Consumer Law Essentials

Consumer Law Essentials from People's Law School describes how to protect yourself when you buy something or hire someone to perform a service. This publication explains your rights for common consumer purchases and contracts, as well as the steps you can take when something goes wrong.

Cover of Consumer Law Essentials

Contents

• Making a Purchase
  • The seller must not mislead you · The seller must not act unfairly towards you · You are protected by the legal warranty · You can change your mind (for some purchases)

• Hiring Someone
  • Your legal rights · Getting a written contract

• Making a Contract
  • How a contract is created · Who can make a contract · The contract itself

• Preventing Problems
  • 1. Do your research · 2. Negotiate with confidence · 3. Have a contract · 4. Read and understand any contract · 5. Don't rush the decision

• If There Are Problems
  • Understand your legal rights · Step 1. Decide what outcome you are seeking · Step 2. Collect your information · Step 3. Contact the other party · Step 4. Send a complaint letter · Step 5. Contact a consumer protection agency · Step 6. Consider legal action

• Resources
  • Where to Get Help · Glossary

• About
  • About Consumer Law Essentials · More from People's Law School

Copyright & Disclaimer

Consumer Law Essentials © People’s Law School is, except for the images, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 Canada Licence.

At People's Law School, we believe accurate, plain English information can help people take action to work out their legal problems. This resource explains in a general way the law that applies in British Columbia. It is not intended as legal advice. For help with a specific legal problem, contact a legal professional. Some sources of legal help are highlighted in the "Where to Get Help" section.

About People's Law School

People's Law School is a non-profit society in British Columbia providing free education and information on the legal problems of daily life.