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Consumer Lawyers

Consumer law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of consumers and ensuring fair and safe practices for all. As a small business, you have certain obligations to fulfil in order to treat your customers fairly. You also have consumer rights to protect you when dealing with suppliers, wholesalers and other businesses.

It is important to understand your obligations as a business and your rights as a consumer to avoid legal issues, disputes and claims.

Do I need a consumer lawyer?

Competition and consumer law is country-specific and there may be substantial differences in the protections offered depending on where your business operates. That said, there are some common situations that may require you to engage the expert services of a consumer lawyer: 

• A supplier refuses to supply your business with goods or services 
• Your business competitors are engaging in practices that prevent or limit you from competing in the market (e.g. price fixing, collective bargaining, setting minimum prices)
• You have purchased faulty or unsafe supplies 
• You have been misled by purchasing goods or services from suppliers that do not fit the product description or advertisement 
• You have entered into a contract with unfair terms 
• A consumer has made a claim against your business, products or services

Consumer law is broad and complex and the above examples are just a few of the many scenarios that require legal assistance. If you have any doubts, issues or questions whatsoever, it’s best to consult with a consumer lawyer to stay on the right side of the law and get the best outcomes. 

What is a consumer lawyer?

A consumer lawyer is a lawyer that deals with legal matters relating specifically to consumer law and trading practices. They protect your consumer rights by assisting consumers and businesses that have experienced unfair trading practices. This includes investigating complaints, lodging claims, dispute resolution and legal representation. 

What does a consumer lawyer do?

A consumer lawyer has extensive knowledge of competition and consumer law and can provide strategic advice, guidance, planning and representation on a wide range of issues. They can help you determine the best options, assist you with claims and act on your behalf when you lodge a claim against a supplier or need to resolve a claim made against your business. Below are some examples of matters a consumer lawyer can assist you with:

• The sale of goods and services 
• Warranties
• Product liability 
• Damage and loss compensation 
• False and deceptive advertising 
• Consumer contracts 
• Electronic signatures and transactions 
• Fair trading 
• Sales promotions 

How much does a consumer lawyer cost?

Consumer lawyers either charge an hourly fee or a fixed fee. The cost to hire a consumer lawyer varies depending on the matter at hand and the size of the case. Larger matters or more complex cases may need to go to a tribunal or court, which may involve additional fees. To give you an idea, the average hourly rate for a consumer lawyer ranges between $100 and $400, but this could exceed $700+ per hour depending on the size of the case and their experience.

How do I hire a consumer lawyer?

With so many lawyers out there, it can be tricky finding one that is right for your particular situation. To help you, here are some important things to consider:

• Understand what you’re dealing with
• Experience
• Good communication and responsiveness
• Transparency with costs

Firstly, it’s important to learn a little bit about the issue you’re dealing with. This is helpful in knowing the basic responsibilities you have as a business or consumer and will also steer you in the right direction of lawyers that will be most helpful.

You need to ensure that a lawyer can provide you with accurate advice and has a high chance of helping you achieve your desired outcome. Find a lawyer that specialises in the legal matter you are dealing with or at the very least, has previous experience working on a similar case. Visit their website and go online to read client reviews and testimonials to ensure they have a good track record.

Communication is key and the responsiveness and quality of your initial conversations is a good indication of their service. Lawyers are busy, but it should be easy to contact them and discuss your situation and needs. Take advantage of the free consultation to get familiar with their working ethics and don’t hire someone that you aren’t comfortable with.

Lastly, they should be transparent about costs and provide a breakdown of how the fees are calculated. If you’re on a budget, ask whether they offer flexible fee options to pay one portion before they begin work and the rest once the case is resolved.

If you’re ready to hire a consumer lawyer, we can connect you with consumer lawyers that specialise in the issue you’re dealing with here on SavvySME. To get started, simply answer a few questions and we’ll introduce you to consumer lawyers that can help.