Research on Consumer Rights Protection in Prepaid Consumption

Abstract

Prepaid consumption is widely adopted in industries such as catering, fitness, and beauty services. While offering convenience, it places consumers at a disadvantage due to information asymmetry, making their rights to fund security, autonomous choice, and informed consent vulnerable to infringement. This paper focuses on consumer rights protection in prepaid consumption, drawing on domestic and international theoretical insights and practical experience to propose three recommendations: First, refine the relevant legal framework by clarifying the legal status of prepaid consumption contracts and strengthening the consumer rights protection system; Second, establish a comprehensive regulatory mechanism covering market entry systems, model contract templates, fund security safeguards, and credit-based oversight. Third, optimize redress channels by expanding the scope of burden of proof reversal and refining punitive damages systems. These measures aim to foster a fairer, more transparent, and secure consumer environment, effectively safeguarding legitimate consumer rights.