Retail disputes

The Australian Consumer Law gives you consumer guarantees that exist independently of a retailer's own returns policy: goods must be of acceptable quality, match their description, and do what they are meant to do. A retailer cannot simply point to a "no refunds" sign to avoid a guarantee that applies by law, and the remedy (repair, replacement, or refund) generally depends on whether the fault is major or minor.

If a retailer refuses a legitimate claim, you can escalate to the ACCC or your state or territory fair trading body (e.g. NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria). These bodies can investigate systemic non-compliance, and for an individual dispute, your state's civil/consumer tribunal (like NCAT or VCAT) can hear the matter directly.