Consumer Protection Act

right of equality in the consumer market

suppliers are not permitted to limit access to goods and services or to charge different prices for goods to different people

consumer’s right to privacy

consumers have the right to restrict unwanted direct marketing or to stop receiving direct marketing

consumer’s right to choose

consumers have the right to shop around for the best prices and to cancel/renew fixed term agreements

consumers may request written quotations or cost estimates

consumers may return goods that are unsafe/defective and get a full refund

consumers may reject goods that are not the same as the sample used in marketing

right to disclosure and information

businesses must display the country of origin and expiry dates and state if ingredients have been genetically modified

contracts and agreements must be written in plain language that is easy to understand

businesses must display prices in full view

consumers may request unit prices of goods

consumers may pay the lower price if 2 prices are displayed

product labels and trade descriptions must not be misleading

voetstoots: buying goods as you see them, must be told of any hidden problems/defects

repairs must be quoted

right to fair, responsible marketing

suppliers may not mislead consumers regarding pricing, advantages or uses of goods advertised

consumers may cancel purchases made through direct marketing (email, messages, phone calls etc.) within 5 working days (cooling off period)

right to fair and honest dealing

suppliers may not use physical force or harass customers

suppliers may not give misleading/false information

businesses may not promote pyramid or chain-letter schemes, directly or indirectly

businesses may not overbook or oversell goods or services and not honour their agreement

right to fair, just and reasonable terms

suppliers may not market/supply goods at prices that are unfair/unreasonable

suppliers must provide customers with written notice of clauses that may be harmful to the consumer

goods must be delivered at a time that suits the consumer

right to fair value, good quality and safety

consumers have the right to demand quality service, receive goods that are of good quality and in working order and to receive a warranty

supplier’s accountability to consumer

consumers are entitled to protection in lay-buy agreements

suppliers must honour credit vouchers and pre-paid services