The Impact of Legislation on Marketing | Business Studies for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Legal Controls & Marketing Strategy

• Governments frequently enact regulations that oversee business actions or conduct concerning marketing.

Key areas of legislation include

• Product Safety: Selling products with significant defects is unlawful, with retailers and manufacturers liable for resulting harm.
• Product Standard and Quality: Products must meet satisfactory quality standards and fulfill their intended purpose as perceived by the consumer.
• Accuracy in Weights and Measures: Selling goods below their stated weight or using inaccurate weighing devices is against the law.
• Customer Rights for Returns: Online purchasers are entitled to a 14-day return window if dissatisfied with their product.
• Product Information Obligations: Products should perform as advertised and include essential details on packaging, such as health warnings when applicable.
• Pricing Transparency: False or misleading pricing claims, like offering discounts when the product was previously sold at the same price, are prohibited.

Examples of consumer protection legislation

• The Australian Consumer Law safeguards consumers from unjust and unsafe business practices when purchasing goods and services, encompassing:
  • Unfair trading
  • Consumer guarantees
  • Door-to-door sales and direct marketing
  • Product safety
• In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act (2015) shields consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices, addressing various aspects including:
  • Products or services
  • Returns
  • Repairs
  • Replacements
  • Delivery