As a business owner, understanding and respecting your customers’ rights isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has established guidelines to ensure fair dealings between businesses and consumers. These rules are essential for building trust, maintaining loyalty, and avoiding penalties.
Here are five key consumer rights every business owner must know:
● Transparent Pricing
Every business must publicly display the prices of goods or services. Telling customers to “DM for price” is not acceptable and violates consumer rights.
● Right to Complain and Seek Redress
Consumers have the right to lodge complaints and seek refunds or replacements for faulty products or unsatisfactory services. Ensuring a smooth resolution process builds trust and credibility.
● Data Privacy and Consent
Before collecting, processing, or sharing personal data like reviews, testimonials, or contact information, businesses must obtain explicit consent from consumers. Respect for data privacy is non-negotiable. So before you go ahead to post reviews from your customers, ensure to ask for their permission.
● Return and Refund Policy
Consumers can return a product within three months of purchase if it fails to meet its stated purpose or quality standards. They have the right to request a replacement or a FULL refund—no questions asked.
● Freedom of Choice
Consumers have the right to make purchases freely, without being coerced, pressured, or manipulated into buying products or services.
By adhering to these rights, you not only comply with FCCPC regulations but also show your commitment to ethical business practices.