Common causes include employee negligence, inadequate oversight, and poor marketing strategies. To prevent this, companies should engage specialized legal firms to ensure compliance with commercial laws. Comprehensive, scenario-based employee training on consumer protection laws and ethical decision-making is critical, alongside periodic updates to align with evolving regulations.
Robust internal oversight mechanisms, including compliance departments and audits, help systematically monitor operations. Advertising must be transparent, accurate, and avoid misleading claims about product quality, stock availability, or pricing. Companies should respect consumer autonomy by rejecting high-pressure sales tactics and ensuring upfront disclosure of costs, terms, and after-sales conditions.
Building a culture of responsibility and ethics, rather than merely adhering to legal minimums, fosters long-term consumer trust. Collaboration with regulatory bodies and consumer groups keeps companies informed about legal developments. Proactive measures not only mitigate penalties but also strengthen competitive advantage through ethical branding. Ultimately, businesses must view consumers as partners deserving fairness, not just revenue sources.
The full overview prepared by Bogdan Šarović, Associate at JPM Skopje Office, can be found here.
