How do I get a refund?
Do you want to know how to get a refund? Latest Deals is here to help you get a refund with the most popular retailers in the UK.
When are you entitled to get a refund?
The most important thing to keep in mind when getting a refund is if you are entitled to it or not.
For example, if you’ve made a purchase and didn’t get what you’ve paid for, or if the purchase is faulty, you are by law entitled to a refund.
We have a complete guide about what your consumer rights are.
- Read more about what to do about late or missed delivery consumer rights.
- Read more about how to get bank charges refunded.
- Read more about flight delay compensation.
- Read more about how to get a refund if your train is delayed or cancelled.
Step by step process to get a refund
There is a quick step by step process to get a refund. Latest Deals has made it easier for you.
Check the process below:
Step 1- Contact the retailer/ trader
If you didn’t receive what you’ve paid for or received it with a problem, the first thing to do is contact the retailer/trader.
If you've bought it online, you will need to look for the retailer’s customer service phone number. Usually, you can also ask for a refund if you log in with your account details and check your order. Most of the time, there is an option to ask for a refund.
If you've bought it in-store, you will need to go back to the same store and reach out to either the person you've purchased the product with or anyone else to assist you.
Below you can find some of the most popular retailers in the UK with their refund’s policies and their customer service phone number:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Usually, supermarkets have an excellent return’s policy, and you will be able to get a refund quickly.
With broadband providers, it’s a bit tricky to get refunds, to learn more about this you can read our guide on how to complain about broadband.
Some retailers have a money-back guarantee, so you can rest assured that you will get your money back if something goes wrong.
Step 2 - Try to resolve the issue with the retailer/trader
Sometimes you will have an easy time, and your problem will be fixed right away.
Unfortunately, other times, you might need to pursue the retailer/trader until you get what you want.
Depending on the product/service you’ve bought and how long you've bought it, you won’t be able to get a refund right away.
The retailer/trader might give you the option to get it repaired or replaced.
Also, if the product is within its warranty period, you won’t be able to get a refund in some cases. It all depends on the circumstances of your case. Learn here what your consumer rights are.
Also, it’s essential to follow the retailer’s process of complaining, then you've more chances of being successful.
If, after many attempts, in person, by phone or online, your claim for a refund is not accepted, you should move on to other alternatives.
Step 3 - Try to get your money back from your card company/bank
If you've tried to get your money back directly from the retailer/trade and your attempts were unsuccessful, you can try to get your money back for your card company/bank.
According to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, your card company/bank has shared responsibility for any breach of a contract made between you and a retailer or trade company.
Learn more about what Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act is.
- How to get your money if you've paid by credit card?
If you've paid by credit card, you will need to reach out to your credit card provider.
You will need to ask for a claim using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Just fill in the form and wait for an answer.
- How to get your money if you've paid by debit card (or prepaid card)?
If you've paid by debit or prepaid card, you will need to reach out to your debit or prepaid card provider.
You will need to ask for a claim using the Chargeback. Just fill in the form and wait for an answer.
Learn more about what Chargeback is here.
- How to get your money if you've paid by PayPal?
If you've paid by PayPal, you might be able to get a refund as long as the retailer has a Commercial Entity Agreement with PayPal.
PayPal also has buyer’s protection.
You just need to contact PayPal online and ask for a refund. The process is pretty straightforward.
Step 4 - Complain to the Ombudsman Service
After trying to resolve the issue directly with the retailer/trader and your card provider, and still you weren’t successful, you can try going to the Ombudsman Service.
Depending on the product or service you’ve bought, you will need to contact a different Ombudsman Service. Citizen Advice has a list with some of them.
We have a complete guide on how to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
You can also get in touch with the Retail ADR for retail complaints.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can try to use Resolver, if you've problems with your online shopping or your delivery, if your flight was delayed or cancelled or your train was delayed or cancelled, and with private parking tickets.
Step 5 - Make a small claim
Lastly, if you've tried all the steps above, you can make a small claim. However, going to court even for a small claim can be expensive and tiring. So you need to make sure it’s worth the investment of money, time and energy.
Read our guide about how to make a small claim.