The majority of today’s consumers can no longer be defined as vulnerable beings that need constant protection while shopping for their everyday needs. Consumers have become generally conscious that they have legal rights and most important are aware that no one can take them for a ride and get away with it. If a trader does not play fair during a business transaction there is a price to be paid. First of all consumers may opt to seek redress through the existing legal framework specifically set up to protect them in such situations. But even if consumers decide not to file any complaints, s/he still has the powerful weapon of spreading the word on how s/he was treated by a particular trader. It is therefore in the traders’ interest to gain consumer confidence by first of all observing their legal obligations and by setting up consumer friendly business practices that ensure that customers get what is rightfully theirs.
The achievement of better functioning markets shall be the primary aim of the Consumer Affairs Authority which will be established shortly. The Authority shall strive to build trust in the market place for the benefit of both consumers and traders. By maintaining and encouraging competition and by promoting good business practices, not only consumers will be better protected against foul play, but the honest and fair trader will also see his business flourish and thus succeed over competitors engaging in unfair trading practices.
The Essay on Business Legal Structures
There are many different businesses out there in the big old world, from fast-food outlets to solicitors. The similarity that businesses can share even if there as complete opposite as a fast-food outlet to a solicitor is the way they have there legal structure. To create a successful business dependent on the type of work, four different legal structures can help succeed in what you desire.SOLE ...
The education of both consumers and traders about their rights and responsibilities will be one of the main functions of the Office for Consumer Affairs under the new Authority. To generate consumer confidence and minimise as much as possible the amount of complaints, businesses need to be aware of and adhere to their legal obligations. Traders should know that when they sell goods that are not in conformity with the description and specifications agreed to in the contract of sale, then they are legally liable to provide consumers with a remedy.
The remedies available under the Consumer Affairs Act are repair or replacement, or failing these, part or full refund of the money paid for the product purchased. When it comes to choosing which of these remedies should be opted for, the inconvenience caused to the consumer may be a determining factor. Where for instance the trader decides to repair or replace the non-conforming product and the repair or replacement thereof causes significant inconvenience to the consumer, then the consumer may require a money refund. Traders should also know that these legal obligations are valid for two years from the delivery of the goods purchased. These legal responsibilities cannot be waived by retailers even when they give their customers commercial guarantees that name the agent or manufacturer as the guarantor.
While traders should be aware of their legal obligations to avoid complaints from their customers, consumers should also be conscious of their responsibilities to avoid making unjustified requests for compensation. Unfounded complaints may also generate bad feelings and break up any trust built between consumers and traders. For instance, consumers should bear in mind that their legal right for a remedy does not apply when they return purchased goods because they have changed their mind or realised that they made a wrong buying decision. In these situations retailers are free to apply their own return policies which more often than not provide acceptable solutions to consumers as long as the terms and conditions attached to them are adhered to. Thus it is imperative that clear and unambiguous information is given to consumers about if, when and what returns’ policies apply.
The Essay on Drinking Age Legal Alcohol Responsibility
One controversial debate in the United States concerns the legal drinking age. Some believe the drinking age should be reduced from 21, and others believe it should be remain the same. The minimum legal drinking age varies from 0 to 21 around the world. In my opinion the National Minimum Drinking Age Act should be changed to allow 18 to 21 years olds the ability to purchase and consume alcohol. ...
Other responsibilities that consumers have include that of ensuring that a proof of purchase is given and kept for any possible future usage. Instruction booklets and manuals should also be carefully read, especially specific warnings and other information on how to operate a product safely. Consumers should use products according to the instructions provided and only for the intended purpose. On the other hand, manufacturers and distributors must ensure that the products they place on the market are safe and meet the required safety standards.
Consumers should also know when and how to complain to ensure an effective redress. Within the new Authority, the Office for Consumer Affairs will assist consumers by providing information and education on how and when to complain. Knowing what consumers are entitled to, is the very first step towards enabling consumers achieve the compensation or remedy desired. Information empowers consumers and helps them face the trader when they need to make a complaint. When speaking to the trader results insufficient, then the next step is to seek the assistance of the authorities. Another main objective of the Consumer Affairs Authority will be that of providing mediation between consumers and traders at minimal cost and in no time.
Despite all the efforts and precautions that may be taken by both consumers and traders, a problem may still crop up when least expected. To ensure that these problems do not ruin the good relationship between consumers and traders, it is necessary that both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities and obviously observe them. It is only in this way that a relationship based on trust is built and strengthened between consumers and traders for the benefit of both.
