Returning something and getting a refund should be straightforward, and in Georgia the law sets a clear baseline. Under the 2022 Law on Protection of Consumer Rights, for distance and off-premises contracts (for example online or doorstep purchases) you have 14 calendar days to withdraw without giving a reason. After notifying the trader you return the goods within 7 days, and the trader must refund you within 14 days of being notified. Knowing these timelines is your strongest tool when a store stalls.
When judging a returns process, start with policy clarity: a fair store states its terms plainly rather than hiding conditions at the till. Watch for rules that go beyond the law — extra restocking fees, blanket “final sale” labels, or demands that are stricter than the statutory floor. The process itself should be easy, staff should be cooperative rather than defensive, and the refund should land back on your card or in cash within a reasonable window.
If a refund is slow or refused, point to the statutory deadlines and keep your receipt, order confirmation and any correspondence. A store can offer terms more generous than the law, but it cannot offer less for the contracts the law covers. Comparing how different vendors actually handle returns — not just what their policy claims — tells you who treats customers fairly when something goes wrong.
What's good
- The law gives you a 14-day right to withdraw from distance and off-premises purchases without a reason.
- Traders must issue your refund within 14 days of being notified.
- For defects appearing in the first six months, the burden of proof is on the trader.
Trade-offs
- Some stores add conditions that go beyond what the law allows.
- Refund processing can be slow even when the return is accepted.
- "Final sale" labels and restocking fees are used to discourage returns.
