08457 22 44 99
Start date: 4 February 2010
Next milestone: We will publish our final report in winter 2010.
Summary of work
In February 2010, we launched a market study to examine when, how and why contracts may cause difficulties for consumers.
We intend to look at how well consumers understand typical contracts and how this varies when contracts are, for example, presented online, over the phone, or during a face-to-face sales pitch.
We will also look at how firms approach consumer contracts, and any practices which deliberately or unintentionally disadvantage consumers. The results should be of benefit to firms who are trying to make important terms and conditions clear to consumers buying their products and services.
Next steps
We would welcome views and evidence on when and how contracts cause problems for consumers or firms. We will be contacting key parties directly including Government departments and consumer bodies. Others who wish to make a submission should write, by Wednesday 31 March, to:
Consumer Contracts market study
Office of Fair Trading
Floor 6C
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8JX
They can also be emailed to: consumercontracts@oft.gsi.gov.uk
The OFT is unable to provide advice or resolve individual complaints for consumers. Consumers can seek advice from Consumer Direct (tel: 08454 04 05 06, consumercontracts@oft.gsi.gov.uk ).
Related documents
Read the press release of 4 February 2010.
Read the Q&As.
Team leader: Simon Perrett (020 7211 8288, simon.perrett@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
Project director: Juliet Young (020 7211 8567, juliet.young@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
Senior responsible officer: Heather Clayton (020 7211 8826, heather.clayton@oft.gsi.gov.uk)
Media enquiries
Any media enquiries should be directed to a member of our Press Office.
Back to: Current market studies
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08457 22 44 99
