March 15th, Consumer Day is more than just a day of great deals; it is also a victory that has positive impacts on society.
We can take this day to consider consumer rights, the protective laws, and companies’ ethical promotion practices.
In this article, we will discuss the history and importance of this occasion, laws on protecting consumers, ethical and transparent ways for businesses to conduct promotions, and engaging consumers in these activities.
Origin and significance of Consumer Day
World Consumer Day is a day focused on increasing consumer knowledge of their rights and duties, and advocating for fair and ethical business conduct.
March 15 is commemorated worldwide in honor of John F. Kennedy, who delivered a speech on that date in 1962 emphasizing the significance of consumer rights.
Since then, various organizations worldwide have utilized this date to conduct promotional and educational initiatives on consumer rights.
Its goal extends beyond merely encouraging consumption; it seeks to educate consumers about their rights and promote informed and responsible decision-making.
It is also viewed as a chance for businesses to show their dedication to honesty and ethical practices.
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Consumer protection laws
Consumer Day has an educational focus, emphasizing the importance of laws and regulations that safeguard consumer rights.
In Brazil, the primary legislation is the Consumer Protection Code (CDC), Law No 8.078, enacted on September 11, 1990. It outlines the fundamental rights of consumers and the obligations of businesses.
Companies must become acquainted with these regulations and guarantee that they adhere to them in their business operations. This entails delivering high-quality products and services, offering consumers complete and accurate information, and honoring specified timelines and terms.
Here are some compelling instances of rights and safeguards outlined in the Consumer Protection Code:
- Consumers have the right to receive accurate and detailed information about the products and services they purchase, including pricing, features, risks, and contract terms.
- In cases where purchases are made outside the store (such as online, by phone, or at home), consumers have a period to cancel the purchase and ask for a refund without needing to provide a reason.
- Defective products should be repaired, replaced, or refunded if they are unsuitable for use or consumption.
- Misleading or abusive advertising is forbidden, as it can mislead consumers by either providing incorrect information or omitting important details. This entails the responsibility to disclose accurate offer conditions and potential risks linked to a product or service being advertised.
- Accession agreements must be easy to read and understand, with no abusive clauses that create an imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties.
- Companies are required to get clear permission before gathering, storing, or sharing personal data and must safeguard it from unauthorized access.
- You have the right to receive free technical support and access to required spare parts for repair during the warranty period.
The Brazilian CDC establishes rights and protections for consumers to ensure transparent and secure relationships between consumers and suppliers, fostering confidence.
Ethical and clear advertising.
Companies must behave ethically and transparently when providing promotions on Consumer Day. Here are some instances of deceptive behaviors:
- Fictitious Discounts involve raising prices before a promotion to make the discounts appear larger than they actually are.
- Gifts that come with undisclosed terms and conditions may restrict who can receive them or when they are available.
- Implementing loyalty programs that are deceptive by making it challenging to accumulate points or by unjustly restricting customers from redeeming their rewards.
- Limited-time offers that are misleading may have expiration dates that are continuously extended or have complicated terms and conditions that hinder consumers from benefiting from the promotion.
- Promotions may include hidden conditions that limit consumer rights or make it difficult to qualify for the advertised benefits.
- Charity promotions that are fake and have little impact on social or environmental causes.
- Deceptive return policies are designed with numerous restrictions and hidden clauses, making it extremely difficult for consumers to successfully obtain a refund or return a product.
The involvement of lawyers in collaborative assessment alongside clients
Lawyers have a crucial role in guiding companies to meet their legal responsibilities and providing advice on ethical practices and transparency.
Consumers rely on them to determine the best ways to address their issues.
Prevention plays a key role at present, with Brazil serving as a global model for reducing litigation through advisory methods, thanks to the efforts of lawyers and emphasis on process management.
Don’t forget to continue making progress
Consumer Day provides a chance to further develop the successful business industry while respecting the rights of the public, with the aim of preventing legal disputes through better information and proactive measures from companies.
Consumer Day serves as a reminder that there is always room for improvement.
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