This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Australian retail law. Consumer protection does not give you an unconditional right to a refund whenever you feel like returning something. But the moment a product is actually faulty, the picture changes completely — and a "No Refunds" sign becomes a real problem for the store, not you.
Change of mind: the store decides
If you bought the wrong size, the wrong colour, or simply changed your mind, the Australian Consumer Law does not force the business to give you a refund, exchange, or credit note. Whatever happens next is entirely up to the store's own voluntary returns policy.
Faulty goods: the law decides, not the store
If the product has a hidden defect, is unsafe, or fails to do what it's supposed to do, your right to a remedy is protected by the consumer guarantees regardless of store policy. Businesses can't rely on their own terms and conditions to take that right away, and they can't substitute store credit for your money back if you're entitled to a refund.
"No refunds on sale items" is a myth some stores still print
Discounted or clearance items carry exactly the same consumer guarantee rights against faults as full-price goods. A sign suggesting otherwise misrepresents your legal rights.
What to say at the counter
Don't frame a faulty return as a preference. State it plainly: the product doesn't meet the consumer guarantee of acceptable quality, and you're seeking a refund to your original payment method. Staff are far more likely to escalate a claim internally when it's framed around the actual legal basis rather than personal dissatisfaction.
You're not obliged to ship it overseas yourself
Your contract is with the retailer that took your payment, not the manufacturer. If the fault is genuine, the retailer — not you — carries the cost and logistics of getting it assessed.