cooling-off rule (2024)

Cooling-off Rule is a rule that allows you to cancel a contract within a few days (usually three days) after signing it. As explained by the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), the federal cooling-off rules gives the consumer three days to cancel certain sales for a full refund. The seller is required by law to inform the buyer at the time of the sale about their right to cancel and to provide the buyer with a copy of the sales contract and two copies of the cancellation form. The right to cancel lasts until the midnight of the third business day after the sale.

The FTC’s cooling off rule applies to sale, lease, or rental of consumer goods and services having a value of at least $25, made anywhere other than the seller’s normal place of business. This rule includes sales made at trade shows, conventions and applies even when a salesperson makes a presentation in your home.

However, it does not apply to sales that are made entirely online, via mail, or telephone. Additionally, this rule does not apply to insurance, securities, art/crafts sold at fairs, and automobiles sold directly at temporary locations such as auto shows.

Similarly, many states have laws regarding cooling-off rules. The laws in most states resemble the federal rules mentioned above, while some states have broader rules. For example, Ohio allows cooling-off periods for sales of business opportunity plans and hearing aids in addition to the consumer goods and services covered under the federal cooling-off rule.

[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]

cooling-off rule (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of the Cooling-Off Rule? ›

For example, California provides cooling-off periods for many consumer transactions, including insurance purchases, car warranties, dental services, and weight-loss services.

What are the exceptions to the Cooling-Off Rule? ›

Exceptions to the Cooling-Off Rule

This rule doesn't apply to mail, online, or telephone sales or sales involving real estate, craft fairs, insurance, and securities.

What is allowed during cooling-off period? ›

Cooling-off Rule is a rule that allows you to cancel a contract within a few days (usually three days) after signing it. As explained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal cooling-off rules gives the consumer three days to cancel certain sales for a full refund.

What are some facts about the FTC Cooling-Off Rule? ›

The Cooling-Off Rule:

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of $25 or more. Under the Cooling-Off Rule, your right to cancel for a full refund extends until midnight of the third business day after the sale.

What are some examples of cooling? ›

  • Sweating: When you sweat, the moisture on your skin evaporates into the surrounding air. As the sweat evaporates, it absorbs heat from your skin, resulting in a cooling effect. ...
  • Wet Clothes Drying: If you hang wet clothes outside on a sunny day, they gradually dry due to evaporation.
Dec 23, 2020

Which of the following is true of the Cooling-Off Rule? ›

Which of the following is true of the "Cooling - Off" Rule? It gives consumers an opportunity to change their minds after signing contracts with people who come to their homes for product sales.

What happens if I change my mind after signing a contract? ›

The General Rule: Contracts Are Effective When Signed

Unless a contract contains a specific rescission clause that grants the right for a party to cancel the contract within a certain amount of time, a party cannot back out of a contract once they have agreed and signed it.

What type of transactions does the Cooling-Off Rule apply to? ›

The Cooling-Off Rule applies to types of sales such as: Trade show and fairground sales contracts. Contracts for home equity loans. Internet purchase contracts.

What is an example of a cooling-off period? ›

For example, if the buyer receives a copy of the signed contract on a weekend, the cooling off period will start on the next business day. The cooling off period ends at 5pm on the fifth business day. The Buyer must give notice to the Seller in writing prior to this deadline if they wish to cancel the contract.

Which of the following activities are prohibited during the cooling-off period? ›

During the cooling off period, an offer or sale of the issue is prohibited, as are recommendations of the issue or the advertising of the issue. Sending a preliminary prospectus (Red Herring) or accepting an indication of interest does not constitute an “offer” under the Securities Act of 1933 and thus is permitted.

Which of the following would be allowed during the cooling-off period? ›

Final answer: During the cooling-off period in relation to an Initial Public Offering, the only activity that is permissible from the provided choices is placing a tombstone ad. Distributing a final prospectus, allocating shares to investors, or taking orders is not permitted in this stage.

Can you legally cancel a contract? ›

You usually cannot cancel a contract, but there are times when you can. You can cancel some contracts within certain time limits. Some contracts must tell you about your right to cancel, how to cancel them, and where to send the cancellation notice.

What does the Cooling-Off Rule apply to? ›

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.

Does every contract have a cooling-off period? ›

If an item is being sold by a business, they need to tell you if an item doesn't have a cooling-off period. They must tell you before you buy the item. If an item is being sold by a private individual, they don't have to tell you that it doesn't have a cooling-off period.

Why is a cooling-off period important? ›

This period offers buyers a unique advantage by allowing them the option to withdraw from the contract without facing any legal repercussions, even after the contract has been signed. The primary purpose of the Cooling Off Period is to safeguard buyers from making hasty decisions that they may later regret.

What is the cooling-off policy? ›

A “cooling-off period” refers to a specific period of 15days during which a policyholder can cancel his life insurance policy and receive a full refund of the premiums paid without incurring any penalties or charges.

What does cooling-off mean in law? ›

A cooling-off period is an agreed period of time during which two sides with opposing views try to resolve a dispute before taking any serious action. There should be a seven-day cooling-off period between a strike ballot and industrial action. ... a one-year cooling-off period before couples were granted a divorce.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6562

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.