A 'no refund' sign can't override the law on broken goods.
In Ontario, when you buy something it comes with a legal promise that it works and matches how it was sold, and a store can't sign that promise away with a 'final sale' sign. But changing your mind is a completely different situation, so here's where you actually stand.
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In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- Ontario law puts a promise on the things you buy: they have to match their description, work for their normal purpose, and be of acceptable quality.
- A store can't take those rights away. An 'as-is,' 'final sale,' or 'no refund' sign is void when the problem is a defect or the item isn't as described.
- Changing your mind is different. There's no general legal right to return something just because you don't want it. That depends on the store's policy.
- A manufacturer's warranty is a bonus on top, not a replacement. You still have your rights against the store that sold it to you.
- If a store won't fix a genuine problem, you can complain to Consumer Protection Ontario for free, or sue in Small Claims Court for up to $50,000.
How the process works
Figure out which problem you have
Is the item broken, faulty, or not what was described? That kind of problem is covered by the law. But if you simply changed your mind, that comes down to the store's own return policy.
Know that the sign doesn't win
For a defective or not-as-described item, a 'no refund' or 'as-is' sign doesn't hold up, because the law treats those clauses as void no matter what the sign says.
Go back to the store first
Explain the problem in writing and say what you want: a repair, a replacement, or a refund. Keep your receipt, photos, and any messages.
Use a chargeback if you paid by card
If you paid by credit card and the store won't help, you can ask your card company about a chargeback. It has its own time limits, so act early.
Escalate if needed
You can file a free complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario, usually within 2 years. For money back or damages, Small Claims Court handles claims up to $50,000.
What to do next
- Decide if the item is defective or not as described, or if you just changed your mind.
- Keep your receipt, the packaging, and any ads or descriptions.
- Photograph the defect or the problem.
- Tell the store in writing what's wrong and what you want.
- Don't be put off by an 'as-is' or 'no refund' sign for a defect.
- Ask your credit-card company about a chargeback if you paid by card.
- File a free complaint with Consumer Protection Ontario if needed.
- Consider Small Claims Court (up to $50,000) for a refund or damages.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| A 'no refund' sign means I have no rights. | Not for a defective or misdescribed item, because the law makes those signs void whenever the product is faulty or isn't what you were told. |
| I can return anything I want within 30 days. | There's no general legal right to return for change of mind. That's the store's policy, not the law. |
| 'As-is' means I'm totally out of luck. | For a change of mind, maybe, but an 'as-is' sign can't cancel your rights when the item turns out to be defective or not what you were told. |
| The manufacturer's warranty is all I have. | No. The store that sold it to you is still on the hook under the law. A maker's warranty is extra, not a replacement. |
| If I examined the item, I lose my rights. | That's only true for defects your own check should reasonably have caught, and any hidden or later problems are still covered. |
| There's nothing I can do if the store refuses. | You can complain to Consumer Protection Ontario for free, and you can sue in Small Claims Court for up to $50,000. |
| Consumer complaints have no time limit. | They do. The government usually can't help with problems more than 2 years old, so don't sit on it. |
| Small claims isn't worth it for a purchase. | It can be worth it, because it's designed for people without a lawyer and now covers claims of up to $50,000. |
Last reviewed July 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with a licensed professional.
Free. No payment to start. This is information, not legal advice.