Consumer protection acts are provincial laws. Therefore, any concerns about consumer rights should be referred to provincial authorities and appointed provincial consumer affairs offices:
Ontario
Consumer Services Bureau, https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-government-and-consumer-services
Quebec
Office de la protection du consommateur, www.opc.gouv.qc.ca
Alberta
Alberta Government Services, Consumer Services Branch,
British Columbia
Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority of British Columbia, https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/
In general, every seller has a different return policy. The return policy is often stated on the back of the receipt and/or posted near the cash register. If it is not, it should be requested in writing on the receipt. Note that these policies may change during promotions and for items that are on sale or are deemed to be "party wear." A restocking fee may be charged.
Some stores will allow the goods to be brought back, but only under set conditions. For example:
- No returns or exchanges allowed on personal goods, such as pierced earrings or swimsuits
- Products may be exchanged, but money will not be refunded
- Goods must be returned within a set number of days
- A credit note will be issued instead of having money returned
- Goods must be unused and still have all tags and packaging
It is always advisable to keep the sales receipt. Although this is almost always required, some stores will issue a refund or perform an exchange without a receipt.