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New consumer laws for businesses
Posted 01/10/15
Businesses that sell goods and services to consumers now have access to a wealth of free information to help them comply with the new Consumer Rights Act which comes into force today (Thursday 1 October).
A series of helpful guides has been created on government-backed website Business Companion, with content written by expert contributors under the guidance of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
Businesses must adapt to the changes in the Act by reviewing their returns and complaints policies, checking their terms and conditions are compliant and training staff.
CTSI Service Director Sarah Langley explained: “Trading standards teams across the UK are keen to help businesses and ensure they don’t fall foul of the law. No-one wants to find themselves on the receiving end of civil, or even criminal, proceedings.
"The new Consumer Rights Act replaces a number of laws and the guides on Business Companion have been designed to help businesses gain a better understanding of the change in law and ultimately be able to sell with confidence.
“Investing a small amount of time by reading this website and abiding by the rules will pay dividends in the long run. Not only will you reduce the risk of legal action and costly mistakes, but it can also help you to increase customer satisfaction.”
The guides cover what you sell, where (on or off premises or distance sales) and how; the new Act features, for the first time, specific rules relating to digital content, including mobile phone apps, computer games and software, films, books and music.
The Business Companion website allows viewers to log in to create their own personal collection of guides and receive emails of any updates. To find out more about how the Consumer Rights Act applies to businesses visit the website: www.businesscompanion.info
A series of helpful guides has been created on government-backed website Business Companion, with content written by expert contributors under the guidance of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
Businesses must adapt to the changes in the Act by reviewing their returns and complaints policies, checking their terms and conditions are compliant and training staff.
CTSI Service Director Sarah Langley explained: “Trading standards teams across the UK are keen to help businesses and ensure they don’t fall foul of the law. No-one wants to find themselves on the receiving end of civil, or even criminal, proceedings.
"The new Consumer Rights Act replaces a number of laws and the guides on Business Companion have been designed to help businesses gain a better understanding of the change in law and ultimately be able to sell with confidence.
“Investing a small amount of time by reading this website and abiding by the rules will pay dividends in the long run. Not only will you reduce the risk of legal action and costly mistakes, but it can also help you to increase customer satisfaction.”
The guides cover what you sell, where (on or off premises or distance sales) and how; the new Act features, for the first time, specific rules relating to digital content, including mobile phone apps, computer games and software, films, books and music.
The Business Companion website allows viewers to log in to create their own personal collection of guides and receive emails of any updates. To find out more about how the Consumer Rights Act applies to businesses visit the website: www.businesscompanion.info
