Consumer Protection in Contracts Concluded at a Distance. Outline of the Problem

Abstract

We are witnessing dynamic changes in the field of information technology – it affects many spheres of our life, including economic life. Nowadays the Internet is the primary sales channel for many business fields. However, from consumer’s point of view, in case of contracts concluded viathe Internet, classified as contracts concluded at a distance, there is a risk that goods will be of inferior quality than it was due to the “inspection” on the website, and consumer, has no possibility to verify before purchasing whether it is consistent with his/her ideas. In relations with entrepre-neur Consumer is a weaker party – due to its economic potential and the fact that entrepreneur is a professional – has expertise knowledge to which an average consumer does normally have no access. Act of May 30, 2014, on the Rights of Consumers provides solutions that protect consumer in case of conclusion of distance contracts. These are: enhanced informational duties of entrepreneurs and consumer right of withdrawal from the contract. An additional solution for consumer protection is to recognize as an unacceptable waiver of its rights guaranteed by the Act. In addition, provisions of agreement less favorable to consumer than provisions of the Act are null and void, and in their place, apply its provisions.