How Can Consumers Be Better Protected when Using Distance Selling Methods?

Abstract

Historically, trading of goods and services for consumption occurred at the local level, where buyers and sellers met in a physical location – the local market. Trust in the transactions was established through long-held tradition, close relationship and mutual co-operation. The products needed for everyday life were uncomplicated and produced locally. As a result of the modernisation of many economies after the Industrial Revolution, and the resulting economic surge through industrialisation, urbanisation, globalisation and the coming of the Information Age, many modern economies have developed a new form of market place. Therefore, all aspects of the trading of goods and services for consumption can now take place at a distance, without the buyer and seller needing to meet. While both buyers and sellers have become comfortable with exchanging goods and services in this manner, laws protecting the New Zealand consumer are still based on traditional direct selling methods.