Basic consumer rights are guaranteed by laws and statutes. In the event of a claim, it is necessary to know what they are really about. Find out which are the laws that protect you as a buyer.

Basic consumer and user rights

It is normal that every day we make at least one purchase or start up a service. The basic rights of the purchaser lead us to interact correctly with businesses, companies and enterprises.

Each of these commercial interactions is regulated by statutes that protect buyers. These are there to guarantee transactions.

Consumer and user law regulation

Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007 is what regulates the basic powers of commercial persons. Approved on November 16, this decree confirms the text of the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users.

In addition, the decree contemplates other laws that may be considered complementary. However, it is the autonomous communities that provide criteria and defend these basic rights.

What is a consumer or user?

In order to be able to complain and to be able to exercise the buyer’s powers, it is necessary to know exactly what a consumer is. With regard to relations with companies and businesses, the following are considered buyers:

Individuals who proceed with a purpose other than that of their commercial or business activities.
Legal persons or entities that do not have legal personality and are not for profit.
With this in mind, this commercial figure can be defined. This makes it clear who is able to assert the buyer’s own powers.

 

What are the basic consumer and user rights?

These are owned for the sole purpose of representing this commercial figure. The bylaws are contemplated in the aforementioned decree. It was last modified on March 27, 2014.

Within these laws, administrators are obliged to ensure that they are properly complied with. For this purpose, the necessary means are employed, including sanctions for those who violate them. Among the basic rights of the buyer are the following:

1. Protection against risks that violate safety and health.

Any product, good or service offered for sale or available to the buyer must be completely benign. This obliges retailers and manufacturers to label the indications and characterization of the product.

If a service or product were to generate any danger, it should be minimal. In addition, it must be proven that such risk adds up to a greater good. Consumers must also be informed.

2. Securing social and economic assets. Generally in the face of unfair or abusive commercial practices. This right applies to the entire act of purchase: before, during and after the purchase.

Before. The characteristics of the product/service must be clearly stated. It also includes the price, the accepted payment method, delivery and return possibilities, among others.

During. There is a right to request a copy of the contract. The document must clearly show the description of the purchased item and its price. The same applies when requesting an invoice.

Afterwards. During the guarantee period, it is possible to exercise all protection powers. This period is defined as the period elapsed during two years after the purchase was made.

3. The consumer or user counts on the application of the indemnification of damages and compensation for the damages suffered. It is applied so that there is a guarantee of receiving redress if a fault occurs.

The welfare of buyers is undoubtedly safeguarded in the basic buyer’s rights. It is crucial to know the law and seek expert advice. In this way, the purchaser is assured of being able to fully understand the purchase or acquisition process.