Get a refund for faulty goods or an online order in California
The rules that apply in California, from official sources.
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General legal information from official sources, not legal advice. You decide what to do.
What this problem is
When a business sells you something, state law usually adds an implied promise that it will work as it should. If it doesn't, you can ask the seller to put it right, and you should tell them about the problem promptly.
Your rights in plain language
Goods must work as they should
Cal. Com. Code § 2314. Goods sold by a merchant come with an implied promise that they are fit for their ordinary purpose (merchantable), unless that promise was excluded.
Verified source: Cal. Com. Code § 2314 — Implied warranty: merchantability(opens in a new tab)
Tell the seller promptly
After you accept goods, you must tell the seller about a problem within a reasonable time after you discover it (or should have), or you may lose your remedies.
Verified source: Cal. Com. Code § 2607 — Effect of acceptance; notice of breach(opens in a new tab)
Time limit for a court claim
4 years from the date the goods were delivered (to start a court claim)
Verified source: Cal. Com. Code § 2725 — Statute of limitations in contracts for sale(opens in a new tab)
Key deadlines
| Deadline | Source |
|---|---|
| Latest date to start a court claim (counting from delivery): 4 years (the date the goods were delivered (to start a court claim)) |
The official process
Check the receipt and any warranty
Find your proof of purchase and any written warranty or return policy.
Contact the seller in writing
Describe the problem, say what you want, and give a reasonable date to respond.
Escalate if needed
If they refuse, complain to your state attorney general's consumer office, or consider small claims court.
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long to tell the seller.
- Complaining only to the manufacturer instead of the seller.
- Throwing away the receipt or packaging.
Questions
Is this free?
The information on this page and your personalized results are free. If you want us to prepare a refund request for you to review and send, the price is shown before you start.
Can a store refuse a refund for something faulty?
Stores can set return policies for items that work, but an implied promise that goods work as they should usually applies unless it was clearly excluded. A written request citing your state's rule is a good first step.
Which states can you prepare a letter for?
Right now: Florida, California and Texas. For other states we show free information and people who can help.
Get help from a person
Free and low-cost help, and official bodies that can step in.
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraudReport scams, fraud and bad business practices to the federal government.
- California Attorney General: consumer protectionConsumer information and complaints about businesses in California.
- LawHelp.orgPlain-language guides and legal aid directories, by state.
Sources
Every rule on this page comes from these official sources. We check them regularly.
- Cal. Com. Code § 2314 — Implied warranty: merchantabilityCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Cal. Com. Code § 2607 — Effect of acceptance; notice of breachCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
- Cal. Com. Code § 2725 — Statute of limitations in contracts for saleCalifornia Office of Legislative Counsel · checked Oct 24, 2026
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