In recent years, the rapid growth of agency shopping platforms (such as Daigou) and e-commerce platforms has transformed the retail landscape. While these platforms offer consumers convenience and access to a wide range of products, they also present challenges in terms of consumer protection. This article explores the practice and issues surrounding the implementation of consumer protection laws in these platforms.
Agency shopping platforms, where individuals or businesses purchase goods from overseas markets on behalf of consumers, often operate in a regulatory gray area. Key issues include:
E-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay, generally have more robust systems in place for consumer protection. However, challenges remain:
Both agency shopping and e-commerce platforms face challenges in implementing consumer protection laws, but the nature of these issues differs. Agency shopping platforms often lack formal regulatory oversight, while e-commerce platforms, despite having more structured systems, struggle with enforcement and scalability.
As agency shopping and e-commerce platforms continue to grow, the need for effective consumer protection measures becomes increasingly important. By addressing the current gaps and challenges, stakeholders can create a safer and more transparent shopping environment for consumers worldwide.