It appears Australia and the UK have the same return policies. If it was past the 'return date' then you can really only expect a voucher or credit note. It depends what their policy is on credit notes and how long they are valid for. If you bought the goods and now are not happy with them, you still should be able to return them to the store and still get a credit note, which should be valid for as long as a new one. In other words, if the policy is that you must spend the credit note within 3 months, then you should have 3 months to spend it from the time you are given it when you return the items. Another thing you can do is go shopping with someone who really needs something from the store and then pay for it with your credit note and get them to give you the cash. I've done this and it is ok by the store owner. Also, check your docket and see if it says anything about it being paid with a credit note or cash. When they look at the docket they'll know. But in any case you should be able to get a new credit note which will be valid for as long as a new one. Check with the store and see how long you have to spend it.