Consumers advised to report non-compliance by service providers
The new Guidelines for Competition are opening up a whole new world of choice for consumers and are also in place to protect independent service providers (ISP) so everyone can do business on a level playing field.
Right to Repair South African (R2RSA) is well known for advocating for consumer choice.
Developments across the industry since the coming into effect of the new Guidelines for Competition in July 2021 have supported consumer choice and made motorists think twice about the service they need.
“For most South Africans shopping around is natural, so why should this be any different when it comes to the servicing of your car?” said Kate Elliott, CEO of Right to Repair SA.
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The new Guidelines for Competition are opening up a whole new world of choice for consumers and are also in place to protect independent service providers (ISP) so everyone can do business on a level playing field.
R2RSA is constantly looking for new ways to make it easier for those in the independent automotive aftermarket, as well as consumers, to report non-compliance with the guidelines.
“The more data we have on which brands are not in compliance, the easier it is for us to direct our efforts to achieve widespread fair competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket,” said Elliott.
For this reason, R2RSA has recently launched a whistle-blower hotline which can be found on their website.
“In the event of any non-compliance, we encourage you to leave as much information as possible as this will enable us to ensure the concern is addressed by the authorities.
“Even if you don’t have all the information, any information is helpful, so we can follow up on the lead,” she said.
Elliott said examples of non-compliance include voiding of a warranty where the owner has made use of an ISP for servicing or the fitment of non-OEM branded parts; failure to provide technical information to an ISP or to provide the information on unfair and unreasonable terms; and the sale of a vehicle with a compulsory service/maintenance and/or motor plan.
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“You are entitled to make an anonymous complaint, if you do not wish your identity to be disclosed.
“These complaints will not be forwarded to the commission, but will rather form part of our overall data picture to help direct our actions as an organisation going forward,” she said.
Elliott said it is important the industry and consumers are proactive about their rights #seeitsayitsorted #itsyourchoice.
Consumers who need help or want to check their rights in more detail may visit the R2RSA website at www.right2repair.org.za or visit the YouTube channel.
