March 15 is a reminder that defending the health, safety and economic interests of consumers is the task of all public bodies. It must be borne in mind that not whenever a problem arises in a consumer relationship, a special consumer right is violated. Many times what is violated is a general right of the person.
This 2021 the World Consumer Rights Day will focus on the use (abuse) of plastic in everyday life. Because this excessive use is affecting ecosystems, with very negative environmental consequences. Different consumer organizations are carrying out awareness campaigns to establish sustainable production and consumption patterns.
What are the consumer rights that are most violated?
In general, and according to the statistics of consumer associations, the sectors that most violate consumer rights are telecommunications and power supplies. Also the rights that are related to the privacy of personal data, access to pre-contractual information and compensation in a timely manner, are also among the most violated.
The spokesperson for the Consumidores en Red association, details that One thing is the right that is most violated, and another is what is most demanded. There are abuses that generate a large number of claims, they are the ones that affect the pocket the most. While the violation of other rights, such as those related to the Organic Law on Data Protection are hardly reported.
Despite that el E-commerce It has become very widespread in our country, there is still a breach in delivery times, in the quality of the products, return of money, exercise of the guarantee, etc.
How can you claim as a consumer?
As a consumer who has seen her rights violated, or one of them, you have different channels. The first is always try a friendly agreement, Through the Customer Service, or with the person in charge of the establishment. Sometimes companies adopt attitudes that hinder the response.
So, as a consumer, you will have to go to mediation or consumer arbitration, through the corresponding Municipal Consumer Information Offices. You can also go to the consumer services of the autonomous community. If the claim is unsuccessful, a Consumer Arbitration will have to be initiated.
El arbitration is a free procedure, more or less fast, about 6 months, and your result is binding. Both parties, you as a consumer, and the company must voluntarily accept this route. If not, you have to go to court. Going to court is often slow, expensive, and complicated. One piece of advice, check the legal defense insurance you have. Some home and auto include it.
What can you claim and what not in times of confinement?
In the current situation, there are still cities and towns with confinement, there are companies that can discuss the impossibility of fulfilling the contract. This can generate a series of doubts as a consumer. It may also be the case that you have purchased a product or service, but cannot enjoy it because of the perimeter closures.
Most consumers ask if they can recover the money paid for the goods or services that they do not enjoy as a consequence of mobility restrictions. For these cases, the Government approved specific rules last year to solve this type of situation. However, some associations already clarify that, in claims, it is not always easy to recover the cash paid.
In the best cases, the refund is not automatic. The law gives the employer 60 days. And there is also the case of contracts, for example those signed with a gym or language academy, which have a particular regime. As a consumer, you have the right to be compensated in the future or to have the money returned. What is clear is that they cannot charge you more fees.