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By James Daniels
Consumer rights laws are the body of state and federal legislation that outlines what a consumer’s rights are when purchasing products or services. As a retail business owner, you need to be thoroughly familiar with these laws so you don’t run into problems by unknowingly violating them.
Additionally, if your customers are annoyed by issues that arise with a service or product, or if there’s been any kind of deceptive behavior on your company’s part, you need to know what you can legally do about it.
Why are these laws necessary? Unfortunately, many unscrupulous companies try to take advantage of uninformed customers by inserting clauses and small print into the terms and conditions of their contracts, essentially creating an uneven playing field in which they hold all the power.
Here’s more information to help you be better informed about consumer rights laws and their potential impact on your retail business.
If a consumer takes their claim to court
If your customer has a valid legal claim, and you have followed all of the proper procedures properly, they can take their case to court. The laws for small claims vary by state.
If they’re unable to prove their case, or if other kinds of evidence are needed (e.g., digital records), then you may want to reach out to a lawyer who can help you build a stronger case, as this could protect your business going forward.
Understanding consumer rights
In the United States, laws that protect consumers are passed at both state and federal levels. Generally speaking, the Federal Trade Commission helps fight unfair or deceptive business practices.
If a consumer does choose to take their case to court, in all cases, if their court case fails, they will still be able to appeal the claim. For example, they may seek the expert guidance of a Missouri civil appellate lawyer like Reeves Law, to ensure their claim has the best chance of success.
Below is a list of some of the more important consumer rights laws:
The Consumer Bill Of Rights: This is a document set out by the World Resources Institute to protect consumers from commercial intimidation, hidden fees, and unfair contract terms. It’s a good read, and will provide some insight as to what your legal requirements are as a business owner.
The Consumer Contract Act: This act is designed to protect consumers who enter into written contracts with corporations. It outlines what a business must include in terms of a written contract, the legal force of that agreement, and the terms and conditions under which it can be altered by the seller.
This act is particularly helpful for online shoppers who may be unaware of how much power they are giving away when they click OK on that website’s terms & conditions, and equally, it will be helpful for you as a business owner to know where you stand legally if you sell online.
Consumer Protection Act: This act deals with specific kinds of misleading marketing that would involve false or deceptive claims on behalf of the seller or manufacturer.
Summary
Consumer rights laws are the body of legislation that outlines what your customers’ rights are when they purchase products or services.
Understanding consumer rights will help you keep a level head when creating and marketing products as well as give you greater peace of mind when making your own everyday purchases.
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James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.
