Online Shopping and Returns
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Canadian federal statutes and official sources.
What is this right?
Canada has no general right to a refund just because you changed your mind. However, provincial laws do give you cooling-off periods for internet and distance sales:
- Ontario and Quebec: 7 days
- British Columbia: 10 days
These cooling-off periods apply to qualifying distance sales over $50. The seller must provide clear disclosure — their name, address, a description of the product, the total price, the delivery date, and your cancellation rights.
If goods are not delivered within 30 days of the promised date, you can cancel the order. Credit card chargebacks are also available, typically within a 60-day window.
When does it apply?
- Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail from sellers operating in Canada.
- Cooling-off periods apply to qualifying distance sales over $50.
What should you do?
- Keep order confirmations and receipts for every online purchase.
- Check the cancellation policy before you buy.
- Exercise cooling-off rights in writing within the deadline — email or registered mail works.
- Request a chargeback from your credit card issuer if the seller won't refund you.
- File a complaint with your provincial consumer protection agency if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume you can always return for any reason — there is no general right to a refund for change of mind.
- Don't miss the cooling-off deadline — once it passes, you lose that right.
- Don't use debit for large online purchases — debit cards have no chargeback protection.
- Don't ignore undelivered orders — if the delivery is more than 30 days late, you have cancellation rights.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.