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Here is the next batch of tips to keep in mind when the Consumer Protection Act comes into effect in October 2010. Until then, remember that you can use the getclosure complaints management system to submit complaints about any South African supplier. All businesses have the opportunity to respond to your complaints via a discreet channel to resolve the situation.

1. When the Act comes into effect you will have the right to return goods bought as a result of direct marketing, as long as you do so within 5 business days from when the transaction or agreement was concluded or from the date that the goods were delivered to you (which ever is the later date).
2. When it comes to cancelling bookings, orders and reservations, suppliers have the right to charge a reasonable cancellation fee, so be sure to keep track of all your appointments to avoid these penalties.
3. If you order products or goods based on a sample or details in a catalogue, the goods must correspond in all material respects and characteristics with this description or sample.

Click here to read part one and part two of this series.

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Following on from my first post about the Consumer Protection Act, here are a couple more bite-sized chunks about the new legislation to help you get to grips with how it will affect your life and help you to realise your rights as a South African citizen.

1. The Act protects you against a range of discriminatory marketing practices. In a nutshell this means that suppliers cannot unfairly exclude you from accessing a good or service if you meet the necessary basic requirements. An example of a ‘necessary requirement’ is being eighteen or older to purchase alcohol.

2. Many of you will be relieved to hear that the automatic renewal of contracts for a fixed length will be a thing of the past. You will also be able to cancel a contract at any time, subject to certain conditions. Click here to find out more about these conditions.

3. Can suppliers charge more than they quote for? The short answer is no. Not unless you have authorised them to continue working once they have exceeded the original estimate.

Let us know if you have any questions, and look out for part three in this series next week.

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Did you know that thanks to the Consumer Protection Act, South Africans will be amongst the best protected consumers in the world – from October 2010 when the law comes into effect.

Of course the legislation is not worth the paper it’s written on, if we as consumers don’t know what our rights are. On the other hand, no-one really wants to read a hundred-and-something page Act to find out all the details.

With this in mind, and as part of the Don’t Complain Campaign, we’ve put together a series of short snippets that will help you to get to grips with the nitty-gritty details of the new Consumer Protection Act and understand how they affect your life. Here’s part one:

Did you know?

1. The first question that most people ask is “Why has the Consumer Protection Act been introduced?” The succinct answer is to promote and advance the economic and social welfare of consumers and to ensure that they are better protected and empowered to realise their rights. To find out more, read our “Policy Objectives of the Consumer Protection Bill” post.

2. A franchisee may cancel a franchise agreement without cost or penalty within 10 business days after signing such agreement, by giving written notice to the franchisor.

3. How does the Consumer Protection Act relate to direct marketing? Great news – the two go hand-in-hand. The Act states that you have the right to refuse to accept direct marketing and that you can require it to be discontinued. The Act also gives the Consumer Commission the go ahead to establish a registry where consumes can register a pre-emptive block against any communication that is primarily for the purpose of direct marketing. The DTI Minister may prescribe specific days, dates, public holidays or times of days when suppliers must not engage in any direct marketing aimed at a consumer at home for any promotional purpose.

Any questions or comments? Give us a shout.

Like this post? Stay tuned for more tips next week.

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