If you think a merchant is misadvertising or giving false information, here is what you need to know.

You can try to get compensation when you think the sporting item you purchased does not correspond to the agreement you had with the merchant.

The sporting item you purchase must conform:

  • to its description on the contract or the invoice;
  • to what was described by the vendor;
  • to the advertising in which it is featured.

For example, in an advertisement, a merchant cannot indicate the price of a sporting item and use the photo of another sporting item that is more expensive and of better quality.

Possible recourse in case of delivery delays

The law provides for recourse when a merchant fails to respect the date on which they agreed to make a delivery to you. But first, try to reach an agreement with the merchant.

Tools made available by the Office

To help you resolve your problem, the Office has made various tools available to you. First, refer to the Resolve a problem with a merchant section, which presents the various steps to follow. Among other things, you will find suggestions on negotiating with a merchant in order to reach an agreement.

The Office also makes available information kits tailored to problems of an exclusively civil nature. They cover reasonable durability of goods, deliveries, warranties and non-conformity of goods or services. The Download an information kit page provides all the information you need.

A merchant that advertises a sporting item on sale must have enough stock to meet demand.

Required note in advertisements

If quantities are restricted, the merchant must state that in their advertising. If they have very limited stock, the advertising must state the exact quantity that is available. In such a case, notes such as “limited quantities” or “while stocks lasts” are not precise enough.

Out of stock situations

If the merchant has not specified the quantity of items in stock and the advertised sporting item is out of stock when you go to the store during the sales period, you can request that the merchant offers a similar item sold at the same or at a superior price and sells it to you at the advertised sale price. Some merchants will offer a deferred rebate coupon that will allow you to purchase the item later while still benefiting from the sale price.

If the merchant refuses to compensate you, you can file a complaint with the Office de la protection du consommateur. The Contact us page provides the ways to reach us.

Last update : May 3, 2021

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The information contained on this page is presented in simple terms to make it easier to understand. It does not replace the texts of the laws and regulations.