However, consumer response indicates that on the one hand they are unaware of their rights and do not know how to solve their financial issues and that they forget the organization and their rights after resolving their personal problems. It would be proper to have a constant connection with the collective organizations like ours to inform continuously, because any change in the law changes their rights. Of course, it is not possible for a consumer to be aware of the legislation on any matter connected with his everyday life.
That is why we have made a website where consumers are able to find useful information such as how and where to go on holiday, by plane or boat, how to rent a car, in what hotel to stay, etc. Each consumer can get informed to exercise his or her rights thereafter. If the sites the consumers visit do not observe the law, those consumers who are members of the organization can file a complaint with us. We embark on their protection and our intervention yields results. Last year, around five hundred thousand euro were returned to consumers only with a simple action by us, without judicial proceedings and at no cost to consumers.
This is possible because we know the law and that businessmen are not willing to lose their image. There is nothing to prevent them from being sued because they have legal departments but it is not easy for someone to turn to the court for a small amount of money. Our intervention is more direct and more effective and contributes to good market competition. Conscious businessmen insist on control and complaints because they are affected by illegal competition.
However, I could say generally that over 80 per cent of the consumers are interested only in their personal case. Few are those who become members of organizations like ours and provide it with information and complaints, and financial assistance to enable it to cooperate with good professionals who provide effective intervention at national, European and global level.
What is your message to the consumers?
They should understand that manufacturers and suppliers are few in number in a free market and have the opportunity to unite and cooperate. If there is not an opposite pole, i.e. a dynamic movement involving all consumers, the market will not work in their favour, regardless of legislation and control mechanisms. It is impossible to inspect every businessman separately. The consumers must know their rights, be informed and act as a "supervisory authority" when they see something wrong. There is no need to go into a quarrel. They simply have to submit a complaint. Then the control mechanisms can act purposefully and the businessmen will have in mind that they are dealing with informed consumers. Then, they will perform their services in the right way and the market will act in favour of both parties.
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
