Consumer protection laws are designed to protect consumers by ensuring, amongst other things, the free flow of truthful information in the marketplace. These laws are aimed at preventing businesses from engaging in fraudulent or unfair business practices and thereby gaining an unfair advantage over competitors and/or customers. This area of law aims to provide protection for laypersons unfamiliar with their legal rights and in an unequal bargaining position to that of big business.
What benefit will you or your business gain from the new Consumer Protection Act in South Africa? How will you be protected if you purchase faulty, broken or defective goods? Can you return the goods to the supplier or shop? Are you entitled to require that the goods be repaired? Can you return the goods and demand a complete refund of your money?
The new Consumer Protection Act is going to have a huge impact on virtually every business in South Africa. Are you covered?