Dear Santa, 
I recently discovered online shopping and bought my wife a beautiful lime green snowflake sweater for Christmas this year. Unfortunately I just overheard her telling her friend that she doesn’t like the colour green.  I guess this means I should return it…too bad though because it’s a great sweater.  Can I get my money back?  Help!
Sincerely,
Web-Wizard William in BC

Dear Web-Wizard William, 
It looks like you should have picked the red reindeer sweater instead! Since you bought the item online, you entered into something called a “Distance Sales Contract”.  This means that you didn’t buy the sweater in person and you didn’t have the chance to check out the item for yourself.  You should have received a copy of the purchase contract within 15 days of when you bought it. This is often part of the terms you accept when you click “I agree” when making the purchase. If you didn’t get a copy of the contract, you have 30 days to cancel the purchase contract..  Unfortunately, if you want to return the item because your wife won’t like it, you will have to find out the store’s return policy on their website.  Finding out the return and refund policy before buying is always a good idea. 
Good luck!
Santa

Dear Santa, 
I just bought a gym membership in anticipation of the huge Christmas dinner I’m attending with my family in a few days.  Unfortunately I found out last night that my mother is serving a vegan meal this year so I want to cancel my membership.  Can I do this?
Thanks!
Turkey-less in BC

Dear Turkey-less, 
I’m sorry to hear that you won’t having turkey for your holiday feast but vegan can be tasty, and good for you!  If you have purchased a gym membership – or a self-defence class, weight loss program, dance lesson or travel club membership, you have entered into a “continuing services contract.”   If you bought your membership less than 10 days ago, you can cancel your contract by giving notice to the supplier.  I recommend giving notice in writing and getting a confirmation back as it serves as proof that you cancelled by a certain date.  Heading out for a some exercise,
Santa

Dear Santa, 
We wanted to let consumers know that they can find more information on our website about cancelling distances sales contracts or cancelling continuing service contracts, or they can call us toll free at 1-888-564-9964.  We always encourage consumers to ask a retailer about their return and refund policies prior to making a purchase; this is also applicable to buying gift cards.

Happy Holidays!
Consumer Protection BC