Competition is rivalry between the sellers of goods and services to win consumers’ business.
We will learn more about competition in chapter 30
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Competition is good for consumers, as it encourages retailers and service providers to keep their prices down. For example, supermarket chains strive to offer better value for money than their competitors in order to attract customers to shop with them.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 is overseen by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The main functions of the CCPC under this law are:
• Enforcing product safety regulations and warning consumers about products that may be dangerous.
• Providing information to consumers to help them make informed decisions. • Making sure there is fair competition in Ireland.
The CCPC has the power to fine or prosecute a business that breaks consumer law. The CCPC replaced the National Consumer Agency (NCA) in 2014.
CONSUMER RIGHTS WHEN BUYING ONLINE
Many Irish consumers now look beyond their local high street for goods and services. Online shopping offers consumers a larger choice and more opportunity to compare prices. This type of transaction is known as distance selling.
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Distance selling is the sale and purchase of goods and services that does not take place in person (e.g. online shopping).
When you buy goods or services online you must abide by the consumer laws in the country the goods or services are being sent from. Instead of Irish consumer law, European Union or international law might apply.
In the European Union
The Directive on Consumer Rights, which came into effect in 2014, has made it easier and safer to buy goods and services from anywhere in the European Union by introducing consumer rules that apply to all EU countries.
Under these rules, online shoppers have a ‘cooling off’ period that lasts 14 days, starting from the day they receive the goods or commence the service. Before the end of the 14 days, the consumer can cancel the order for any reason, including changing their mind.
