Index
Consumer ProtectionOhio, USA

Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA)

Summary

The Ohio CSPA protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable acts by businesses before, during, or after a transaction. It heavily regulates things like car repairs and misleading advertisements.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    A business cannot make false claims about a product's benefits, quality, or newness.
  • 02.
    A repair shop (like a mechanic) MUST give you a written estimate if the repair will cost more than $50, and they cannot charge you more than 10% above that estimate without your explicit permission.
  • 03.
    A store must clearly post its return policy if it does not offer cash refunds for returned goods.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Consumers can sue a violating business for three times the amount of their actual damages (treble damages) or $200, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees.

Verified Citations

Ohio Revised Code Section 1345.02

Source
"No supplier shall commit an unfair or deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction. Such an unfair or deceptive act or practice by a supplier violates this section whether it occurs before, during, or after the transaction."