**3·15 Rights Awareness**
As March approaches, the home decoration season begins, and industries such as furniture and building materials—key components of daily life—are major drivers of manufacturing in Guangdong Province. With the implementation of the new consumer protection law, there has been a noticeable decline in home-related complaints for the first time last year. According to the Guangdong Provincial Consumer Council, in 2014, there were 4,395 home-related complaints (covering furniture, building materials, and decoration), a decrease of 8 cases compared to 2013 (4,413 total). This marked a significant shift from a 34.64% annual growth rate to a -1.8% decline, showing the first turning point in complaint trends.
The data highlights that quality issues remain the top concern, with 743 complaints about building materials and 1,218 about furniture, making up nearly half of all reports. After-sales service complaints followed, with 218 related to building materials and 540 to furniture—about 20% of all cases. Contract disputes ranked third, with 159 and 280 cases respectively. These figures show that despite the growing size and value of the home market, many challenges still persist.
As “3·15†Consumer Rights Day approaches, the China Consumers Association has chosen the theme “Joining Together to Enjoy Consumption,†aiming to protect consumer rights and boost confidence. The new “Consumer Law†has introduced more consumer-friendly provisions, such as reversing the burden of proof in disputes, allowing three times compensation for fraud, and enabling the Consumers Association to initiate public interest litigation. These changes not only increase the cost for businesses that violate rules but also provide consumers with more accessible ways to defend their rights.
**Buying Furniture Without Invoices: A Risky Move**
In June of last year, Miss Wang purchased a dining table and a fabric sofa from Haizhuyi Furniture Store. She negotiated a discount and paid cash without asking for an invoice, as the store claimed it was too low-priced to issue one. However, within six months, the furniture began to show signs of wear. When she tried to seek repairs or returns, the store refused unless she had a receipt, claiming that without it, the items might be considered “planted.†This highlights the importance of keeping receipts, as they are essential for proving ownership and protecting consumer rights.
**Wooden Floor Fraud: Be Cautious**
Mr. Zhao bought a “Vietnamese red sandalwood†wooden floor for 12,500 yuan, but after testing, it turned out to be “Gingerbread Wood.†The seller claimed the term “red sandalwood†referred to color, not material. This case shows how misleading product names can be. Under the new Consumer Law, if fraud is proven, consumers may be entitled to triple compensation. Experts advise consumers to ensure that the species name is clearly stated on documents to avoid future disputes.
**Tile Color Differences: A Hidden Problem**
Mr. Gao bought tiles from Eagle Ceramics Wuzhou, only to find color differences upon delivery. The merchant claimed this was due to different production batches, and that the products were still qualified. However, the Consumer Council could not mediate successfully, so Mr. Gao was advised to escalate the issue to the industrial and commercial administration or take legal action. It’s important for consumers to inspect products thoroughly and understand their rights.
**Kitchen Leak Repairs: A Long Process**
Mr. Zheng signed a renovation contract guaranteeing 5 years of waterproofing. But in 2014, his kitchen started leaking. The company refused to fully re-waterproof, leading to a dispute. After mediation by the Consumer Council, a resolution was reached. For hidden projects like waterproofing, it’s crucial to document everything and keep evidence in case of future problems.
**Hidden Costs in Decoration Projects**
Miss Zhang encountered unexpected price hikes during her renovation. The company initially promised a fixed budget but later added extra charges. This is a common tactic used by some companies to inflate costs. To avoid such issues, consumers should carefully review contracts, define responsibilities clearly, and verify all materials and pricing before signing.
**Customized Cabinets: Mismatched Materials**
Miss Li ordered solid wood cabinets, but upon delivery, some parts were made of MDF instead. The company eventually agreed to replace them, but this experience underscores the importance of clear written agreements and inspections before final payment.
**Tips for Smart Home Shopping**
- Choose reputable stores over small markets for better quality and service.
- Compare prices and avoid being lured by extremely low offers.
- Always keep invoices and receipts for future reference.
- If you encounter issues, report them immediately to both the seller and relevant authorities.
By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can better protect their rights and make smarter choices when it comes to home purchases and renovations.
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