caveat emptor

Dictum that professes the buyer is responsible for checking that the goods or services they purchase are satisfactory. The implication of caveat emptor is that the contract underlying the sale is at the purchaser's risk. Purchasers must satisfy themselves that the goods are complete, are in order, and that the vendor has title to them.

Legislation in the UK, including the Sale of Goods Act 1979, the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994, and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, does afford some degree of protection to the purchaser in certain cases.