Faulty Bag in 30 Days: UK Refund Rights

Generally yes within 30 days; after that, repair or replacement first, then a refund or price cut.

Published October 28, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Orders, Shipping & Returns · Orders & returns

Typical situation

A bag you bought in the UK has a broken zip or a seam that has split after two weeks, and the seller says that you must wait for a repair.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Consumer-rights view

Generally yes. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a consumer in the UK can reject faulty goods and get a full refund within 30 days of taking possession. After 30 days, the seller usually has one chance to repair or replace the goods, and if that fails you can seek a refund or a price reduction.

What the 30 days mean

The short-term right to reject applies where goods are not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose or not as described.
The 30 days run from delivery or from when you take possession of the goods.
Within this time, you can reject the bag and ask for a full refund, instead of accepting a repair.

After 30 days

GOV.UK explains that after the short-term period, you can ask for a repair or a replacement. If that fails, or is not possible, you can ask for a refund or a price reduction. The refund can be reduced to reflect the use you have had in some cases.

What to do

Stop using the bag and photograph the fault.
Write to the seller with the order number, the fault and your request.
State that you are rejecting the goods if you are within 30 days.
Keep copies of everything and the proof of sending.
If the seller does not respond, contact a consumer advice service.

Where this answer stops

This is general information based on the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and GOV.UK. It applies to consumers in the UK buying from traders. A bag damaged by misuse is not a fault, and rights differ elsewhere. This is not legal advice.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Purchasing view

Keep the order confirmation, the receipt and any proof of payment, since you need to show when you bought the bag and from whom. A dated receipt settles most arguments about the 30-day period.

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

Photograph the fault as soon as you see it, next to a ruler and with the date visible on your phone. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, since a repair you made could be said to have caused the damage.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Put your request in writing and state clearly that you are rejecting the faulty goods under the Consumer Rights Act, if that is what you want. A request for a refund is stronger than a message that only says the bag is broken.

Independent and unofficial. berabags is an independent editorial site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any bag brand, retailer, airline or agency named on this page. This page contains no affiliate links; if berabags adds any in future they will be labelled. Rules and policies change, so check the linked source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice.