“Consumer Rights and Ways to Claim Them” Conference Held
Afyon Kocatepe University (AKU) Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS), Department of International Trade and Finance, organized a conference titled “Consumer Rights and Ways to Claim Them” as part of the Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The conference was attended by FEAS Dean Gökhan DEMİRTAŞ, Deputy Head of the Department of International Trade and Finance Assoc. Prof. Dr. Letife ÖZDEMİR, Afyonkarahisar Provincial Trade Director Mahmut YAYLA, Consumer Arbitration Board Reporter Hasibe MUT KABU, as well as academic staff and students.
In his opening speech, Mahmut Yayla noted that Consumer Arbitration Boards underwent restructuring in 2018 and that some local boards in certain districts were closed. He emphasized that the boards now operate only in provincial centers and densely populated districts.
“Price lists must be displayed at entrances of restaurants and cafes”
Yayla highlighted that Law No. 6502 on consumer protection encompasses more than just the Consumer Arbitration Boards, including 26 associated regulations. One of these is the Price Tag Regulation. According to changes effective January 1, restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments providing food and beverages are required to display price tags at their entrances, allowing customers to see prices before entering.
Yayla also underlined the law’s role in market inspection and supervision, stating: “Consumer Arbitration Boards operate like a court, and their decisions carry enforceable authority, significantly relieving the burden on consumer courts. Consumer courts act as a five-member panel in this context.”
“Knowledgeable consumers are empowered consumers”
Following the opening, Hasibe Mut Kabu, Consumer Arbitration Board Reporter, gave a presentation emphasizing that the knowledge gained in the conference is highly relevant to daily life. She explained: “Consumers are natural or legal persons who do not act for commercial or professional purposes. Those who make informed purchases according to their budget, research prices and quality, and understand their rights and the ways to claim them are considered conscious consumers.”
Kabu advised attendees on key practices for exercising consumer rights, including keeping relevant documents after receiving services, observing legal timeframes, and checking price tags.
“Beware of online scams”
Addressing online shopping, Kabu said: “Purchases made via phone or internet fall under distance sales agreements. Special attention must be paid to social media purchases. Always check that sales contracts include the MERSIS number at the bottom. Otherwise, the risk of fraud is high. Such crimes should be reported to cybercrime authorities. While in-store purchases do not provide a right of withdrawal, online purchases do allow withdrawal within 14 days. After this period, rights cannot be claimed. The right of withdrawal belongs to the consumer, and the burden of proof lies with the consumer.”
We extend our gratitude to Afyonkarahisar Provincial Trade Director Mahmut YAYLA and Consumer Arbitration Board Reporter Hasibe MUT KABU for their contributions to the conference.
We also thank FEAS Dean Gökhan DEMİRTAŞ, Deputy Head of the Department of International Trade and Finance Assoc. Dr. Letife ÖZDEMİR, academic staff, and students for their participation.
