CONSUMER SHIELD: YOUR LEGAL DEFENDER

Author: Manveer Singh Oberoi, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management Studies

Many individuals are unaware of their consumer rights which ultimately lead to exploitation. This law blog aims to provide important information about consumer rights that help consumers to stand against unfair trade practices and make informed decisions in the trading environment.

This law blog covers common consumer issues and provide tips which protect consumer to be an informed consumer in the market. It also furnishes the steps to file complaints against exploitation of the consumer rights. By highlighting case studies related to consumer conflicts, it strengthens consumer to navigate trading environment and claim their rights.

Did you know your rights which protect you from unfair trade practices?

What are Consumer Rights?

Consumer rights can be defined as the right to safety, the right to information, the right to choose and the right to be heard. Consumer rights were meant for consumer’s fair treatment and to make informed decisions about the products and services they bought. For example, Consumers have the right to get complete information about a product before buying it.

Widespread Consumer Problems

1. Poor Product Quality: Sometimes the product might be not according to the customer expectations which ultimately lead to dissatisfaction of customer and not return to purchases products from the business again.

2. Sub-Standard Product: If consumer get sub standard product it may lead to erode consumer trust in a brand or seller. So, consumer likely to avoid that brand in the future.

3. False Advertising: If a brand advertises its product, but not highlighted the important information about the product such as using small print to hide important terms and conditions will lead to disappointment with product. 

   
   

Consumer Protection Laws

1. Right to Information: This law gives consumers the right to access information under the control of public authorities to promote transparency and accountability. 

2. Right to Safety: This law protects consumers from the products or services which are risk to their health or safety. For example, products meet certain safety standards before they can be sold.

3. Right to Choose: This law gives consumers to access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. This led to non-involvement of businesses in monopolistic practices.

4. Right to Redress: This law states that if a consumer is harmed by a product or service, they have right to seek compensation or remedy. It includes refunds and replacements etc.

   
   

• Identify the issue: Understand the problem you want to complain about.

• Gather evidence: Collect evidence that support complaints.

• Contact Provider: Reach out to the company or individual directly.

• Write a Formal Complaint: If issue get not resolved, write formal complaint.

• Consumer Agency Filing: Send your letter to the consumer protection agency.

• Follow-up Actions: Keep track of your complaint’s status.

  
  

• Planning in Advance

• Budget Setting: Establish a spending limit.

• Research: Investigation of the product.

• Comparison of Prices: Check prices at different brands.

• Discount Check: Search for brands which provide you best deal.

• Using of Coupons: Take advantage by using your vouchers for purchase.

• Purchase in Bulks: Prefer to buy in bulk.

• Avoid Impulse Buying: Resist spending on unplanned products.

• Check Policies: Understand return policy to ensure you can return item if necessary.

• Shop in Off-Season: Shopping in off-season lead to get better deals.

• Consumer Support

• Online Ratings: Ratings and Reviews posted on websites helps consumers to check about the reliability and performance of a product or service.

• Price Comparison Websites: There are some websites which allow consumers to compare prices from different brands which ultimately lead to get better deals with best discounts.

• Consumer Guides: Consumer guides provide a brief information about products and services by focusing on quality and price comparisons.

• Consumer Advocacy Groups: These advocacy groups work in favor of consumers and aware them about their consumer protection rights.

• Government Websites: There are government websites which provide information to us about safety standards and complaint filling processes.

  
  

1. Apple’s Battery Scandal

   2018 lawsuit claims that apple had intentionally slowed down older iPhone models to Preserve battery life without informing users. So, consumers promoted apple to replace battery at reduced prices.

2. Volkswagen Emissions Scandal

   In 2015 it was found that Volkswagen had installed software in their diesel cars to cheat emissions tests. Many filled lawsuits lead to significant settlement for affected customers.

3. United Airlines Incident

   In 2017 a passenger was forcibly removed from an overbooked flight. This incident led to discussions about consumer rights in air travel and results in United Airlines revising their policies.

4. Wells Fargo Account Scandal

   Well Fargo was involved in a scandal in which company’s employees created millions of unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets. This led to significant legal actions from consumers, resulting in fines.

   
   

Empowering consumers is essential for fair marketplace. By providing access to information, consumers can make informed decisions and can sue businesses on exploitation of their rights. Awareness of consumer rights lead to encourages companies to prioritize ethical behavior. 

Ultimately a well-informed consumer base not only benefits individual buyers but also contributes to a healthier economy and a more equitable society. Empowering consumers leads to a stronger voice in the marketplace, ensuring that their needs and rights are respected.