Wedding Fair ​Disputes on the Rise: Know Your Rights

As the wedding ⁤season approaches, many ‍couples are visiting wedding fairs to⁣ plan their special day. However, some consumers have reported disputes with⁢ businesses ⁢related to these events.

Mr. A, a groom-to-be, visited a wedding fair and ​deposited‌ 200,000 won to a hanbok rental company ⁢that promised on-site ​discounts. However, when he tried to cancel the contract, the company refused to ⁢refund the full amount.

“I thought I could get a refund ​if I changed ⁢my mind later, ⁢but the company’s promises and ‍reviews didn’t match,” Mr. A said. “I had to send a certified letter and prepare to take legal action‌ before they finally returned 150,000 won.”

Another consumer, Mr. B, signed a contract with a company that participated in a wedding expo for studio⁢ photos, a dress, and makeup. However, when he cancelled the ​contract after ​a ‍week, he was ⁣unable to receive the full deposit.

“The company claimed they had worked ‌on the project for ​a week, so I had to accept a 10% deduction to get a refund,” Mr. B said.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency, disputes between consumers and businesses related to wedding fairs have increased by nearly 36% compared to the same period last year. Most of these​ disputes involve contracts where cancellation was refused or excessive penalties were charged.

Under the Door-to-Door⁤ Sales Act, consumers have the right to cancel a contract and request a refund within 14 days. This applies even if⁢ the business’ terms and conditions include a clause stating that cancellation is not allowed.

“Consumers should carefully check the terms and conditions of refunds and penalties before signing a contract,” said Kim Hye-jin, team leader of the Korea Consumer Agency’s textile ‌products team. “They should also use credit card installment transactions to protect their rights.”

The​ Korea Consumer Agency ‍urges consumers visiting wedding fairs to be aware of their rights ​and take necessary precautions to avoid⁣ disputes.

Know Your Rights:

• Consumers have the⁤ right to cancel a contract and request a refund within⁣ 14⁤ days​ under the Door-to-Door Sales Act.
• Businesses’ terms and conditions cannot override ⁣the Door-to-Door Sales Act.
• Consumers should carefully check the terms and conditions of refunds and⁣ penalties before signing a contract.
• Using ‍credit card installment transactions⁢ can help protect consumers’ ‍rights.