Disputes between consumers and motor vehicle dealerships top the list of those heard by the Free State\u2019s Consumer Affairs Court from February 2019 to December 2021. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Various consumer conflicts involving rental properties and funeral parlours, as well as shops that sell household electric appliances, cellphones and furniture, have also been arbitrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this period, a total of R1 086 136 was duly returned to various complainants after the conclusion of cases in their favour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten officials serve on the provincial Office of the Consumer Protector (OCP) to adjudicate the disputes of dissatisfied consumers, investigate complaints and resolve issues amicably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This office falls under the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Tiisetso Makhele, spokesperson for the department, cases involving vehicle dealerships mostly entail dealers\u2019 failure to provide after-sales services and documents to consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis results in consumers failing to produce proof of purchase or payment, ownership of products and an agreement contract,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cases involving furniture and electrical appliances mainly entail the sale of defective goods to consumers and the refusal of shops to take back defective or faulty items. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe complaint regarding cellphones concerns the hidden costs charged by dealers, which result in consumers having to pay excessive charges on which they did not agree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Makhele, consumers can lodge a complaint if dealers refuse to refund them when goods are defective and do not function according to the advertised standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Complaints can also be lodged if the goods are not the same as those advertised or shown to the customers prior to delivery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makhele has encouraged consumers to utilise the consumer court, which holds hearings in all five districts of the province. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The services offered by the OCP are free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Complaints can be lodged telephonically, by fax or post or in person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information, consumers can visit the department\u2019s website. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Disputes between consumers and motor vehicle dealerships top the list of those heard by the Free State\u2019s Consumer Affairs Court from February 2019 to December 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