Shop Refused Your Refund? Your Rights When a Product Is Faulty in Ireland

You bought something. It broke, stopped working, or was not as described. You went back to the shop and they said 'no refunds' or 'exchange only' or 'you need the receipt.' Here is the truth: under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, a shop cannot refuse a refund for a faulty product, regardless of what their store policy says. A sign that says 'No Refunds' has zero legal force when the product is defective.

Irish law gives you a 'short-term right to reject' within the first 30 days of purchase. If a product is faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose within this period, you are entitled to a full refund — not a credit note, not a voucher, not an exchange. A full refund to your original payment method. After 30 days, the retailer gets one chance to repair or replace. If the repair fails or takes an unreasonable time, you are then entitled to a refund. The burden of proof is on the retailer for the first year — they must prove the fault was not present at the time of sale.

You do not strictly need a receipt. Any proof of purchase will do: a bank statement showing the transaction, a credit card record, a PayPal confirmation, or even a witness who was with you when you bought it. The retailer may ask for a receipt as a first step, but they cannot refuse your statutory rights simply because you have lost the paper slip. If they try, calmly explain that proof of purchase is not limited to a receipt under the Consumer Rights Act 2022.

If the shop still refuses, ask to speak to the manager and state clearly that you are exercising your statutory right to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. If that does not work, put your complaint in writing (email is fine) and give them 14 days to respond. If they still refuse, you have two options: file a complaint with the CCPC (who can investigate the retailer) or take a case to the Small Claims Court for claims up to €2,000 — the fee is just €25 and you do not need a solicitor. Our step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to do both.