More than 140 complaint counters have been set up at local firms and department stores to help settle disputes between customers and businesses in response to a call from consumer rights watchdogs, said Liu Fei, director of the Shenzhen Consumer Council.

"We help train their staff members, with at least two required for each counter, and carry out regular inspections to see that they function well," the official said Thursday morning during a public reception held in Huaqiangbei to mark World Consumer Rights Day.

The complaint counters at shopping centers can solve the majority of problems on the spot, such as helping consumers get a refund for substandard goods purchased previously.

"People need to be aware of their rights and learn to safeguard their rights when paying for goods and services. They should ask for a receipt and keep it in case they need a refund. When they send goods for repairs during the guarantee period, they can demand the goods be fixed within a month if no further agreement is reached with the store," he said.

The consumer council and its branches at district level received nearly 15,000 complaints last year, of which 99 percent were solved.

Though the number of complaints has been decreasing, the amount of money involved has risen.

"Complaints are focusing on the quality and price of vehicles, apartments, computers and mobile phones. Another fast-growing source of complaints is public services like transport, water, electricity and telecoms," Liu said.

Consumers who cannot get their disputes settled at the counters can dial 12315 or 12358 to lodge their complaint, where 40 operators receive calls between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on workdays.

The city's consumer rights body also has 15 volunteer lawyers offering free legal advice if disputes cannot be solved and consumers want to go to court.

"We can also help present disputes to other governmental departments, which are required to respond within 15 working days," he said.

Yuan Zuoxin, vice chief of the Shenzhen Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce, was among more than 20 staff members who offered advice at Thursday's reception.

"After 20 years of development, consumer councils nationwide have grown more powerful, with more people realizing their rights and safeguarding their rights. Keeping the market in good order and protecting the rights of consumers is a long-term job, not just for March 15," the official said.

Editor: Yan