Consumer Law

Under section 2(3) of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a consumer is an "individual acting for purposes that are wholly or mainly outside that individual's trade, business, craft or profession". 

Why do businesses need to know about consumer law? 

Any business dealing with a consumer needs to know the rights/protection for consumers AND how to avoid breaking the law!

List examples of times you've entered into contracts with a business: 

online shopping, buying bus tickets, shopping (asda etc.), anything involving a consumer and a business. 

KEY DEFINITIONS- SECTION 2(2) AND (3) OF THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015.

Section 2(2) states what a 'trader' is. Section 2(3) states what a 'consumer' is.

Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 state the conditions in which any consumer good should be in, and they are as follows. Goods must be...

s9- Of satisfactory quality 

s10- Fit for purpose

s11- As described

What happens if the goods do not fit the requirements above?

The consumer can reject (s20) the item and is entitled to a full refund within 30 days - these are a consumer's statutory rights. However this is not applicable to perishable or digital goods.

If the consumer takes LONGER than 30 days return goods then they have the following rights INSTEAD of a refund- to have goods to be repaired or replaced (s23). 

DELIVERY- section 25(1) talks about consumers' rights concerning deliveries.

Section 49 of the CR Act 2015 states that services must be perfomed with 'reasonable care and skill'

Section 51 of the CR Act 2015 states that services must be performed at a 'reasonable price' and section 52 states that services must be performed within a 'reasonable time'.

WHAT IF IT GOES WRONG? - section 55 right to repeat the service

section 56 right to a price reduction (100%)

Scenario!

Jane bought a swimsuit from Sporters Ltd. The label read ‘red swimsuit, size 12, £22’. She took it on holiday and wore it for a swim in the hotel pool.

When she got out, she realised the swimsuit was completely transparent!

Advise Jane – does she have any rights? 

Q:Which sections state the conditions that consumer goods should be in?

A: s9, 10, 11

Q: Which sections state the requirements of services provided for a consumer?

A: Sections 49 (reasonable care/skill) section 51 (reasonable price) section 52 (reasonable time)

Q: Which Act governs the consumer protection?

A: Consumer Rights Act 2015

Q: Which section states the definition of a consumer?

A: Section2(3)

Q: Which section states the definition of a trader?

A: Section 2(2)