Question from a reader:
I am really troubled by the persistent solicitation for mineral water and water servers at Aeon Mall and Don Quijote. Given this abnormal heat, it’s natural to want to drink cold water, but it’s hard to deal with the unpleasant looks I get when I have no intention of buying. Perhaps they are desperate due to sales
quotas. What should I do?
Introduction
Recently, the solicitation for mineral water and water servers at Aeon Mall and Don Quijote has been increasingly scrutinized. Especially during this unusual heat, it’s a natural reaction for consumers seeking cold water to feel that the solicitation is persistent. In light of this situation, I would like to analyze it from legal perspectives, psychological aspects, ethical considerations, and industry regulations, and consider how to address it.
Legal Background
Solicitation activities involve several legal aspects. In particular, consumer protection laws and the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions set regulations regarding sales activities conducted by businesses towards consumers. Specifically, the following points are important.
Act on Specified Commercial Transactions and Its Application
The Act on Specified Commercial Transactions aims to protect consumers from unfair solicitation and transactions. This law applies to businesses that engage in direct sales to consumers, such as door-to-door sales, mail-order sales, and telephone solicitation sales. When solicitation is persistent, businesses have an obligation to respect the consumer’s expressed intention of “not purchasing.” Additionally, if a business engages in excessive solicitation towards consumers, the consumers can sue for that act as an unlawful act.
Privacy Rights and Personal Information Protection
Furthermore, attention is needed from the perspective of privacy rights. If personal information collected for solicitation is used inappropriately, it may infringe on the consumer’s privacy. Under the Personal Information Protection Act, businesses must manage personal information appropriately and must not provide it to third parties without consent.
Analysis of Psychological Aspects
Next, I would like to consider solicitation activities from a psychological perspective. In particular, it is important to understand the psychological state of consumers and the psychological approaches used by solicitors.
Consumer Psychology
Solicitation in a situation where consumers are seeking cold water can satisfy their needs while also making them feel excessive pressure. In such situations, consumers may feel that “refusing is bad,” leading them to feel compelled to make a purchase. This psychological pressure can be uncomfortable for consumers and can be a source of stress.
Solicitor Psychology
On the other hand, solicitors are often conscious of their sales quotas and performance. This can lead to excessive solicitation, creating an unpleasant impression on consumers. Solicitors acting to meet quotas may become overly sensitive to consumer reactions, resulting in counterproductive outcomes. Such situations can create unnecessary friction between both parties.
Ethical Considerations and Industry Responsibility
Building on the analysis of legal regulations and psychological impacts, I would like to consider solicitation activities from an ethical perspective. In particular, corporate social responsibility and consideration for consumers are crucial.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Companies have a responsibility to provide their products and services appropriately to consumers. Excessive solicitation can damage the trust relationship with consumers and negatively impact brand image in the long term. For example, a well-known water server company lost consumer trust and reduced market share due to overly aggressive solicitation.
Ethical Framework
Companies that prioritize relationships with consumers should adopt an ethical framework. For instance, it is important to conduct internal training to prevent excessive solicitation and to provide appropriate information to consumers. Specifically, companies that advocate “customer-first principles” and thoroughly consider consumers can gain trust and secure long-term benefits.
Industry Regulations and Practical Advice
It is also important to touch upon the regulations and initiatives within the industry as a whole. Let’s consider what measures are necessary to facilitate the relationship between consumers and businesses.
Industry Regulations and Guidelines
In the water server industry, guidelines have been established to promote consideration for consumers. These include standards to avoid excessive solicitation and accurate information provision during solicitation. By adhering to these regulations, businesses can provide a better consumer experience.
Practical Advice
To help consumers effectively deal with solicitation, the following specific advice can be useful: 1. Clearly refuse: By clearly expressing your intention, you can reduce solicitation. 2. Respond calmly: It is important to engage with solicitors calmly without becoming emotional. 3. Record actions: If persistent solicitation continues, keep a record of dates and details, and consult with consumer centers if necessary.
Conclusion
Feeling that the solicitation for mineral water and water servers at Aeon Mall and Don Quijote is persistent involves various factors from legal, psychological, and ethical perspectives. As consumers, it is important to understand our rights and respond appropriately. Additionally, companies are expected to have ethical considerations and build trust with consumers. By understanding such a complex situation, both consumers and businesses can build better relationships. I encourage everyone to share their opinions and experiences. Your voice could contribute to the realization of a better society.
