- A Consumer is someone who buys a good or service for their own use.
It is important for a consumer to have their rights while shopping as well as their responsibilities.
Consumer Rights
1. The right to honest and truthful information
- It is illegal for a manufacturer or retailer to give false or misleading information about a product.
2. The right to choose
- Being able to choose the goods and services you want is an important right.
3. The right to value for money
- All products on sale must be of merchantable quality.
- This means that they must be of a certain standard and be fit for the purpose for which they are intended.
4. The right to safety
- All consumers have a right to know that a product will not be harmful to their health, or put their lives at risk.
- Safety laws protect the consumer.
5. The right to redress
- If you buy a product that proves to be faulty, you have a right to complain.
- You may be entitled to your money back or a replacement.
- If a service you use has not been carried out to your satisfaction, you have a right to complain to the supplier of that service.
Consumer Responsibilities
1. Compare Prices
- This means that a good consumer will shop around at different stores to compare price and quality.
2. Avoid Impulse Buying
- This means that a good consumer will plan out what they will buy and avoid buying on an impulse
3. Follow Instructions
- This means that a good consumer will follow the exact instructions on the product, know what the danger symbols mean and won't give it to children if not suitable.
4. Complain to the Manufacturers
- This means that a good consumer will complain or inform the manufacturer if a good is faulty or not of Merchantable Quality.
5. Know and understand the Consumer laws
- This means that a consumer has to know the laws and be able to use this information correctly and wisely if ever needed.