Consumer Rights

Caveat Emptor

 Let the buyer beware

 Consumer should be responsible about what he wants to buy, prices and quality

 Upto the consumer to chose wisely

Consumer Protection

 Sometimes impossible to know whether the product is will work properly or not

 At point of sale consumer are protected by law concerning some aspects of their purchases despite principal of caveat emptor

Consumer Rights

 United Nations Guidelines on Consumer Rights- 8 basic consumer rights that as consumers we are entitled to

 Rights are

 SAFETY

- products/services should not hidden safety hazards in natural use

- Fair Trading Act NSW has safety standards for particular types of products

- Unsafe products can be banned ( product faulty and can not be sold again) or recalled (all stock taken back repaired and then put on the shelves)

 INFORMATION

- information provided to customers must be accurate - consumer must be able to make an informed choice

- labeling/advertising must not be misleading

- Information required by law:

- Prices

- Capability of the product

- Content and weight of packages

- Care and size labeling on clothing

- Country of origin of product

- Safety instructions of use of the use of dangerous products

- Fiber content of soft goods like soft toys

- Date stamping

- Additive labeling of foods and drinks i.e. colouring

 CHOICE

- chose from a section of products

- but or refuse to buy goods o services

- to chose the seller they want to but from

- to be free from unreasonable pressure to buy

 RIGHT TO BE HEARD

- if small shop is difficult to be heard because no superiors

- if large company you can:

- talk to manger

- make bad publicity

- if concerning the law talk to Department of Fair Trading

- If government co operation then talk to OMBUD (representative from the government)

- Australian Consumers Association - group of consumers

 SATISFACTION OF BASIC NEEDS

- access to basic essential goods and services

- adequate food clothing shelter health care education and sanitation

 TO REDRESS

- Receive a fair settlement of just claims including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services

- Can ask for refund, replacement, repair

- Faulty goods

- Goods that are not fit for the purpose

- Foods that are different to the example or description given

- Services not carried out with due care or skill

 CONSUMER EDUCATION

- inform themselves on specifications, requirements, capabilities of product or service - part of consumer's responsibility

- understand any terms condition contracts legal documents they sign

- Before consumer buys should

- Think

- Is product necessary (avoid impulse buying)

- Can you afford it

- Compare

- Prices - shop around

- Read labels - content quality

- Check for hidden costs

- Read consumer information magazines

- Credit card charges and facilities

- When buying

- Inspect goods carefully in store if possible

- Ask question

- Check warranty

- Read fine print before signing

- If paid keep receipt

 TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

- live and work in healthy environment

- non-threatening to the wellbeing of present and future generations

Exercising Consumer Rights

 Passive Consumer

- Let others - sellers and other consumer to decide what they get and the standards of service they will get

 Assertive Consumer

- know their rights

- confident they are entitled to them

- not afraid to ask for their rights

- realize people who are prejudice to them are wrong

 Aggressive Consumer

- try to force their wishes onto sellers and other customers without considering the other people's rights

Seller Activities that reduce consumer's power

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