ECR Consumerwatch

There are warranties, and then there are warranties - says Wendy Knowler. The best one is the Consumer Protection Act automatically bestows on everything you buy - it’s for SIX MONTHS, irrespective of whether what you buy is new or used, on sale or not. ECR Consumerwatch

From 1 March 2019, the on-off data regulations will finally be a reality. Wendy Knowler summarises what they mean for you and your data spend. ECR Consumerwatch

The idea that shelf-stable food such as biscuits, canned goods, cereals, maize meal, sauces and pasta goes from being perfectly okay up to the 'best before' date on the pack to 'rotten,' 'off', 'toxic' or 'unsafe' is as ridiculous as it is widespread. ECR Consumerwatch

You could get a surprise retro rates bill, warns Wendy Knowler. ECR Consumerwatch

You call it forgetfulness; they call it theft. Wendy Knowler gives advice to shoppers to avoid accidental shoplifting. ECR Consumerwatch

Changing the 'sell-by' or 'use by' dates on a batch of fresh chicken is a shameful act - it is also illegal in terms of South Africa’s food labelling regulations. ECR Consumerwatch

Who besides you knows your personal details, bank account details and passwords, enabling them to impersonate you, open and close accounts in your name and transact online, buying stuff and transferring funds out of your account? When I asked a short version of that question on Twitter this week, I got some eye opening responses. ECR Consumerwatch

Thanks to social media, consumer discontent confronts us everywhere - Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp groups - lots of grumpy, angry, frustrated consumers venting, naming and shaming. And yes, most of it well justified! But we also need to take the time to let others know when the service is amazing. So here's Wendy's 'Wow' show featuring stories from listeners of great service. ECR Consumerwatch

The lure of free goodies has been used by marketers for generations to lure consumers in, and then get them to commit to paying - usually a lot - for anything from timeshare deals to vacuum cleaners, dietary supplements and face creams. ECR Consumerwatch

This week was our last episode of the year for Consumerwatch with Wendy Knowler, so we gave listeners a chance to speak to her about any consumer issue affecting them. Listen here... ECR Consumerwatch