Netherlands Consumer Authority: Annual review 2009 shows that supervision and assertive consumers form a powerful combination

"In order to bring about a change of behaviour in a market, the enforcement authority requires assertive consumers, effective tools and a long-term approach", explained Bernadette van Buchem, Director of the Consumer Authority, following the publication of the organisation's Annual Report for 2009. "Companies will only feel pressurized to comply if the efforts of the enforcement authority are backed by consumers who are vociferous and assertive of their rights. Only by joining forces can something actually change in a market. Companies themselves sometimes feel there are too few incentives to respect the rights of consumers, in matters such as guarantees, SMS services or online purchases. Assertive consumers keep companies on their toes and provide us with ammunition for our enforcement activities with their reports about companies who violate the regulations. Together, the Consumer Authority and ConsuWijzer form an outstanding combination."

Download Consumer Authority Review 2009 (pdf, 2mb)

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