Faulty Goods Refund in Ireland
If something you bought is faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose, the Consumer Rights Act 2022 protects you. Your contract is with the seller, not the manufacturer, so it is the shop or online trader you deal with, even if there is a separate manufacturer's guarantee. What you are entitled to depends on how quickly the fault showed up. The good news: you can pursue a remedy for a faulty item for up to six years in Ireland.
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Your rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, goods must be of the required quality, fit for their intended purpose, and as described. If a fault appears within the first 30 days of purchase or delivery, you have a short-term right to terminate the contract and get a full refund after returning the item. After 30 days, you can generally ask the seller to repair or replace the goods. If repair or replacement is impossible, fails, or is unreasonable, you can claim a price reduction for a minor fault or a full refund for a serious one. A full refund is also possible after 30 days if the seller cannot fix the fault within a reasonable time, or if repair or replacement is not possible. You should contact the seller as soon as possible, as delay can suggest you have accepted the faulty goods. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is Ireland's enforcement body and provides guidance and can take action against traders who breach the Act.
Step by step
- 1Contact the seller as soon as possible, describe the fault clearly, and state which remedy you want, a full refund within the 30-day short-term right to terminate, or a repair or replacement after that, citing the Consumer Rights Act 2022.
- 2Provide proof of purchase such as a receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation, and keep the faulty item and its packaging where possible.
- 3If repair or replacement fails, is refused, or is not possible, put in writing that you now require a full refund (for a serious fault) or a price reduction (for a minor fault), giving the seller a reasonable deadline to respond.
- 4If the seller still refuses, report the trader to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and consider a claim through the Small Claims procedure of the District Court for amounts up to €2,000. The fee for this procedure is €25.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“You need to take this up with the manufacturer, not us.”
Comeback, My contract is with you as the seller under the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The seller is responsible for providing the remedy; a separate manufacturer's guarantee is in addition to my statutory rights, not a replacement for them.
“We only offer a credit note or store voucher, not a refund.”
Comeback, Where I am entitled to a refund under the Act, that means money back by the original payment method. A credit note is not a substitute unless I choose to accept one.
“You have had the item too long, so there is nothing we can do.”
Comeback, In Ireland I can seek a remedy for faulty goods for up to six years from when I received them. The fault is a breach of the statutory quality standard, so please confirm how you will repair, replace, or refund.
What actually happens
In practice, most faulty goods issues are resolved directly with the seller, often at the first or second step. If a fault appears within 30 days, a full refund is usually straightforward upon returning the item. After this initial period, sellers will typically offer a repair or replacement first. This can sometimes involve delays, especially if parts are needed or the item must be sent away. If these remedies fail or are not possible, a refund or price reduction becomes the next step. For claims up to €2,000, the Small Claims procedure is an effective route, costing €25. This process can take several weeks to a few months, but often encourages sellers to settle before a hearing. While you have up to six years to pursue a remedy, acting quickly is always best to avoid arguments about acceptance of the fault.
FAQ
Do I have to accept a repair if I would rather have a refund?
Within the first 30 days you can choose to reject the goods and claim a full refund outright. After 30 days the seller can usually offer a repair or replacement first; you only move to a refund or price reduction if that remedy fails, is impossible, or would cause you significant inconvenience.
What if I bought the item in a sale or second-hand?
Sale items carry the same rights for faults as full-price items, meaning you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. A refund for a faulty item bought at full price should be for the full purchase price. For second-hand goods from a trader you are still protected, though what counts as satisfactory quality takes account of the age and price. Private sales between individuals are not covered by the Act.
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Sources
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice. Last researched 2026-09-10.