laptophuntBuying a refurbished or used laptop online does not mean giving up your rights. When you buy from a business, UK consumer law gives you real protection, even for second-hand goods. This guide summarises the main rules in plain English.
Buying from a business: the Consumer Rights Act 2015
When you buy goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says they must be:
- of satisfactory quality: what a reasonable person would consider satisfactory;
- as described: matching the listing, photos and description;
- fit for purpose: able to do what laptops are normally used for, and anything specific you told the seller you needed.
These rights apply to refurbished and used goods too. Whether something is of satisfactory quality takes account of its description, its price and all the other circumstances. The law lists things such as appearance and finish, freedom from minor defects, safety and durability as part of quality.
In practice, that means a refurbished laptop sold as Grade C can reasonably have visible scratches, and an older laptop will not be judged like a brand new one. But it should still work properly, and it should match what the listing said.
If something is wrong
- Within 30 days: you have a short-term right to reject faulty goods and get a full refund. The 30 days start once you have the laptop.
- After 30 days: you can usually ask for a repair or replacement first. If that fails, you may be able to get a price reduction or a refund.
- Within six months of delivery: a fault is presumed to have been there when the laptop was delivered, unless the seller shows otherwise. After six months, it is usually up to you to show that it was.
Contact the seller in writing, say what is wrong and what you want, and keep copies of messages, photos and the original listing.
Changing your mind: 14 days to cancel online orders
When you buy online from a business, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 usually give you a cooling-off period, even if nothing is wrong with the laptop:
- You have 14 days from the day after you receive the laptop to tell the seller you want to cancel.
- You then have another 14 days to send it back.
- The seller must refund you within 14 days of receiving the laptop back or proof that you posted it, including standard delivery charges.
- You usually pay the cost of returning it, unless the seller has agreed to pay or didn't tell you that you would have to.
You can check the laptop works, but if you handle it more than you could in a shop, the seller may be able to reduce your refund to reflect any loss in value.
Citizens Advice explains this in more detail on its page about changing your mind about something you've bought.
Private sellers are different
If you buy from a private individual, not a business, you have fewer rights. The 14-day cancellation right does not apply, and the Consumer Rights Act standards above are for goods bought from traders. The main protection is that the laptop must be as the seller described it.
The laptops on Laptop Deal Hunt come from established refurbishment businesses, but always check who you are buying from before you pay.
eBay Money Back Guarantee
eBay runs its own scheme on top of your legal rights. According to eBay, the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers eligible purchases paid for at eBay checkout if the item doesn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn't match the listing. You need to act within 30 days of the actual or estimated delivery date, and you should contact the seller first. If you pay any part outside eBay, for example by bank transfer, you lose that cover. Check eBay's page for the current terms.
Warranty vs your statutory rights
A warranty or guarantee is an extra promise from the seller or manufacturer. It adds to your legal rights; it doesn't replace them. A one-year seller warranty is useful, especially later on, but a seller can't use it to take away your rights under the Consumer Rights Act.
When comparing listings, look at warranty length, who provides it, what it excludes (check whether the battery is covered), and who pays for postage on returns and repairs.
Where to get help
If you can't resolve a problem with the seller, Citizens Advice's guide to returning faulty goods is a good next step. For what to check when the laptop arrives, while you are still within these time limits, see our refurbished laptop checklist.