Consumer Litigation: what is it and who is covered?
Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 3:14 am
It occurs when the consumer complains about a product purchased or service provided, and may involve several consumers and several suppliers. After a complaint, the consumer may resort to an entity that mediates and arbitrates the conflict ( Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers ).
Who is covered?
Companies and Individual Entrepreneurs in general band phone number data carry out an economic activity, even without a physical commercial establishment (online stores).
What should you tell consumers? In which places?
You must indicate your Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, thus avoiding a fine of up to €5,000.00. Provide the name of the ADR centre, website and, if available, contact details in the following places:
Your company website, if you have one;
Contracts concluded between you and your customers;
If there are no contracts, choose:
Post on the wall or counter of your establishment;
or
Mention this on your invoices .
Example : "To resolve consumer disputes, contact the Consumer Dispute Arbitration Center of the District of Lisbon (http://www.centroarbitragemlisboa.pt/)"
We also advise you to contact your accountant for more information.
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How do I know which RAL center I am?
There are several Alternative Dispute Resolution Entities spread throughout the country.
Only companies that provide essential public services (electricity, gas, water and waste, electronic communications and postal services) are directly associated with a specific center.
In this sense, you should:
Mention only the center in the municipality where its headquarters and branches are located;
If operating in national territory, mention all RAL centers;
If you develop a specific activity such as in the area of Insurance or Fuels/Vehicles, appoint the centers with authority to mediate conflicts in these areas.
Who is covered?
Companies and Individual Entrepreneurs in general band phone number data carry out an economic activity, even without a physical commercial establishment (online stores).
What should you tell consumers? In which places?
You must indicate your Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, thus avoiding a fine of up to €5,000.00. Provide the name of the ADR centre, website and, if available, contact details in the following places:
Your company website, if you have one;
Contracts concluded between you and your customers;
If there are no contracts, choose:
Post on the wall or counter of your establishment;
or
Mention this on your invoices .
Example : "To resolve consumer disputes, contact the Consumer Dispute Arbitration Center of the District of Lisbon (http://www.centroarbitragemlisboa.pt/)"
We also advise you to contact your accountant for more information.
{banner}
How do I know which RAL center I am?
There are several Alternative Dispute Resolution Entities spread throughout the country.
Only companies that provide essential public services (electricity, gas, water and waste, electronic communications and postal services) are directly associated with a specific center.
In this sense, you should:
Mention only the center in the municipality where its headquarters and branches are located;
If operating in national territory, mention all RAL centers;
If you develop a specific activity such as in the area of Insurance or Fuels/Vehicles, appoint the centers with authority to mediate conflicts in these areas.