World Consumer Rights Day – Know your rights and shop with confidence

Each year, on 15 March, people around the world mark World Consumer Rights Day – a chance to celebrate the rights we all share as consumers, and to shine a spotlight on the protections that help make markets fairer, safer and more transparent for everyone.

The Jersey Consumer Council believes that informed consumers are confident consumers. So, ahead of this global day of action, now is a great time for Islanders to remind themselves of the rights they enjoy when buying goods and services, and how you can use them to shop wisely and stand up for fair treatment.

Whether it’s asking for a paper receipt, returning a faulty item, or understanding a retailer’s responsibilities, there are protections in place to support you.

This World Consumer Rights Day, take a moment to explore your rights as a consumer, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, speak up and make those rights work for you.

Your rights as a consumer in Jersey

In Jersey, you are protected by laws designed to stop businesses from using unfair practices and to make sure you are treated with honesty and respect.

These rights apply before you buy, at the point of sale, and afterwards too, so whether you’re browsing online, making a big purchase, or simply picking up groceries, you have protections in place.

Here’s what you should know:

• Honesty and transparency: Businesses must not mislead you about important details such as price, quality or safety of a product. Hidden fees, false claims or fake endorsements are illegal.
• Clear information: You should be told the full price you will pay and given all essential information before you agree to buy.
• No pressure: Suppliers cannot use high-pressure tactics to push you into a sale.
• Fair treatment: Every customer should be treated with reasonable care and skill.

If a business breaks these rules, there are ways to report them and seek help, and the Consumer Council is here to support Islanders who feel treated unfairly.

Returns and refunds – what you need to know

One area where questions often arise is returns and refunds.

It’s a common situation: you’ve bought something, and later realise it’s faulty, not what you expected, or simply unwanted.

In Jersey, the law makes a clear distinction between different types of returns:

1. Faulty or mis-described goods

If a product is defective, doesn’t match its description, is damaged, or simply doesn’t work as it should, the Supply of Goods and Services (Jersey) Regulations 2010 says that you’re usually entitled to a refund, repair or replacement — so long as you act within a reasonable timeframe after purchase. Proof of purchase (like a receipt) is usually required.

2. Unwanted Items

Returning something just because you’ve changed your mind is normally governed by the he shop’s own returns policy. Some businesses offer refunds or exchanges as a goodwill gesture, but they are not legally obliged to do so unless they’ve published a specific policy. Always check this before buying.

3. Online or phone purchases

Goods bought online or by phone typically come with extra protections. Under the Distance Selling (Jersey) Law 2007, you usually get a seven-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel the order for any reason, even if you just change your mind. The seven days start from the day after you receive the goods. If you cancel in time, you must return the item, and you may need to pay to send the item back. There are some exceptions – you might not be able to cancel certain things, such as food or flowers (perishable goods), personalised or custom-made items, or sealed products once you open them.

Is it okay to ask for a paper receipt?

In today’s digital world, many shops now offer email receipts by default, and paper receipts are less common.

But in Jersey, you still have the right to a paper receipt if you want one – and you should never feel awkward about asking for one.

Your receipt provides proof of purchase, something you may need if you decide to return an item or make a claim.

If you feel uncomfortable giving your personal email address to an assistant, you don’t need to. Most retailers have a policy to provide a paper receipt if asked. 

If an assistant hesitates, politely remind them you would prefer a printed receipt and that you have a right to receive one.

Key things to remember

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• You have strong rights – don't be afraid to use them.
• Keep any receipts, emails, or adverts – they are your evidence.
• If you're unsure or feel pressured into buying something, walk away and report it.

About World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumer Rights Day has been marked annually on 15 March since the early 1980s.

The date commemorates the first time a world leader, US President John F. Kennedy, formally addressed consumer rights in a speech to the United States Congress back in 1962.

This day is internationally recognised with support from organisations including the United Nations. It’s a chance for consumer groups, governments, businesses and ordinary shoppers to call for better protections, safer products and transparent markets everywhere.

Each year, Consumers International, the global federation of consumer organisations, picks a theme that reflects pressing issues facing consumers around the world. In recent years, topics have ranged from digital finance to sustainable consumption, bringing global focus to problems that affect us all.