Returns Policy

1. General Principles of Returns for Fitzgibbons Interiors.

·       Change of Mind (In-Store Purchases):

o   There is no automatic legal right to a refund or exchange if you simply change your mind after buying, unless the item is faulty or not as described.

o   We offer a voluntary returns policy, allowing returns within days for a refund, exchange, or store credit, provided the item is unused, in original packaging, and accompanied by proof of purchase/invoice. 

·       Change of Mind (Online & Distance Purchases):

o   Under the EU Consumer Rights Directive and Irish law, you have a 14-day "cooling-off" period for online or distance purchases, during which you can return goods for any reason and receive a full refund (excluding return shipping costs).

o   Some exclusions apply (see below).

2. Items Not Normally Allowed to Return

·       Custom, Special, or Made-to-Order Items:

o   Items made to your specifications, special orders, or bespoke items are generally not eligible for return, unless faulty.

o   Deposits paid on custom items are usually non-refundable.

·       Clearance, Floor Models, and Sale Items:

o   "Sold as seen," ex-display, clearance, or discounted items are non-returnable unless faulty.

o   Sale items have the same statutory rights if faulty but are not returnable for change of mind.

o    

·       Hygiene-Sensitive Goods:

o   Mattresses, bedding, and similar products cannot be returned if unsealed or used, unless faulty.

·       Tiles and Wood Flooring:

o   Only full, unopened boxes in original, undamaged packaging are usually accepted for return.

o   Special order or non-stock tiles/wood flooring are typically non-returnable.

o   We reserve the right for returns to be within a specific batch/shade for tiles.

3. Returns Process

·       Initiating a Return:

o   Contact us within the specified period (usually 14 days online, up to 30 days for some in-store returns).

o   Provide proof of purchase (receipt or invoice). 

o   Goods must be unused, in original packaging, and in saleable condition. 

·       Return Shipping:

o   The customer is usually responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is faulty or not as described. 

o   For large items, we may offer collection for a fee. 

·       Inspection:

o   Returned goods are inspected for condition before a refund or credit is issued. 

 

4. Refunds and Store Credit

·       Refunds:

o   For eligible returns, refunds are usually processed to the original payment method within 7–14 days after receipt and inspection. 

o   At times we may issue a cheque or bank transfer for cash purchases over a certain amount. 

o   Delivery charges are typically non-refundable unless the item is faulty. 

·       Store Credit:

o   For in-store returns (change of mind), we issue a credit note instead of a cash refund. 

o   Credit notes can only be used in the issuing store and may have an expiry date.

 

5. Faulty or Damaged Goods

·       Legal Rights:

o   If an item is faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose, you have the right to a repair, replacement, or full refund under Irish and EU law. 

o   This applies to both in-store and online purchases, including sale and discounted items.

o   The seller must cover the cost of returning faulty goods. 

·       Negligence:

o   Damage resulting from customer negligence is not covered. Goods must be returned in a saleable condition unless the fault was present at delivery. 

 

6. Special Considerations: Tiles and Wood Flooring

 

 

7. Relevant Legislation

·       Consumer Rights Act (Ireland):

o   Right to goods of merchantable quality, as described, and fit for purpose.

o   Right to a refund, repair, or replacement if goods are faulty.

·       EU Consumer Rights Directive:

o   14-day cooling-off period for online/distance sales.

o   Exclusions: Custom-made, perishable, or hygiene-sensitive goods.

 

8. Summary Table: What Can and Cannot Be Returned

 

 

09. Key Points for Customers

·       Always familiarize yourself with specific returns policy before purchase.

·       Keep all receipts and original packaging.

·       Inspect goods promptly upon delivery and report any faults immediately.

·       For online purchases, notify the retailer within 14 days if you wish to return.

·       Return goods in saleable condition; negligence or damage after delivery may void your right to return.

This policy summary is based on current Irish and EU law and leading retailer practices as of May 2025. Always consult the retailer’s own terms and current legislation for the most up-to-date information.

 

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1.       https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/shopping/rights-when-buying-in-a-shop/

2.       https://www.bonkers.ie/guides/personal-finance/what-are-my-consumer-rights/                     

3.       https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer/shopping/problems-with-faulty-goods/