Consumer
Define Consumer
A consumer is a person who buys goods and services for use.
Goods may include consumable goods (like wheat flour, salt, sugar, fruits, etc.) or durable consumer goods (like television, refrigerator, toaster, mixer, bicycle, etc.).
Services that we use may include electricity, telephone, transport service, hotels, theatres etc.
Explain the following responsibilities consumers.
1. Proof of transaction
2. Proper use of products/ services
1. Proof of transaction- The consumer should keep the documents related to the purchase of any consumer durable ( example refrigerator, TV, AC , microwave etc). The consumer should get a cash memo from the dealer when he buys a product. This is required in case the consumer needs to file a complaint later. Also, consumer durable goods normally have a warranty card issued by a dealer. This card gives the consumer the right to get the consumer durable repaired or parts replaced free of cost within a certain period of purchase.
2. Proper use of products/ services- During the warranty period, some consumers use the product roughly thinking that it will be replaced by the manufacturer during this period. This is not fair . The consumer should use the product gently and properly.
Consumers have the right to be protected against any danger arising from the product. Which right ensures this?
Consumer have the right to be protected against any danger arising from the product is ensured by right to safety under the Consumers Protection Act, 1986
According to this act, consumers have a right to complain against marketing of goods which are harmful to health and life.
Explain the following rights of consumers.
1. Right to be informed
2. Right to be heard
3. Right to safety
4. Right to choose
Answer
1. Right to be informed - The consumer has the right to be informed about the quality of goods.
2. Right to be heard - consumer has a right to be heard by the seller about his opinion. He has a right to be consulted by government and public bodies when policies are made.
3. Right to safety- Consumer has a right to protect himself against goods which are harmful to health.
4. Right to choose- Consumer has a right to choose goods from a variety of similar goods.
Distinguish between a consumer of goods and consumer of service.
Answer- Consumer of goods is anybody who buys wheat, sugar, flour, television, refrigerator, car etc. Consumer of service is anyone who uses services like electricity, telephone, transport etc. Consumer goods are tangible, consumer services are intangible. You can own your goods but you cannot own a service.
5) What do you mean by Consumerism? Explain the following responsibilities of a consumer.
1. Responsibility of self
2. Proper claim
Answer- Consumerism is a movement by consumers to ensure fair and honest ( ethical) practises on the part of the manufacturers, traders, dealers and service providers. The movement will be successful if consumers are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The two responsibilities of a consumer are:
1. Responsibility of self help- A consumer should not depend on the seller for information . He should keep himself informed about products and services
2. Proper claim- While making complaints and claiming compensation, the consumer should not make unreasonably high claims.
Identify and explain the “Rights of Consumers” that arise in the given situation below:
Rita purchased an ISI marked electric juicer for Rs 3000. After a few days, it started giving shocks. Rita approached the shopkeeper who refused to entertain the complaint of Rita.
Answer a) Right to safety: Rita has a right to complain against the electric juicer which is harmful to her health and life.
b) Right to seek redressal: Rita has the right to seek remedies as she has a complaint. She has a right to get a defective product replaced or money refunded by the shopkeeper.
c) Right to be heard: Government should consult with consumers when policies are made. Manufacturers, dealers and advertisers should hear consumers' opinions .
A consumer has a right to complain about a product or service in a court of law. In this case Rita can approach the consumer court.
Identify and explain the “Right of Consumers” that arise in the given situation.
A consumer association decided to publish a journal in the name of : Upbhokta Jagriti” as part of their activities.
Right to consumer education : Consumers should be educated about :-
a) relevant laws
b) the ways in which producers may try to deceive consumers
c) how consumers can protect their interests and
d) the procedure the consumer needs to follow in case he wants to make a complaint against a producer or service provider.