OCU calls for clear rules for collaborative consumption

Madrid, May 5, 2014.

OCU has warned of the rise of various forms of collaborative consumption in our country. More and more consumers are opting for an alternative formula for supplies of goods and services. Many consumers are questioning whether exclusive access to the ownership of goods is really worth it if you can make more use of and extend the life of goods that are no longer needed which, ultimately, is smarter consumption.
The use of new technologies, especially the Internet and social networks, has been instrumental in the launch of various savings initiatives which have always existed inside one’s circle of acquaintances, but that have now acquired a new dimension, thanks to internet, enabling this to take place between people who do not know one another. The full study is published in the May magazine OCU COMPRA MAESTRA.

Initiatives to give a second life to products that are no longer used include donation, barter, resale on the second hand market. Saving on buying by means of temporary rental of holiday homes, vehicles or tools or collaboration between individuals in the provision of services through the creation of virtual communities are new forms of consumption that are gaining popularity among consumers. In addition to achieving greater savings and a more efficient and sustainable consumption, users can take advantage of the things they own and skills and earn money through collaborative consumption.

In recent weeks we have seen traditional industry react to the appearance of some collaborative options such as BlaBlaCar, Airbnb and Uber. From the point of view of consumers, these are initiatives that complement the range of options and allow for savings through efficient use of resources, thus OCU hopes a balance can be found between classic and collaborative choices that benefit users, both in their role as consumers as well as in their role as micro-service providers.

To ensure the development of these new forms of collaborative consumption and build trust among consumers, OCU stresses the need to define clear rules of the game. Such rules should encourage the development of these initiatives and ensure the rights of consumers. The definition of clear rules on whether they are non-profit or not non-profit, the definition of tax obligations and respect for the rights of the users will protect the collaborative consumption initiatives from the attacks they are suffering from pressure groups for the traditional companies and so benefit users.

Until the arrival of this new regulation, OCU gives a number of recommendations for those who choose to begin collaborative consumption:
•  Read the general conditions closely in order to know the details of the service that you plan to use.
•  At first, it is necessary to trust strangers, but we should not go in blindly. If you have to make a trade, this is best done in a public place.
•  If a car or house is to be shared it is prudent to seek opinions from previous users or make contact by phone beforehand.
•  The platforms usually provide details about the guarantees offered to users. Make sure you are well informed because sometimes the guarantees are fewer in trades between people than in purchases from companies
•  OCU reminds you that in private second-hand sales, there is a 6 month warranty for hidden defects.

•  Barter poses a greater risk to consumers because there is no warranty coverage. In exchange, the savings are greater.

More information at:
http://www.ocu.org/consumo-familia/nc/articulo/consumo-collaborative
http://www.ocu.org/consumo-familia/nc/informe/ultimas-trends-in-consumer-collaborative
For more information (media) Eva Jimenez Tel:   917 226 061
prensa@ocu.org