11/02/2025
Dollarama Sells Junk - Know Your Rights Re: Defective Items - SHARE
Canadians helped make Dollarama the number 1 Dollar Store in Canada, putting many mom and pop dollar stores out of business in the process. One Dollar turned into Two, then Three, Four, and Five. When you buy a broken item from Dollarama, they refuse to exchange the item - they can't do that - it's against the law.
In Ontario, a business cannot refuse to exchange or refund a defective item. If a product is defective, doesn't work as advertised, or isn't what you ordered, you have the right to a refund or a replacement. If the defect is a breach of a "condition" of the sale, you can treat the contract as void and demand your money back.
Your rights when a product is defective.
- You can get a refund or replacement: For a fundamental defect, you can choose to return the product and receive your money back or get a replacement.
- The seller is responsible: In most cases, the seller is directly responsible for resolving issues with a defective product, not the manufacturer.
- "As is" or "no returns" policies don't apply to defects: A business cannot use an "as is" or "final sale" policy to get out of providing a refund or exchange for a defective item that was not advertised as being faulty.
What to do if a business refuses.
- Contact the business: First, contact the business owner or manager in writing (email or letter) to formally request a correction or refund. Keep a copy of all communication.
- File a complaint: If the business still refuses to resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Ontario government. You can do this through the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint