What Is Considered Consumer Protection?
Consumer protection is a law-established measure to protect buyers of goods and services against business malpractices. It is worth noting that these measures are beneficial to both clients and companies. Consumers get valid information on the product or service they are buying, while firms earn a good reputation.
Right to Be Informed
The right to be informed ensures that businesses provide appropriate and sufficient information to consumers. It is also crucial for a firm to provide truthful data about its products. Businesses should respect the following:
- Standard
- Price
- Quality
- Quantity
In addition, as a consumer, you ought to make inquiries before purchasing any product. Having more data will help you make informed product or service choices.
If, after buying the product, you realize that the seller was not truthful, you have the right to contact a lawyer. The consumer protection attorneys working on your case will hold the business accountable, and you can get a refund and compensation for your injuries.
Right to Safety
This is a right to protect consumers against buying goods that might be hazardous to their health or life. The right to safety implies that a product must be reasonably safe when used. Besides meeting your immediate needs, the item you purchase should also cater to your long-term needs.
As a consumer, you have the duty of ensuring that the products you purchase are of standard. To be on the safe side, go for quality items.
Right to Choose
This assures buyers of the availability and access to various products and services at fair prices. In a monopoly, a single business entity rules the market (or a segment of the market), and consumers do not have the option to choose.
The principle can be best utilized in a competitive market because of the availability of different product options at fair prices. Before you decide on a brand or product, conduct market research and read customer reviews. Consider the pros and cons before investing in a product or a service.
Right to be Heard
This is undeniably an increasingly recognized right. The right to be heard assures consumers that the government will heed their concerns.
The government enacts reliable administrative regulations and statutes to protect the consumers’ interests. Notably, this right is politically enacted instead of going through the litigation process.
Therefore, if the elected politicians do not pay attention to the consumer’s needs, they risk losing constituents’ support. Additionally, consumers should also be represented in different government forums. For this, they will need to create non-commercial and non-political associations.
Through these organizations, consumers will have representation in several committees. Hence, they can ensure that their consumer needs will be heard and addressed.
Right to Seek Redressal
This means the right to get compensation for consumers’ unethical exploitation or unfair business practices. Furthermore, consumers should get a complete settlement for their grievances. If you feel you have been exploited by a business, voice your concerns. A lawyer will help represent your interest.
Undeniably, many consumers tend to keep quiet about their grievances, assuming that it is insignificant. However, you need to understand that even a minor issue might significantly impact society. For this reason, it is essential to make a complaint.
One way to seek redressal is by approaching consumer organizations. Once the business is found to be at fault, there are many ways to address your issue, including:
- Get a full refund of the product
- Get the defected product repaired free of charge
- Have the product replaced
- Get compensation for inconveniences or damage
Final Thoughts
Note that even with these rights, consumers can still be ignored. That is where consumer protection comes into play. If one of these rights has been violated and, as a result, you have been harmed, contact your attorney. This way, you will get compensated and protect other consumers from being harmed. A lawyer will make sure that your story gets heard.
About the Author
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. His greatest satisfaction is to convey legal matters to the public in a language that they can understand. He is active on various platforms and media outlets, writing about common legal issues that people confront with every day. While medical malpractice is his strong suit, Leland covers plenty of other topics, including personal injury cases, family law, and other civil and even criminal legal matters.
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