Which scenario describes a consumer for the Distance Marketing Regulations?

• A. A company with an annual turnover of €2 million taking out car insurance for its fleet.
• B. A self-employed plumber taking out a Personal Pension Plan.
• C. A self-employed dentist taking out a loan to buy dental equipment.
• D. A charity investing in a lump sum investment bond.

Answer: (B)

Distance Marketing Regulations apply to the sale of financial services to a consumer who is purchasing at distance for personal use, i.e., a natural person acting outside their trade or business. The scenario with the self-employed plumber fits best because the Personal Pension Plan is a financial service pursued for his private retirement, not for his business activities. He is acting in a personal capacity, which makes him a consumer for the purposes of these rules, and the sale is typically conducted at distance (online or by phone).

The other scenarios involve business or organizational purchases: a company insuring its fleet is a business customer; a self-employed dentist taking out a loan to buy equipment is for business purposes; and a charity investing is not typically treated as a consumer in this context. Therefore, they do not fall under the consumer scope of the Distance Marketing Regulations.