Disputes between consumers and motor vehicle dealerships top the list of those heard by the Free State’s Consumer Affairs Court from February 2019 to December 2021.
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.
During this period, a total of R1 086 136 was duly returned to various complainants after the conclusion of cases in their favour.
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.
This office falls under the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
According to Tiisetso Makhele, spokesperson for the department, cases involving vehicle dealerships mostly entail dealers’ failure to provide after-sales services and documents to consumers.
“This results in consumers failing to produce proof of purchase or payment, ownership of products and an agreement contract,” he said.
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.
“The 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.”
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.
Complaints can also be lodged if the goods are not the same as those advertised or shown to the customers prior to delivery.
Makhele has encouraged consumers to utilise the consumer court, which holds hearings in all five districts of the province.
The services offered by the OCP are free.
Complaints can be lodged telephonically, by fax or post or in person.
For more information, consumers can visit the department’s website.
