchase is the day on which you made the payment for the item, not when it was despatched, when it arrived or when you unpacked it. You are entitled to a full refund up to 30 days from the date of purchase and after that time a repair or replacement. Whether you are moving house, keeping it for a present or you were on holiday for a month or any other reason, that rule still applies. Likewise, if you change your mind with an “off premises” purchase, online you have 14 days from when you receive the item to change your mind and another 14 days in which to return it. Items you order must be delivered within 30 days from purchase or on a date agreed with you. So, make sure you check that your items comply with the CRA within 30 days of receiving the item. If there is a possibility you may want to change your mind, check the item within 14 days of the delivery date. In some situations a retailer may give more time for a “change of mind”, so do check their terms and conditions. However, it is very unlikely a retailer will give you more than 30 days for a full refund on a breach of the CRA. The TikTok video below also explains how when you open your parcel can affect your rights: @thecomplainingcow Ordered something? Don’t leave it unopened. If you wait too long to check it, you could lose your right to a refund. Here’s why you should always open items within 30 days. #knowyourrights #refunds #consumerrights #shoppingonline #consumeradvice ♬ original sound – Helen Dewdney More help with complaining about deliveries For more information about your rights online orders see How to complain about a delivery, online and mail order Further help with asserting your consumer rights Top 20 Tips for how to complain effectively If you need more help, information and tips with how to quote Acts, template letters and advice on how to complain effectively don’t forget the GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS! 101 Habits of an Effective Complainer provides you with more tips Purchase and download templates to gain redress swiftly The post Can I get a refund if I unpack an item late? appeared first on The Complaining Cow - Consumer Rights, Complaints and Customer Service Expert.