The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings a surge in consumer activity. With the holiday shopping rush, consumers are more vulnerable to misleading promotions, defective products, and unfair return policies.
Imagine you snag the latest drone with a high-definition camera for your spouse during a holiday sale. What a score! But, just a few days in, the drone starts making weird noises and refuses to lift off. It’s like you bought a very expensive paperweight with sound effects!
Now what?
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) was created to safeguard the rights of consumers and ensure fair treatment, which focuses on return policies, warranty claims, and the regulation of sales and promotions.
Here is what you need to know.
Return Policies
You have the right to return the defective product within six months of purchase. The retailer must either repair, replace, or refund the item.
If you bought the product through direct marketing, you have a five-day cooling-off period to return it without any penalty.
Warranty Claims
Warranties provide consumers with assurances about the quality and durability of products. The CPA mandates that all goods sold in South Africa come with an implied warranty of quality. This means that goods must be:
- The goods must be suitable for the purpose for which they are intended.
- The goods must be of good quality, free of defects, and durable for a reasonable period.
- Goods must comply with any applicable standards set under the Standards Act or any other public regulation.
If a product fails to meet these standards, consumers are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. Additionally, suppliers must honour any express warranties provided at the time of sale.
The CPA ensures that consumers are not left scratching their heads or feeling duped by misleading advertisements, regulating that all claims made about a product must be substantiated, prices must be clearly displayed, and any conditions attached to promotional offers must be transparent. Suppliers are also prohibited from advertising goods at a specified price if they do not intend to supply reasonable quantities at that price also known as bait-marketing.
The CPA is like having a trusty friend who always tells you the truth about that “too good to be true” deal and ensures you better navigate the holiday shopping rush and avoid common pitfalls.
Here’s to a joyful and secure festive season filled with happy shopping experiences!