The Slovak Trade Inspection (SOI) is the supervisory authority for consumer protection. It inspects shops, service premises and online stores, and for e-shops the inspection is often carried out remotely, simply by reviewing the website, so the company only learns of it from a formal notice. The most commonly checked areas are the completeness of the seller's identification details, terms and conditions, information on the right to withdraw from the contract including the form, complaints procedure, information on alternative dispute resolution, the display of prices including original prices for discounts, and misleading or aggressive commercial practices. Deficiencies found lead to fines graded by severity and repetition. Final decisions are published, which has a reputational impact in addition to the sanction. Reviewing your own website against current information obligations once a year is therefore cheaper than waiting for a notice.
See also: E-shop terms and conditions, Unfair commercial practices, Alternative Dispute Resolution.
