Buying services
When you buy from businesses based in Ireland or the EU you have strong consumer rights. This information covers your rights when you buy a service. For example, a gym membership, having your boiler serviced or household waste collection.
You can read more about your rights when buying digital services.
If you bought on or before 28 November 2022, you can learn more about your rights before the Consumer Rights Act came into force.
What a business must do
A business must provide a service to you:
- that works in the way they said
- for a reasonable price, when it is not agreed in advance
- that matches any advertisement or information you have seen
They must also:
- have the skills to carry out the service
- supply the service with reasonable care
- only use materials that are fit for purpose and match any descriptions given to you
Information before you buy
A business has to give you specific information before you buy. The information should be clear and easy to understand. It should include:
- the service details (if not already clear)
- the total price (inc. VAT) or how the price will be calculated
- if any additional charges apply
- if your right to cancel applies
- their name, address and phone number
If there is a dispute about what information was provided, the business has to show they gave you the information.
Read more about the additional rights to information and to cancel that you have when you buy a service online or at your doorstep.
Service issues
If a business does not meet their obligations to you, you have consumer rights. Your first step is to contact the business. If they can’t resolve the issue, you can take other actions.
Read more about your rights when you have a problem with a service.
Last updated on 7 March 2023
