Your Rights When Buying Furniture in NZ: Store vs Private Seller
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By the Cambridge Beds & Furniture team, 199 Thames Street, Morrinsville. Updated September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Where you buy a bed or lounge changes what protection you have if something goes wrong. In NZ the main law is the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). Here's how it works for furniture, and where the line falls between a store and a private sale.
What is the Consumer Guarantees Act?
The CGA gives buyers automatic guarantees when they buy goods for personal, domestic or household use from a business. Furniture is a common example. Among other things, goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for their purpose. If a product is faulty, you can ask for a repair, replacement or refund, depending on the problem.
Does it apply to private sales?
Generally no. The CGA does not cover goods bought through a private sale, such as a garage sale or from an ordinary person selling on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace. In a private sale, the goods should still match the description and the seller shouldn't mislead you, but you don't have the same rights to a repair, replacement or refund.
What if the seller runs a business from home?
The law looks at whether the seller is "in trade", meaning they are selling as a business. Someone who buys or makes goods with the aim of reselling them regularly may be a trader, even if they sell from a garage or online. If so, the guarantees can apply. It isn't always easy to tell, so ask the seller directly and keep a record of the answer.
Comparing store and private purchases
| Buying from a store | Buying from a private seller | |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Guarantees Act | Applies | Generally does not apply |
| Faulty goods | Repair, replacement or refund options | Limited or none |
| Proof of purchase | Receipt and order record | Often none |
| Manufacturer warranty | Included with the product | Only if transferable |
| Someone to contact | The business | An individual |
Are there other risks with private sales?
NZ Consumer Protection points out that private sales carry safety risks from meeting strangers, the chance the item is stolen or has money owing on it, and scams such as fake ads or requests for advance payment. For big items like lounge suites, it recommends getting an expert to look at the goods where you can.
How to protect yourself either way
- Ask the seller about the item's age, wear and any faults, and keep a copy of their answers.
- Ask for the original receipt and any manufacturer's warranty.
- Inspect the item in person before paying.
- Avoid paying in advance for something you haven't seen.
Buying with confidence in the Waikato
If you want automatic protection, a warranty and a local team behind your purchase, buy from a store. You can also spread the cost with our finance options, including Afterpay, GEM Visa, Finance Now and Q Mastercard. Browse our sofas and lounges or read what a bed warranty covers and the marketplace vs showroom comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Consumer Guarantees Act cover furniture?
Yes, when you buy furniture for personal or household use from a business. The goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.
Am I protected if I buy a bed on Facebook Marketplace?
Generally not by the Consumer Guarantees Act, which does not cover ordinary private sellers. The seller should still describe the item accurately, but your options if it is faulty are limited.
What does "in trade" mean?
It means the seller is selling as a business. If they are, the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act can apply, even if they sell from home or online.
What can I do if furniture I bought from a store is faulty?
Contact the store with your receipt and photos. Depending on the fault, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund.