Konsumenttjänst

Introduction to Consumer Services

Overview of Consumer Services

• Ludwig Tarna introduces the lecture on consumer services, questioning what constitutes a consumer service and its implications for consumers hiring craftsmen.

Key Concepts in Consumer Service Law

• The discussion centers around the Consumer Services Act (SFS 1985:716), which applies to services provided to consumers, particularly concerning work on movable items but excludes living animals and real estate construction.

• Specific provisions exist within the Consumer Services Act and other regulations that govern storage of movable items, again excluding living animals.

Reasonable Utility in Consumer Services

Understanding Reasonable Utility

• The act emphasizes that if a service does not provide reasonable utility based on price or specific conditions, it cannot be considered acceptable for consumers.

• If a service is deemed excessively priced compared to consumer expectations, the provider must inform the consumer about this discrepancy before proceeding with the service.

Practical Examples of Service Utility

Case Study: Car Repairs

• An example is given where a car's brake replacement costs 25,000 SEK but results in minimal functionality; this would not be considered reasonable utility for the consumer.

• If repairs lead to further issues rendering the vehicle unusable shortly after servicing, it indicates that such services do not meet reasonable utility standards.

Obligations of Service Providers

Communication Requirements

• Service providers are obligated to communicate any significant cost increases or issues discovered during repairs to ensure transparency with consumers regarding their options.

• Consumers should be informed about unnecessary repairs or services that do not add value before they are undertaken by the provider.

Pricing Regulations in Consumer Services

Approximate Price Estimates

• The law stipulates that if an approximate price estimate is provided by a service provider, the final charge cannot exceed this estimate by more than 15%.

• This regulation aims to protect consumers from unexpected price hikes when hiring craftsmen or similar service providers.

Responsibilities During Inspections

Cost-Free Preliminary Inspections

• Consumers are not required to pay for preliminary inspections unless there’s clear justification for such charges based on industry standards or specific circumstances outlined beforehand.

• If additional work becomes necessary post-inspection, it must align with prior agreements made between the consumer and provider regarding scope and pricing.

Contractual Agreements in Consumer Services

Defining Work Scope and Costs

• According to Section 51 of the act, if a consumer claims an agreement was made regarding work scope and pricing (e.g., 30,000 SEK), this claim holds unless proven otherwise by the service provider.

Geosjänstvis och Konsumentens Rättigheter

Besiktningsutlåtande och Konsumentens Åberopande

• Diskuteras huruvida entreprenaden geosjänstvis ger konsumenten möjlighet att åberopa fel som inte nämns i besiktningsutlåtandet.

• Konsumenten kan fortfarande åberopa fel som upptäckts vid siktningsutlåtningen, även om besiktningsmannen inte anser att de är fel.

• Det framhävs att det finns en skillnad mellan vad besiktningsmannen bedömer som fäl och vad marknaden anser vara fäl.

• Betydelsen av siktningsutlåtningens roll i att definiera ansvar och rättigheter för konsumenten diskuteras.