Due to the highly competitive markets, customers have numerous options, which can make purchasing decisions overwhelming. Also, the marketplace attracts scammers and some businesses who do not prioritize consumer rights. As a result, some shoppers may fall victim to deceptive practices.
As a smart consumer, it’s essential to recall and understand your rights, protect yourself from fraudulent activities, and know what to do when you encounter common consumer issues.
Below are four ways you can protect yourself.
Master Your Consumer Rights
The first step toward protecting yourself is to understand your consumer rights. Educate yourself on consumer protection laws in your state, and make sure you comprehend your rights concerning warranties, guarantees, cancellations, refunds, and returns.
It’s important to understand that businesses and sellers have a responsibility to you as a consumer. You have the right to choose and make purchase decisions at your discretion. Businesses are responsible for disclosing information about product features and costs to enable you to make an informed decision.
You also have a right to safety. As such, businesses must ensure that their products do not cause harm and adhere to relevant standards and regulations.
You are also entitled to seek a remedy or compensation if a company has treated you unfairly and you received poor service or products that do not work properly. This could include refunds, repairs, and other forms of compensation to resolve your issue.
Join Consumer Communities
There are many consumer advocacy platforms and consumer communities, like the PissedConsumer Club, where people share their experiences and receive practical advice from consumer experts and members.
You can join such groups to learn from the customer experiences of others, find support, and get access to valuable resources aimed at helping you resolve your consumer issue.
Perform Your Due Diligence
Before making a purchase, visit review websites such as PissedConsumer.com, social media, and forums to get consumer insights from customers’ feedback. Online reviews indicate the most common issues previous customers encountered when dealing with a specific business.
They also provide insights into the reliability of a company. Be cautious with businesses that have low ratings and numerous customer complaints. When it comes to contracts, you should always read the fine print and, if necessary, seek legal advice to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.
Learn Where to Report Consumer Issues
Equip yourself with strategies and information about dealing with common consumer issues such as poor customer service, scams, unfavorable policies, etc. You have the right to be heard – to voice your concerns and seek redress.
Usually, the first line of action is to contact the company directly to seek assistance. You can do so via email, their phone number, direct message on social media, or chat feature.
If you do not get assistance, consider complaining publicly. For example, social media and reputable review websites are powerful platforms for escalating your complaints. Most businesses are keen to respond to public complaints and promptly address issues brought up in the reviews to maintain their brand reputation.
If you still do not get a response, you can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which handles consumer complaints regarding deceptive or unfair business practices, including online scams and fraud activities. You could also file a complaint with your state’s attorney general office.
As a wise customer, you should not only learn about your consumer rights but also exercise them. It is crucial to be well-informed and knowledgeable about what to do and where to report your consumer issues. Remember that you are not alone and can join consumer communities to get support.
