Question

An alert consumer is a safe consumer. Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer 1

A consumer should be aware of his rights and should discharge his responsibilities like a good citizen. Thus, when he is alert, he is always safe. To show his alertness, he must perform the following responsibilities:

1. Quality Conscious: He must be quality conscious so that the problems of adulteration, defective goods, and spurious goods are eradicated.
2. Not to be Misled by False Advertisements: Sometimes, advertisements are fraudulent or exaggerate facts. The consumers should not be misled by such fraudulent advertisements.
3. Obtain Cash Memo: A consumer should insist on obtaining a cash memo while buying goods and services. It is the proof of purchase and is required for lodging a complaint against the seller.

Answer 2

When we, as consumers, become aware of our rights when purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make sound decisions. This necessitates obtaining the knowledge and skills required to be a well-informed customer.

1. Consumers should consider the product's quality, the marked price, and the guarantee or warranty duration when acquiring items.
2. Consumers should prefer to acquire standardised products that carry ISI or Agmark.
3. A consumer should request a cash memo and a warranty card.
4. Consumers must be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
5. Consumers should establish consumer awareness organisations so that they can represent them on various committees set up by the government and other authorities to address consumer issues.
6. He should understand how to proceed if he is cheated.