In Zoetermeer, unfair commercial practices frequently occur at local shops or online providers targeting residents of the region. This includes misleading advertising, hidden additional costs, or aggressive sales tactics. Such practices are legally prohibited and may lead to the nullification of agreements or damage claims. Residents of Zoetermeer can seek advice from the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office.
What are unfair commercial practices in Zoetermeer?
Under Article 6:193a of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), a commercial practice is deemed unfair when a company in Zoetermeer or elsewhere:
- Fails to comply with professional standards of care
- Undermines the consumer's ability to make an informed choice
Locally, this can arise, for example, during purchases in Stadshart Zoetermeer, where consumers may be vulnerable to high-pressure sales.
Recognising misleading practices
Misleading information in Zoetermeer includes:
- False or inaccurate claims about products
- Vague or contradictory language
- Omission of essential details, such as total costs
- Illegal use of quality marks or labels
The Municipality of Zoetermeer advises staying alert to such tactics in everyday shopping or services.
Avoiding aggressive practices
Aggressive tactics in the Zoetermeer region involve:
- Threats or intimidation by salespeople
- Application of physical or emotional pressure
- Exploitation of personal circumstances
- Inappropriate influence on decisions
This can occur in door-to-door sales or telephone offers targeting Zoetermeer households.
The blacklist of prohibited practices
Dutch law lists specific unfair practices that are always unacceptable, including in Zoetermeer:
- False claims of membership in industry codes
- Use of fake quality marks
- Presenting offers as 'free' with hidden costs
- Promoting unproven health benefits
- Organising pyramid schemes
The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) enforces this, with potential local impact through municipal reports.
Consequences and steps in Zoetermeer
- As a consumer, you can have the purchase agreement declared void
- You can claim damages via the Zoetermeer District Court
- The ACM imposes fines up to 10% of the company's annual turnover
For help with a complaint, contact the Zoetermeer Legal Advice Office for free initial advice.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.