State each element which the law/act covers. Explain using examples. Apply it to another unit.
Responsibilities Consumer responsibilities
The consumer is well protected by the laws/acts on the previous page, but they also have responsibilities when making decisions.
A responsibility means being accountable for your actions.
The consumer has a responsibility to protect themselves. These responsibilities include:
P. 94
Go to page 94 in the activity book to practise questions on the consumer laws.
Know It!
1. After-sales service 2. Pay agreed price 3. Ethical consumers 4. Agencies 5. Making a complaint
1. After-sales service: some products and services come with guarantees and warranties. A guarantee is a legal promise from the manufacturer to offer a refund, repair or replacement if the product purchased is faulty. A warranty is an additional promise to repair or replace a faulty product. It is offered by the seller (usually for a fee) and lasts longer than a guarantee. The consumer should be aware of the after-sales service.
2. Pay the agreed price: goods and services are often bought on credit (buy now, pay later). The consumer has the responsibility to pay the agreed price in full and on time.
3. Ethical consumer: a consumer has the responsibility to be ethical and know the effects of their consumption on the world around them. Being ethical means having a set of moral principles, knowing what is right and wrong. We will discuss this in more detail in the last section of this unit.
4. Agencies: a good consumer should be aware of the agencies which are there to help them and protect them.
5. Making a complaint: a consumer should know how to make a complaint (letter/email of complaint) and how to take a proper action.