Woolworths Won't Refund You For Stockpiled Toilet Paper

Days after panic buying saw shelves stripped of basic goods, Woolworths has banned 'change of mind' refunds on a list of products.

Supermarkets placed purchase limits on a number of products in the wake of high demand because of coronavirus panic, but from Wednesday those items will no longer be refunded at Woolworths unless they are faulty.

Signs have appeared at Woolworths stores around the country listing the products that will no longer be refunded if a customer changes their mind.

Listed are toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and serviettes, medicinal (pain relief), cleaning (anti-bacterial wipes, sprays, disposable gloves), feminine hygiene and incontinence, baby wipes, pasta and pasta sauce, canned food (fish, vegetables, fruit, soup, prepared meals), flour and bread mixes, and oils.

A Woolworths spokesperson told 10 daily the change was to help support customers' access to high demand products in reasonable quantities.

"In addition, rainchecks won’t be offered on any advertised products on promotion," they said.

"Faulty products will continue to be refunded in full, exchanged or repaired as normal.

"We believe this is a necessary measure to meet the demand of as many shoppers as possible, and thank customers for their patience and understanding."

Woolworths said the new policy will remain in place until future notice.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission told 10 daily it was up to the customer to check a store's refund policy and Woolworths' new policy did not break the law.

"Under the Australian Consumer Law, retailers don’t have to give you a refund or exchange if you simply change your mind," an ACCC spokesperson said.

Contact the author: jdunne@networkten.com.au