Consumer Studies

These flashcards are mostly only applicanle to Ireland!

Consumer

Anyone who buys or uses a good or service

Goods

Items that can be bought or sold, eg hairbrush, food, clothes

Service

Any activity that someone does for someone else, usually for money. Can be paid for by taxation or by consumers.

Need

Something you cannot do without, eg shelter, food, water

Want

Something you'd like to have.

Impulse buying

Byying something in the spur of the moment without giving it much consideration

Right to redress

Right to a refund, replacement or repair if a good is faulty or unsatisfactory. If a service has not been satisfactory then you can complain to the service provider.

The right to honest and truthful information

It is illegal for a manufacturer or retailer to provide the consumer with false or misleading information. Consumers need accurate information when shopping.

The right to choose

Being able to choose goods and services that you want is important. Companies compete with eachother to provide goods and services. This forces companies to raise their standards while keeping prices low.

The right to value for money

All products must be of merchantable quality-> be of a certain standard and be fit for their intended purpose.

The right to safety

We have a right to know that a product will not be harmful and will be safe for use. Certain products carry warnings. Safety laws also protect the consumer eg children's costumes must be flame resistant.

Consumer responsibilities

•To use resources carefully
•To know your rights
•To keep receipts and guarantees safely
•To read and follow manufacturer's instructions
•To complain if you feel your rights have been violated.

A resource

Anything that can be used to complete a task, eg time, money, information, skills.

Sources of consumer information

Internet, salespeople, pamphlets, word of mouth, advertisements, Radio and TV ads, organisations, citizen information groups.

Consumer Protection Act 2007

Consumers are protected against false or misleading information by claims on goods or services.

Goods claims

•Made in Ireland
•100% cotton
•No artificial colours or flavourings

Service claims

•1-hour photos
•24-hour shops
•Worldwide delivery

Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980

Goods must be of merchantable quality, be fit for purpose, as
described on a label and correspond with samples shown.

Guarantee

A contract between the manufacturer and consumer stating that the product you buy will be satisfactory for a specific amount of time.

Credit note

A note given to a consumer by the retailer for goods returned. The note will state the value of goods owed to the consumer.

Small claims court

Used to deal with complaints less than €2000
No solicitor required
$25 fee.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commissions (CCPC)

Ensures laws to protect the consumer. Informs public of rights. Endorses public safety regulations. Runs a consumer helpline. A statutory organisation.

Office of the Ombudsman

Investigates complaints made by the public against public bodies, eg HSE, An Post. A statutory organisation.

Consumers' Association of Ireland

Protects interests of consumers. Advises public on consumer issues, eg food safety. Publishes consumer choice. Lobbies government to improve consumer laws. A non-statutory organisation.

Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI)

Monitors advertising. Promotes honesty, truthfulness and decency in adverts. Ads must conform to law. Investigates complaints made by the public about ads' standards. A non-statutory organisation.

Quality control

During production, the standards of goods are carefully monitored to ensure the products are safe and fit for purpose. If consumers complain whenever a service is unsatisfactory, it will be improved.

Products of good quality

•Functional
•Attractive
•Safe
•Hardwearing
•Welldesigned

Services of good quality

•Value for money
•Punctual and reliable
•Courtesy and appreciation of business
•High levels of hygiene and safety.