Can you request a refund on items simply because you changed your mind?
Shopping can be fun... until the high wears off and you realize you don’t actually need—or even want—the item.
That pair of shoes that you saw on display? They looked great on the model, but they'll likely just sit in your closet. That latest gadget upgrade? Your current one works perfectly fine. Sometimes the thrill of the "buy" is better than the product itself.
What happens next then? Can you return the item and ask for a refund just because you changed your mind?
Is 'change of mind' a valid reason?
Mia Opendo, Supervising Head of the Department of Trade and Industry's Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, said that under the agency's regulations, "change of mind" is actually not a valid reason to request a refund especially if the product in question does not have a defect.
"Under sa ating regulasyon, hindi po pinapaburan ang change of mind, kasi nakita niyo naman, na-check niyo 'yung produkto bago niyo binili, na-inform kayo na ito 'yung haba," Opendo said in DTI's Konsyumer Alert program.
Host Winnie Cordero recalled an incident where she wanted to refund an item, but a department store staff simply told her to replace the item with another item of the same amount.
Opendo explained that this is merely a "practice of goodwill" by the store. While this act is encouraged, Opendo noted that not all establishments or sellers can accommodate this, especially if the reason is change of mind.
Furthermore, under Republic Act 7394, the seller is also not obligated to give a refund to the customer for the reason they changed their mind.
The act states that manufacturer, builder, producer, or importer shall not be held liable when it evidences that "it did not place the product on the market, that although it did place the product on the market such product has no defect, and that the consumer or a third party is solely at fault."
What are the refund policies of online shopping platforms?
Shopping on e-commerce platforms have varied terms, too. Shopee's Refunds and Return Policy states that buyers may apply for a refund due to incorrect order details—such as the wrong size, color, or quantity—only while the parcel is still in transit. Once the item reaches the delivery hub, these requests are no longer accepted.
For a "change of mind," buyers can only request a return or refund for specific items explicitly authorized by Shopee for this reason. Moreover, the item must be in original quality and quantity, fully functional and intact, in its original package, and contain all special external and internal packaging.
Sellers also have the right to refuse if the product is damaged in any form, incomplete, used, among others.
Under Lazada's policy, refunds are allowed for cancelled orders only while they are at "packed" status prior to dispatch and delivery. The process typically takes 24 hours upon cancellation request.
TikTok Shop also has a policy for change of mind returns, detailing that customers may return most products by selecting "No Longer Needed" or "Change of Mind" as their return reason.
However, certain categories of products are ineligible for this return reason. These include beauty and personal care products, collectibles, computers and office equipment, fashion accessories, furniture, household appliances, jewelry accessories and derivatives, children's clothing and accessories, kitchenware, men's and women's wear and underwear, and phones and electronics.
A seller may reject a return if the evidence provided shows that the product does not meet the return criteria, such as it is no longer in its original packaging.
