A vendor of goods or provider of services has a number of responsibilities towards the consumer, of which he/she may not be aware, in accordance with Act No. 634/1992 Coll. dealing with consumer protection. This also applies to those vendors operating in markets or bazaars, or those offering goods or services outside of the usual retail premises. Among the most important responsibilities which sellers have to consumers are:
- Responsibility to Inform: The vendor must duly inform consumers about the characteristics of the products sold, the nature of services provided, their price, associated risks, etc. For a more detailed list, see the section on Informational Responsibilities of the Seller;
- Warranty and Liability for Defects: The liability for defects is based on the statutory warranty, which makes the vendor responsible for selling the product to the buyer in conformity with the sales contract. Conformity with the sales contract means that the item being sold is free from all defects, that the item has such properties and is of such quality as required by the contract, the vendor, the manufacturer or his representative, or on the basis of the expectation created by advertising, or of such quality and with such properties as one would reasonably expect. Furthermore, the item must comply with legislative requirements, be in the appropriate quantity, measure or weight, and correspond with the purpose that the vendor states or for which the item is normally used. More information is available in the section on Warranty and Liability for Defects.
- Handling Complaints: In accordance with Act No. 634/1992 Coll., on consumer protection, the vendor is obliged to duly inform the customer regarding the scope, terms and conditions of the liability for defective products and services. This includes a claim against the sales contract, as well as information as to where a claim can be made, and the warranty-related repair process. For more information, please refer to the section on Claims for Defective Goods and Services.