All guides
Consumer rights and scamsOfficial sources
Your rights when you buy something
The Consumer Guarantees Act protects you when you buy from a business. What “acceptable quality” means and what to do when something goes wrong.
- Last checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Next review
- 21 Apr 2027
When you buy from a business for personal or household use, you’re covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. Products must be of acceptable quality: do what they’re made to do, look acceptable, be free of defects, be safe, and last a reasonable time.
What to do next
If something goes wrong
- Contact the business first, with your receipt or proof of purchase.
- For a minor problem, the business can choose to repair, replace or refund.
- For a major problem, you can refuse a repair and ask for a replacement or refund.
Where to check the current rule
The Commerce Commission’s consumer protection site explains your rights in detail.