Book excerpt: The recent introduction of the Consumer Protection Act revolutionised consumer rights in South Africa. It also fundamentally altered the way in which businesses are required to treat their clients, imposing a new set of obligations - or at least a formalised set of responsibilities - that had been easily circumnavigated or simply ignored before. Marketing campaigns, returns policies, terms and conditions, quality issues, and a host of business practices had to be reviewed and reappraised. Some businesses have done this, while many blithely continue as if nothing has changed, little appreciating the risks of non-compliance and - perhaps more importantly - failing to appreciate that treating consumers fairly is simply a sound business practice. This new work provides a comprehensive overview of consumer law - not just the Act - in a way that follows the typical structure of consumer transactions. It serves to guide, educate and enlighten the professional, the business person and the consumer alike. No business or professional adviser should be without it. Written by a leading specialist in the field, it is simple, clear, comprehensive, authoritative and accessible.