The first major shopping event of the year is underway, marking a reset after years shaped by disruption. With consumer spending showing resilience and a lift in sentiment, shoppers expect bargains, especially as prices trend downward due to inflation. In this environment, it becomes essential to remember the rights that protect buyers during sales. What rights exist? How are they applied during sale season across Canada and the United States?
What right do I have as a consumer?
Under consumer protections, a buyer has the right to ensure that a product sold does not endanger health or safety. If a substance is hazardous, the maker must clearly warn or label it. A sale must reflect a genuine purchase record, and promotions, offers, or advertisements must align with the product being sold. Consumers should receive sufficient information to use the product safely and correctly, with transparent pricing and terms of sale. They also have a right to prompt service in the language they choose, and to a claim process that is accessible and fair.
How do you get all this up for sale?
The sale season does not change the fundamental rights embedded in consumer law. Shoppers should be able to buy with the same guarantees as if no discount were offered. For example, payment methods accepted before the sale should remain available during the sale, and all relevant price details and sale terms must be disclosed. In some jurisdictions, regulations specify that only certain items may be discounted, such as products that have been displayed for a minimum period. Items clearly intended for sale only at a discount should not be repurposed for ongoing promotions, according to consumer guidance.
Does an organization have to sell yes or no?
Businesses retain the freedom to decide whether to participate in sale campaigns or when to begin. Many retailers launch discounts shortly after the holiday season, but there are two established sale windows: winter and summer. Outside these periods, stores should not advertise broad discount campaigns or specific sale offers as official sales in most regions.
Can a company raise the price of a product days before it lowers it?
No. The discount must apply to the lowest price the product has reached in the prior 30 days. This rule is meant to prevent deceptive pricing. Authorities have noted irregularities in some major seasonal offers, underscoring the need for clear, honest discounts.
Can I return the product I bought on discount?
Return policies depend on whether the purchase was made in a physical store or online. A brick-and-mortar retailer is not always obligated to accept returns, but if it does, the terms must be clearly stated, including conditions, exclusions, and timelines. Online purchases typically come with a minimum return window, often around 14 days, with exceptions for personalized items, perishables, or items with hygienic concerns. If a product arrives defective, consumers typically retain rights to remedy under applicable laws, regardless of discount status.
Can a store sell a defective product at a “sales discount”?
Products that are defective or of compromised quality cannot be misrepresented as discounted items. The rule is clear: clear distinction must be made between regular sale items and defective or liquidation stock. Consumers should not encounter misleading labels that hide the true condition of a product.
Is it legal to only show the discount percentage?
While retailers are encouraged to provide full price clarity, the law often requires one of two approaches to be visible: either the current price alongside the original price or the explicit discount percentage. The goal is to empower customers to understand the actual savings and compare offers confidently.