From November 18 to November 24, 2024, the Service Juridique handled a total of 17 consumer consultations through various communication channels, including telegram, mastodon, messenger, phone, e-mail, and reddit. Each consultation aimed to address consumer issues within the framework of EU consumer protection laws.
During this week, unfair business practices were discussed in eight different cases. One of these cases involved exerting of pressure on the consumer to make a purchase, which we advised was in violation of consumer rights. Consumers were counseled to document all interactions and provided guidance on how to formally object to such practices.
E-commerce/distance selling was the subject of discussion in five cases, where consumers expressed concerns about the fulfillment of orders and the clarity of terms. We educated them about their rights regarding withdrawal periods and what to expect in terms of delivery and order confirmation emails.
Three consultations focused on the issue of pricing transparency. Consumers reported discrepancies between advertised and checkout prices. The advice provided included how to formally request clarification from sellers and the importance of saving advertising materials as evidence.
Regarding food supplements and inadmissible health claims, there were four cases. These consultations emphasized ensuring that health claims on food products are substantiated with evidence. Consumers were informed of their right to challenge misleading claims and advised to report any instances to the relevant food authorities for further investigation.
In two instances, consumers were advised on issues related to the right to repair. They were experiencing undue difficulty in obtaining the necessary parts to repair purchased products. We provided guidance on their entitlement to reliable repair options and the obligations of sellers to facilitate this.
One consultation dealt with the failure to provide mandatory information, where a seller did not disclose crucial product details and terms of sale. Consumers were advised on the steps to formally request this information and were made aware of their rights to complete and accurate information before making a purchase decision.
Throughout the counseling sessions, our focus remained on empowering consumers by clearly explaining their rights and outlining practical steps to resolve their issues within the scope of EU regulations. Overall, our consultations continue to ensure that consumers are better informed and equipped to protect their interests. No cases fell outside our purview this week, ensuring that all inquiries received our full attention and assistance.
This week counseling was provided by WhizzBang.
