Discussion / writing

1. Compare consumer law in developed and developing countries.

2. In English law, after a breach of contract a consumer may refuse goods more easily than services. Why do you think the law makes this difference?

3. It is impossible to balance the interest of the consumer against those of the producer. Give your pros and cons.

4. “People should have the right to sue TV companies showing programmes that may have a harmful influence on viewers”. Write a paragraph containing two arguments for and two against this statement.

5. Agree or disagree with the statements:

“The customer is always right”.

“Many people want the government to protect the consumer. A much more urgent problem is to protect the consumer from the government”. (Milton Friedman)

6. Do you prefer comparison shopping or making purchases on impulse? Do you belong to the people who measure twice and cut once?

7. Discuss the cases of consumer law violation.

8. Write a letter and e-mail complaint to the seller of goods or services. (see the templates below)

9. Prepare a presentation on consumer law in your country.

Template 1

Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code (Your e-mail if sending via e-mail)   Date     Name of Contact Person (if available) Title (if available) Company Name Consumer Complaint Division (if you have no specific contact) Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear (Contact Person or Organization Name):   Re: (account number, if applicable)   On (date), I (bought, leased, rented, or had repaired)a(name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed) at (location, date and other important details of the transaction).   Unfortunately, your product (or service)has not performed well (or the service was inadequate)because (state the problem). I am disappointed because (explain the problem: for example, the product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, I was billed the wrong amount, something was not disclosed clearly or was misrepresented, etc.).   To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your (state the specific action you want—money back, charge card credit, repair, exchange, etc.)Enclosed are copies (do not send originals)of my records (include receipts, guarantees, warranties, canceled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents).   I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem and will wait until (set a time limit) before seeking help from a consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau. Please contact me at the above address or by phone at (home and/or office numbers with area code).     Sincerely,   Your name   Enclosure(s)

Template 2

To: Company e-mail cc: Your e-mail (This will ensure that you receive a copy of the email for your records). bcc: Subject: Re: (account number or name of product or service)     Date     On (date), I (bought, leased, rented, or had repaired)a(name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed) at (location, date and other important details of the transaction).   Unfortunately, your product (or service)has not performed well (or the service was inadequate)because (state the problem). I am disappointed because (explain the problem: for example, the product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, I was billed the wrong amount, something was not disclosed clearly or was misrepresented, etc.).   To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your (state the specific action you want—money back, charge card credit, repair, exchange, etc.)   I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem and will wait until (set a time limit) before seeking help from a consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau. Please contact me at the e-mail address or phone number below.     Sincerely,   Your name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Daytime Phone Number Your e-mail

UNIT 10