Thendo Khakhane from the Regional Consumer Commission addressed the audience on the protection of consumer interests in the consumer market at the Dobsonville hall on Thursday April 25. “The commision promotes the resolution of disputes between consumers and suppliers, also protecting suppliers.” She mentioned. Wherein the consumer complaints are heard and addressed as their rights in purchasing goods are of fundamental interest to consumer rights. There has been an observation to threats to equality. Therefore, everyone has to be treated equally in the consumer market, furthermore no one is compelled to buy at certain specific retailer or reseller but every consumer is at liberty to select their choice of store outlet.
She further stated that “there is also the right of privacy that is enshrined in the consumer regulation, that an individual has a right to say no to a product they are presented to. As it is usual practice for marketing, and insurance companies to call clients who do not know how they obtained their numbers, targeted clients have a right to refuse or be given a chance to review the advertised products on show, or that they should not call you again. And you are entitled to opt out by SMS.”
On purchasing goods, customers have the right to return the unwanted goods. On top of that consumers have the right to disclosure of information, albeit also entitled to obtain product information in the language of their choice. “Ask that you be given an explanation in your own language that you understand before you sign.” Warned Thendo. Customers have a right to safety and good quality products and services. Consumer responsibilities mean that buyers must always keep or retain a receipt of purchased items from a store, for example if you bought an expired product, to return it, you must bring proof of purchase!
If goods are faulty, they must get fixed, replaced or the customer be handed their money back. If you return goods and they are refused, then the buyer may lodge a complaint to the Consumer Commission. “Consumers expect good quality when buying goods of their hard earned money’s value. Elaborated Thendo. The concept of deceptive marketing is when sales people promise quality on goods sold, but for example when you wash clothing that had quality guarantee and it changes colour, you have a right to return it. Also there’s false advertising, were some items are advertised as big on Television but when you go to store you actually discover that it’s size is actually smaller than what was shown.
Again there is also false packaging, assuming that a packet of snack chips’ content or size is actually smaller when you open it, compared to what was advertised and displayed. False labelling is when buying 100 percent juice or ‘No flavour’ yogurt and you discover they don’t taste as prescribed. They may be contacted on the National Consumer Commission website.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
