What are a consumer's rights to a refund on purchases?

The Federal Trade Commission enforces a rule allowing consumers to cancel sales of over $25 within three days; however, this rule only applies to sales made in certain locations. Specific refund laws and policies vary by state and retailer, according to FindLaw.

The Federal Trade Commission's three-day rule only applies to sales made at a person's home, workplace or dormitory, or at a seller’s temporary location, such as a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground or restaurant. Aside from this rule, there are no federal laws ensuring consumer's rights to a refund, notes FindLaw. Most states have laws requiring retailers to clearly display their return and refund policies, or inform customers about their policy when making a sale. In states such as California, retailers that do not do clearly display their return and refund policies must accept returns with full refunds within 30 days of purchase.