AustraliaI want to return a product that doesn't fit but there's nothing wrong with it. Am I entitled to a refund?
No, you are not automatically entitled to a refund for a change of mind in Australia — retailers only must provide refunds or replacements if the product fails to meet consumer guarantees (e.g., is faulty, unsafe, or doesn't match description).
What the Law Says
Australian consumer law does not give you an automatic right to a refund just because you've changed your mind — including if an item doesn’t fit, unless the retailer’s own policy says otherwise.
Your rights depend on whether the product meets the consumer guarantees set out in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which apply to all goods and services sold in Australia.
A product that 'doesn't fit' is generally considered a change of mind — not a breach of guarantee — unless the size was misrepresented (e.g., labelled as 'M' but actually 'XS'), in which case it may fail the guarantee of 'matching description' or 'being of acceptable quality'.
If there *is* a breach — for example, the item is unsafe, unfit for purpose, or significantly different from the sample or description — then you’re entitled to a remedy: repair, replacement, or refund, depending on whether the problem is minor or major.
Statutory TextA consumer is entitled to a remedy if a consumer guarantee is not met.
— Australian Consumer Law, s. 259 — Remedies for failure to comply with consumer guarantees
Statutory TextA failure to meet a consumer guarantee is a 'major failure' if… a reasonable consumer would not have acquired the goods had they known about the failure.
— Australian Consumer Law, s. 259(4) — Major failure definition
Statutory TextThe consumer guarantees… include that goods are of acceptable quality, fit for any disclosed purpose, and match their description, sample or demonstration model.
— Australian Consumer Law, s. 51 — Consumer guarantees applying to goods
What to Do
Check the retailer’s return policy (in-store signage or website) — many offer change-of-mind returns within 14–30 days, often for exchange or store credit.
If the item doesn’t fit *and* was misrepresented (e.g., wrong size label), point to ACL s. 51 and ask for a remedy.
If the retailer refuses a remedy for a genuine guarantee breach, contact your state or territory consumer affairs agency (e.g., NSW Fair Trading or ACCC).
Keep your receipt or proof of purchase — it’s required to claim a remedy under the ACL.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.