The ABCs of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (“OCSPA”) : A Simple Guide for Business Owners

If you sell any goods or services in the State of Ohio, your business likely falls under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (OCSPA)—a foundational law that governs consumer transactions.

But don’t panic. While compliance with the OCSPA may sound like a legal headache, understanding its basic principles is not only manageable, it’s essential for maintaining a trusted, legally compliant business. It also protects you from legal disputes and builds long-term customer loyalty.

Let’s break it down into something easy to remember: the ABCs (and an S and P!) of the OCSPA.

What is the OCSPA?

The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, found in Ohio Revised Code § 1345.01–1345.99, regulates the relationship between consumers and businesses in Ohio. It prohibits deceptive and unconscionable business practices and empowers the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to investigate and enforce violations.

The OCSPA prohibits two categories of commercial conduct:

Deceptive Acts or Practices

‍These involve any conduct that misleads or confuses the consumer—even unintentionally. Common violations include:

• False advertising about features, pricing, or benefits
• Misrepresenting product quality, condition, or performance
  Omitting key facts, such as known defects
• Bait-and-switch tactics, where one product is advertised but a different one is sold

Key takeaway

‍Always provide accurate, transparent, and complete information in your marketing, contracts, and communications.

Unconscionable Acts or Practices

‍These occur when a business takes advantage of a consumer’s vulnerability. Examples include:

• Targeting those with limited language skills, literacy, or understanding
• Charging prices wildly disproportionate to value
• Hard-selling or pressuring consumers into purchases
• Including harsh or confusing contract terms that consumers don’t reasonably understand

Bottom line

‍Fairness and equity in every transaction are required—not just recommended.

Whether you recently started your business or have been running a company for decades, you know that complying with the laws, rules, and regulations can be a dizzying experience filled with legal jargon, acronyms, and sometimes big headaches. Lucky for you, I’m here to break it down.

Think of the OCSPA as the ABCs of being a diligent business owner.

A is for Always Be Honest

Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to OCSPA compliance. You can’t trick people, like or inflate the truth to make someone buy something. Always make sure that what you say or advertise about your products or services is 100% true and clear.

B is for Being Fair

Fairness is the name of the game when it comes to your consumers. This means you have to be clear about what something costs, what exactly you are selling, and whether you have any special rules (like all sales are final). The OCSPA imparts an obligation of fairness on business owners so everything is up front for consumers with no surprises.

C is for Clear Communication

Compliance with the OCSPA requires clear consumer communications. This means keeping things simple and explaining them in a way that makes sure your customers will understand. Don’t hide any important information or make things more confusing than they need to be. The clearer you communicate, the easier it will be for customers to want to buy your goods or utilize your services.

 S is for Solving Problems

Sometimes things go wrong, even for the most diligent business owner. If a product breaks or a customer is unhappy, the OCSPA provides a reminder that it’s important to come up with an internal framework for resolving customer complaints and product issues. This might mean offering a refund, fixing something, or performing an exchange. Helping consumers when things go wrong not only complies with the OCSPA but also makes you a trustworthy partner worthy of repeat customers.

P is for Protecting Everyone

The most important part of the OCSPA for business owners is that it helps to protect everyone, consumers and business owners. Complying with the OCSPA helps you build trust with your customers, ensuring repeat business. It also helps you avoid huge, costly problems down the road, including litigation.

Following the ABCs of the OSCPA isn’t only a legal obligation, it’s just good business!

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just Law—It’s Smart Business

Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned owner, the OCSPA is your guidepost for ethical, transparent, and legal operations. Think of it as the rulebook for long-term business success in Ohio.

If you want to dive deeper into the OCSPA and its enforcement, you can also explore these helpful links:

•  Ohio Attorney General: What Business Owners Need to Know About the OCSPA (PDF Guide)
•  Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345 – Full Text

Ready to Review Your Business Practices?

At ALH Law Group,, we help Ohio businesses navigate the OCSPA with confidence. From reviewing your sales contracts to training your team, we’re here to help you avoid costly missteps and build a stronger customer experience.

Contact us today for an OCSPA compliance check-up or a business consultation tailored to your industry.