Online Shopping and Returns in British Columbia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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: 10 days (Consumer Protection Act, 2002, s. 40)
- British Columbia: 7 days (Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, s. 49)
- Quebec: 7 days (Consumer Protection Act, art. 54.8)
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 120-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 to Do If an Online Seller in Canada Refuses to Refund You
- 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.
How British Columbia differs from federal law
BC has specific rules for online and distance sales under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act.
- For distance sales (online, phone, or mail orders), the seller must provide a copy of the contract within 15 days. The contract must disclose the total price (including taxes and shipping), a description of the goods or services, the supplier's contact information, delivery date, and cancellation rights.
- If the seller does not provide the required disclosure, the consumer can cancel the contract within 1 year. If the goods are not delivered within 30 days of the stated delivery date (or 30 days of the contract if no date was given), the consumer can cancel.
- Upon cancellation, the seller must refund all money paid within 15 days. If they do not, the consumer can request a chargeback from their credit card issuer.
- BC does not require merchants to accept returns for change of mind — return policies are set by each business. However, the contract must clearly disclose the return and refund policy.
Additional Steps in British Columbia
If an online seller will not honour your cancellation rights, file a complaint with Consumer Protection BC. If you paid by credit card, request a chargeback from your credit card company — BC law specifically authorizes this for cancelled distance sales contracts. Keep copies of all order confirmations, emails, and receipts.
Relevant Law: Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, SBC 2004, c. 2, Part 4, Division 4 (distance sales contracts)
Common Questions
When does online shopping and returns 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 I do if an online retailer in Canada won't give me a refund or my order never arrived?
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 mistakes should I avoid with online shopping and returns?
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.
Online Shopping and Returns in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.