Under what conditions can a consumer request a refund according to the Consumer Guarantees Act?

The Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) establishes certain guarantees that goods and services must meet in New Zealand, ensuring that consumers receive quality products and services. A consumer can request a refund if the goods do not meet the guarantees provided under this Act. This includes situations where the goods are not of acceptable quality, do not match the description, or are not fit for the intended purpose.

The guarantees aim to protect consumers by ensuring they receive what they are led to expect when they make a purchase. If a product fails to align with these expectations—whether that is due to defects, substandard quality, or other specific failures—consumers are entitled to seek remedies, including refunds.

In contrast, the conditions related to circumstances like goods damaged during transport, changing one’s mind, or simply finding a better price with another retailer do not fall under the scope of the CGA for obtaining a refund. These scenarios do not relate to the inherent qualities or guarantees of the product itself as required by the Act.