I read today's newspaper. On page 41, there is a paid advertisement for new changes to the Consumer Protection Law (CPL). One of these changes addresses contracts that are established electronically: as long as the transaction occurs with both parts at a considerable distance from each other, a contract could be void within 8 days, at the consumer's will. These includes transactions made over the Internet!
So, how would this affect E-Commerce? Well, it could really boost trust in trade relationships over the Web. For most Web companies, such terms are well-known and accepted, but it's not always the case here. Asides from challenges such as Internet users representing less than 10% of the total population, lack of education in Web technologies, etc., one the current E-Commerce obstacles in the country is the distrust in electronic transactions. Users fear their credit cards will be charged, and no product/service will be delivered. They are also concerned about credit card fraud. Protection from banks and financial institutions could prove enough for most users... Although a first hand, Web company assurance is common for services such as Ebay, and really gives peace of mind to customers.
For companies, it could pose a chance to become more competitive locally, and prepare them for more outside competition. It is very uncommon to see Terms of Service, Service Level Agreements, sufficient and publicly-available policies (return, shipping, etc.) in local stores, and it's even more rare to see them in E-Commerce Web sites. Organizations will move from a product-centered perspective, to a more customer-centered philosophy. Besides, they wouldn't want people ending contracts in a disgusted manner, hurting their relationship with the company.
More to come on changes to the CPL, hopefully from the primary source: the CDC.
