The Bureau of Electronic and
Appliance Repair (BEAR) within the
California Department of Consumer
Affairs (DCA) strives to provide
business owners and the public with
practical, easy to understand information
off their Web site.
There has been criticism that
government Web sites are confusing,
with layer after layer of information,
making it almost impossible to navigate
through to the desired information.
If you are good with games you might
be successful in finding what you
want. Not the case with BEAR’s
Web site, at
http://www.bear.ca.gov/.
It’s an easy to use site that is
a
must to visit.
“Our Web site is one way we can
make it known that the Bureau of
Electronic and Appliance Repair
is dedicated to providing responsive
services to our registered repair
dealers while we also work to educate
and protect California consumers,”
said Bureau Chief Brian Stiger.
“We want to be tuned into the industry
so we can keep pace with the advancing
technology and evolving marketplace.”
The site gives a breakdown and summary
of the California Business and Professions
Code and the California Code of
Regulations that does not require
a law degree to understand.
The site includes information on
registration requirements for shops,
dealing with and selling service
contracts and extended warranties,
fee structures, and making clear
what deceptive advertising entails.
It’s important for businesses
to know the advertising do’s and
don’ts and the laws against deceptive
marketing. To help ensure
fair competition and consumer
protection, the Bureau is aggressively
cracking down on ads that contain
misleading statements and are in
violation of the law.
In addition to information on the
laws and regulations guiding the
electronic and appliance repair
industry, the BEAR Web site goes
into detail about how to apply for
the required registration as an
electronic and appliance repair
dealer.
The BEAR Web site also provides
a wealth of resources for consumers.
Just click on the “Consumer Information”
button for details on how to file
a complaint against a repair dealer,
how to check if the dealer is registered
with the state, and consumer guides
and tips for electronic repair,
appliance repair and product service
contracts.
And, don’t forget to check out
the “What’s New” section of the
BEAR Web site. For instance,
in the “Slow Delivery of Parts Letter
to Service Dealers" bulletin.
Chief Stiger explains his concerns
about service shops not getting
needed parts, manufacturers possibly
violating the law, and how this
has impacted repair dealers, who
are attempting to provide timely
product service and repairs for
their customers.
If you’re interested in broader
information on a variety of consumer
topics, helpful publications, and
licensing requirements for many
other businesses and professions
in California, visit the Department
of Consumer Affairs’ Web site at
http://www.dca.ca.gov/.
You can also contact the Bureau
by calling (916) 574-2069 or by
e-mail at
beartalk@dca.ca.gov.
Article comments and suggestions
can be e-mailed to Dale Chessey
at
dale_chessey@dca.ca.gov.
