The "No Video, No Refund" Policy By Online Sellers Is Illegal
Today, let’s talk about something you might have bumped into while shopping online - the "no video, no refund" policy. Yes, you read that right. Some stores online are telling us we need to film ourselves opening our purchases if we want to stand any chance of getting our money back for a dud product. Sounds off, right? Well, it turns out, it's not just off; it's straight up illegal.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles has spoken out against this policy. Under the guiding principles of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394), such a requirement is unfair and illegal. It places an unnecessary burden on consumers, potentially deterring them from seeking refunds or exchanges for defective items.
The rationale behind this policy from some retailers' perspective is to combat fraud - ensuring the claim of a defective or incorrect item is legitimate. However, AS Nograles points out that consumers have inherent rights to return, replace, or seek repairs for defective goods, without the need for video evidence.
Assistant Secretary Nograles clarifies that imposing a "no video, no refund" policy can be seen as a deceptive sales act, which is strictly prohibited. Whether it's before, during, or after the sale, such practices undermine consumer trust and the integrity of online transactions.
"Sa katotohanan, 'yung 'no return, no exchange' isa rin yan na ipinagbabawal ng DTI kasi karapatan ng consumer na pwede niyang ibalik 'yung item na nabili niya kapag ito ay depektibo. Kapag 'yung item ay depektibo, bukod sa ibalik yung item, may option din siya na humingi ng replacement o pwede rin siyang humingi ng full refund ng item na binili niya, pwede rin niyang ipa-repair," she said in a radio interview. She added, "Isang halimbawa 'yan ng deceptive sales act yung nagpapa-video ka bago tanggapin yung item.”
What This Means for You
The takeaway here is clear: as consumers, we're entitled to a straightforward process for addressing issues with our purchases. Knowing our rights is the first step towards empowering ourselves against unfair practices. It's important to remember that the law protects us from such policies, and there are avenues for recourse should we encounter them.
Moving Forward
If you're faced with a "no video, no refund" policy, don't hesitate to assert your rights. Inform the retailer of the legal stance on this issue and, if necessary, reach out to the DTI for support. They're there to ensure our shopping experiences are fair and enjoyable.
Navigating the online shopping world should be an enjoyable experience, free from unnecessary hurdles. By staying informed and vigilant, we can ensure that our rights as consumers are respected and upheld. Let's continue to support fair practices in online shopping, making it a positive experience for all.
