Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help

IMORTANT NOTICE: The FTC is closed due to the lapse in funding

 Learn about the status of FTC online services and website information updates during the lapse in funding.

• Types of Sales the Rule Doesn’t Cover
• The Seller Must Tell You About Your Right To Cancel
• How To Cancel a Sale
• The Seller’s Obligations If You Cancel
• Report Problems

What Is the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule?

The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller’s temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. The Rule also applies when you invite a salesperson to make a presentation in your home. But not all sales are covered.

Report Problems

If you think a seller has violated the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule, report it to

• the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• your state attorney general and your local consumer protection agency. Some state laws give you more rights than the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule, and some local consumer offices can help you resolve your complaint.

If you paid with a credit card and a billing dispute arises about the purchase — for example, if the merchandise shipped was not what you ordered — notify your credit card company that you want to dispute the purchase. Learn about your rights — and how to protect them — when disputing credit card charges.