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Thankfully the vast majority of consumers never have to get to grips with the meaning of the phrase "Terms and conditions apply" . The closest encounter is generally in radio adverts where this disclaimer is tacked on to the end of the advert in a very hurried voice. Often the phrase is trivialised by adding humorous comments or funny voices. The purpose of the disclaimer however is more serious and it puts the onus on the consumer to find out what these terms and conditions are.
However for the consumer this is not all as bad as it might seem. Firstly the phrase "Terms and conditions apply" is a two edged sword since it is equally binding on the advertiser. They cannot rely on the terms of the contract if they are in breach of their contract obligations.
Secondly, no matter what the terms and conditions say, the law implies certain conditions in consumer contracts. For instance it is implied in every consumer contract for the sale of goods that the goods will be of satisfactory quality and that they are fit for their normal purpose.
Thirdly, there are certain terms and conditions which are designated in law as "unfair terms" and these terms are simply not enforceable. An unfair term is one that can cause a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations, to the detriment of the consumer. An example of this is a term which gives the supplier of goods or services the right to unilaterally change the terms of the contract.
Finally there is a rule of construction known as the " Contra Proferentem" rule sometimes used by the courts to resolve ambiguities in contracts. This rule interprets an ambiguity against the party who drafted the contract. Since consumers do not draft trade contracts, this means in effect that the ambiguity would generally be interpreted in favour of the consumer.
So when you next hear the speeded-up voice telling you that "Terms and conditions apply" remember that if they are unfair terms they probably don't apply, and even if they are not unfair, the law is inclined to interpret them in favour of the consumer.
What else can I help you with?
What does the term other hearing mean in court?
what does the term "other hearing" mean in the court of law
What does failure to thrive really mean?
Failure to thrive means that one or a group of people or things cannot live. This term is often applied to species in nature who are going extinct due to changing conditions.
What does the slang term chicken mean?
It can either mean that someone is a coward, or it can be a gay term for a very young gay man.
What does unwieldy mean?
The term "unwieldy" means being difficult or impossible to use or handle. The verb to wield originally meant using a sword or other weapon. The term is more likely today to apply to a tool or application that is ill-suited to the use or job to be performed.Example : "Bill complained that the permit process was unwieldy and slow."
What does the term xiphiod mean?
swordlike
What medical conditions can the term apoplexy apply to?
Apoplexy is an archaic (no longer used) term for a cerebral hemorrhage or a stroke.
T and C's apply-what does this mean?
This actually means, "Terms & Conditions" - as in a contractual agreement.
What does tolerance mean in scientific term?
Ability to survive and reproduce under conditions that differ from their optimal conditions
What does the term xiphoid mean literally and to what sternal feature does it apply?
sward-shaped, to the xiphoid process
What do we mean by climate?
Climate is the term for an area's general temperature and weather conditions.
What does formosis mean in medical terms?
In medical terms, "formosis" refers to the abnormal formation or development of tissues or organs. It is often used to describe conditions where there is an atypical or defective morphogenesis, leading to structural anomalies. The term can apply to various aspects of development, including physical abnormalities in congenital conditions.
What is the term to apply formatting that appears only when the value in a cell meets conditions that you specify?
Conditional Formatting
If some one does not like men or women what are they called?
If you mean not feeling sexual attraction to men or women then the term that may apply is asexual. This term would only apply if that person does not feel a sexual attraction to anything.
What does the chemistry term 'native' mean?
In chemistry, the term "native" typically refers to a substance in its natural, unmodified state or form. For example, "native proteins" are those that are found in living organisms and have not been denatured or altered by external conditions. The term can also apply to minerals or compounds that occur naturally in the environment, as opposed to those that are synthetically created or modified.
What does term adaptation mean?
To adjust oneself to different conditions, to suit a new or different purpose
What does malcontent mean?
"Malcontent" refers to a person who is dissatisfied or discontented with the prevailing conditions, often expressing grievances or dissent. This term can apply to individuals or groups who are unhappy with their circumstances, typically in a political or social context. Malcontents often seek change and may be vocal about their dissatisfaction.
What do altered mean?
The term "altered" refers to something that has been changed or modified in some way. This can apply to physical objects, conditions, or even ideas and perceptions. Alteration can occur intentionally or unintentionally, and it often implies a transformation that affects the original state or characteristics of the subject in question.
