Consumerism

Define the term consumerism

This is an organized movement of citizens and government to strengthen the rights and power of buyers in relation to sellers.

What is bulk buying?

This is buying in quantity. It saves time, fuel, and many save money.

In order to bulk buy, what should be available?

1. Sufficient storage space in the home for the food

2. The initial outlay of money

3. Transport to and from the shop.

Who is a consumer?

This is anyone who uses goods and services for the satisfaction of wants.

Define the term credit

This is the ability to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future.

What is a guarantee?

This is a formal assurance (typically in writing) that certain conditions will be fulfilled, especially that a product will be repaired or replaced if not of a specified quality.

What is a warranty?

This is a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser of an article by its manufacturer, promising to repair or replace it if necessary, within a specified period of time.

Define the term co-operative shopping

This refers to a group of persons coming together to do large-scale shopping.

Define the term comparative shopping

This is the process of comparing products or services to find the best buy. It involves visiting at least three different stores to gather information and ask questions concerning price, guarantee, service, delivery, and installation changes as well as the store’s reputation for satisfying customers.

Who is a green consumer?

This is a consumer who buys things that have been produced in a way that protects the natural environment/buys things that are environmentally friendly.

Define the term gross weight

This is the total weight of a shipment of goods, including their packaging such as crates, pallets etc.

Define the term net weight

This is the individual weight or mass of the goods themselves without any packaging.

Define the term impulse buying

This is the buying of products on the spur of the moment without advance planning.

Define the term unit price/cost price

This is a price for food stuff that tells you the cost per litre, kilogram, pound, etc, of what you want to buy.

What is the universal product code?

This is a barcode symbol that is widely used for tracking trade items in stores.

What is consumer protection?

This is the process of safeguarding buyers and the public from unfair marketplace practices, covering both consumer rights and responsibilities.

What are the food protection agencies?

1. Consumer Affair Division: is the agency responsible for protecting the consumer by promoting their rights and responsibilities. This is done through legislation, education, and sensitization, with the intention of improving and maintaining the relationship between producers and consumers.

2. Bureau of Standards: These are established under Standard acts in various territories to prepare, promote, and encourage the maintenance of standards for the improvement of goods and services, processes, and practices either produced or used in the territory.
   

3. Weight and Measurement Division: This promotes uniformity in weights and measures law, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace.

What are the rights of a consumer?

• Basic goods and services such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation.

• Safety, which means the right to be protected against products and production processes which are hazardous to health or life.

• To be informed of the facts about products and services so that we can be empowered to make wise and responsible decisions.

• To choose goods and services

• To be heard

• To redress, meaning the right to a fair settlement of just claims.

• Consumer education.

• A healthy environment.

What are the responsibilities of a consumer?

1. To be alert about seeking information about the use of and the price and quality of goods and services.

2. To be assertive and to take action to ensure a fair deal.

3. To be aware of the impact of our consumption on other citizen, especially disadvantages of powerless groups.

4. To be environmentally aware; recognizing our individual and social responsibilities to conserve.

5. To organize together to develop the strength and influence that comes through solidarity, to protect our interests.

What are the points to consider when choosing to shop at a food establishment?

1. A high standard of hygiene – relating to the food and the salesperson.

2. Rotation of goods, so that old stocks are sold first.

3. Efficient, helpful, knowledgeable service.

4. A wide range of goods, in both range and size of products available.

5. Competitive prices.

What is a food budget?

This is a plan that estimates grocery spending after other expenses are deducted from income, helping consumers stay organized, disciplined, and avoid overspending.

What are the guidelines for preparing a food budget?

1. Plan the weekly shopping before going out and stick to the plan as best as possible.

2. Look for competitive prices, especially offers, and multi-buy savings.

3. Look for good quality food that is good value for money. Some retailers have an economy range of essential food items sold in simple packaging. These are cheap but the quality of the ingredients may not be so high.

4. Buy only the amounts that are required for particular meals, unless the extra food is to be used up on another occasion.

5. Compare prices per unit weight, volume, portions, or packs to get the best value.