{"id":190378,"date":"2024-09-15T16:18:06","date_gmt":"2024-09-15T15:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?p=190378"},"modified":"2026-05-29T03:18:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T02:18:31","slug":"differences-consumer-rights-act-sales-of-goods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/ecommerce-online-business\/differences-consumer-rights-act-sales-of-goods\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences Between the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Sales of Goods Act 1979"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Consumer Rights Act 2015<\/em> and the Sale of Goods Act 1979<\/em> both set legal standards for selling goods in the UK, but they apply to different buyers. The Consumer Rights Act governs business-to-consumer (B2C) sales and covers goods, services and digital content. The Sale of Goods Act governs business-to-business (B2B) sales and covers goods only. The Consumer Rights Act came into force on 1 October 2015 and replaced most consumer provisions of the older Act, but the Sale of Goods Act still applies to B2B contracts. Under both, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. For B2B deals, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982<\/em> and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977<\/em> can also be relevant. This article explains the key differences between the Consumer Rights Act and the Sale of Goods Act and when each applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Consumer Rights Act 2015<\/em><\/a> is a key piece of law which creates obligations on you as an eCommerce store when selling goods and services to consumers. As a trader, if your customer is a consumer, meaning that they do not represent a corporation, this law applies.  It, therefore, does not apply to any business to business (B2B) transactions you make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These obligations in the Act are related to the standards of the products and services you sell. The Act also makes your business, as the eCommerce retailer, responsible for these standards for your goods until they are received by the buyer or someone they have elected to receive them such as their neighbour. This means that the delivery service you may use is not responsible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The standards that the Consumer Rights Act requires an eCommerce business to meet differ depending on whether it provides services or goods. These standards take effect when transacting with a consumer because a verbal or written contract is made at this point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Consumer Remedies Under the Consumer Rights Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Consumer Rights Act gives consumers a tiered set of remedies when goods are faulty. Knowing these timeframes helps your business respond correctly and avoid disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the first 30 days, the consumer has a short-term right to reject faulty goods and claim a full refund. This is one of the clearest differences from B2B sales, where no automatic 30-day right applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 30 days up to six months, the consumer is usually entitled to a repair or replacement first. If that does not fix the problem, they may then claim a refund or a price reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From six months to six years, the consumer can still ask for a repair or replacement, but the burden shifts to them to prove the fault existed at the point of sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These remedies apply on top of the quality standards, regardless of any warranty or guarantee you offer. Respond promptly, keep clear records and check the consumer’s rights before refusing a remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standards When Selling Goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The standards you must meet when selling your goods must be met regardless of any guarantee or product warranty you may offer. The standards apply to all goods, including digital goods. These standards include that the goods are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n