Whether you are an hustler, small, medium or big business owner who operates in the EU and has customers who buy your product or your service, it is important that you are aware of some consumer protection laws in the EU which binds your contract with your consumers.
The main reason for these consumer protection laws is to achieve a “real business-to-consumer internal market” which in turn strikes the right balance between a high level of consumer protection and competitiveness of businesses.
It is important for me to state that these laws are aimed at businesses that does “distance selling” i.e selling without a face-to-face contact with your customer; by phone, email , fax and the internet. It is also aimed at businesses that does “off premises” selling e.g High Street and Doorsteps.
Okay, THE LAW!
(1) The consumer has 14 days to cancel the contract for goods from the date the goods are received. ( used be 30 days ) Art 9
(2) The seller has to provide a model form to cancel the goods. Art 11
(3) The period for refunds is now 14days instead of 30 days previously. – The days start counting from the day of cancellation. Sellers need to have a quicker turnaround time to make refunds immediately they receive the goods. Art 13
(4) Sellers would pay for returns unless otherwise specified. If the customer is to pay, this should be stated and made clear prior to purchase. Art 14
(5) Retailers must not charge more than the actual cost for the use of Credit Cards or any other payment. Retailers must not charge and make a profit. Art 15
(6) Sellers will also not be able to charge consumers extra for communicating with them via telephone following the conclusion of a contract; in those circumstances, the consumer should only have to pay “the basic rate” Art 22
I remember trying to contact the UK Home Office when I was in Nigeria about to move to London, asides paying the “basic rate” my phone provider charges, the Home Office asked me to enter my credit card details before they could hear and answer my question. I felt really really really bad. I am trying to buy from you and you are charging me for making inquiry? Doesn’t make sense.
(7) There must be cost transparency and if there are any extra charges, then it must be obvious & transparent. Consumers must be informed in advance and if they are not informed, they would not be obligated to pay the charge in question. Art 22
(8) There is a general prohibition on pre-ticked boxes. A consumer must actively and expressly opt in for extras.
These are the top 8 Consumer Rights Laws in EU that I think are very important for hustlers and small businesses to be aware of because I think the big businesses are aware of them already, they probably have a legal department 🙂 . It sure does go deeper than these I have listed above, am always ready to give more guide to you if you contact me or comment in the comment section below.
