Refunds, replacements and repairs Easy English Factsheet

Last updated: 13 May 2025

Refunds, replacements and repairs

Easy English fact sheet

2025

You might need help to read 
this fact sheet.

A friend, family member or support person 
can help you.

Sometimes there is something wrong with a 
product you bought. You can take the product back 
to the shop.

The shop can

  • give you a refund

    or

  • give you a replacement

    or

  • repair it for you.

What is a refund?

The shop gives you your money back.
An exchange or credit is not a refund.

An exchange means you swap the product for 
another product. It could be the same product or a 
different one.

Credit is like a voucher for the shop. You can buy 
something later.


What is a replacement?

The shop gives you a new one.

What is a repair?

The shop can fix it for you.

When can you get a refund, 
replacement or repair?

The product

  • is broken and it is not your fault.
  • does not do what you want.
  • the product does not do what it should do.
  • is different to the product you saw in the
    shop. For example, it is a different
    size or colour.
  • is not safe.


A product is not safe if you use it properly and

  • it can hurt you
  • it can cause a fire
  • it breaks easily.

How can you get a refund, a replacement
or a repair?

Take the product back to the shop you 
bought it from.

Show your

  • receipt
  • credit or debit card slip

    or

  • bank statement.

Explain what went wrong.

You may not get a refund or replacement if

  • there is nothing wrong with the product and
    you just changed your mind. You might get an 
    exchange or a credit instead.
  • they can fix it for you.
  • you bought the product for someone else
    and they do not want it.
  • you knew the product was broken when you
    bought it. For example, you paid less for the 
    product because it was already broken.
  • you broke the product and it was your fault.

Remember

  • When you buy a product always ask for
    • a receipt

      or

    • a credit or debit card slip.
  • Keep your receipt in a safe place.


Consumer Protection WA
More fact sheets 
and information

List of fact sheets in Easy English

  • Buying Furniture
  • Contracts
  • Lay-by
  • Phone and door to door sales
  • Renting - starting a tenancy
  • Renting - during a tenancy
  • Renting - ending a tenancy
  • Refunds, replacements and repairs
  • Scams
  • Services
  • Shopping tips



Phone 1300 30 40 54

Mail Locked Bag 100
East Perth WA 6892

Interpreter 131 450

National Relay Service 133 677

Email consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au

Website www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au



This information is written in Easy English. 
You might need more information about the law.
You can ask Consumer Protection WA.

Updated February 2025.

Easy English fact sheet updated by 
Consumer Protection WA.

Look at Clear Written Communications -
The Easy English Style Guide for
information about the format and writing
style of this document.

You can find more information at
www.scopevic.org.au or
phone 03 9843 2000.