You might wonder about certain things when you’re at a store: exchanges and refunds, having to leave your bags at the entrance, pricing errors on your bill, gift cards, etc. Here are five important things to know to better understand your rights as a consumer.
1. Exchanges and Refunds
If you regret making a purchase or change your mind, does the store have to exchange what you bought or give you a refund?
No. If what you bought isn’t defective, the store doesn’t have to take it back. However, if the store has voluntarily decided to have a policy on exchanges and refunds, it must follow it.
So, before buying, ask questions! Is there an internal exchange and refund policy? Are there time limits? Does the exchange and refund policy apply to my purchase?
2. Leaving Bags at the Entrance
Stores are allowed to have a policy requiring you to leave your bag at the entrance. If you don’t comply, the store can refuse to let you enter.
What if the bag you left at the entrance disappears? The store is responsible and must give you the value of your bag in cash. This is true even if the store has indicated on a notice that it’s not responsible for the theft or loss of your bag!
3. Pricing Errors
Is the price on your receipt higher than the price displayed in the store? When you notice the pricing error, ask whether the Price Accuracy Policy applies in the store. If it does, the store must respect it, and you are entitled to the following:
- If the displayed price was $15 or less: the store must refund the full amount shown on your receipt for that item. In other words, you get it for free!
- If the displayed price was more than $15: you’re entitled to buy the item at the displayed lower price, and receive an additional $15 discount.
4. Gift Cards
Do you have a gift card with an amount of money to be spent in a store?
- In most cases, the law says that the card cannot have an expiry date. There’s therefore no deadline for you to use it.
- If there’s $5 or less on your card after you use it, you can ask the store to give you this amount in cash.
5. Office de la protection du consommateur (consumer protection office)
Do you have a question about something you bought or are thinking of buying? Do you have a problem and want to know your rights? For information, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur.