Consumer: Someone who buys goods and services for their own use.
Impulse buying: Buying something on the spur of the moment without thinking of the consequences.
False economy: This is buying goods or services that seem to be good value but turn out more expensive in the long run. For example, a chocolate bar is on sale for €1 each
and a pack of three is €3.50.
Bar code: A series of lines and numbers, which identifies where the product was made, the organisation and the cost.
Redress: A remedy or compensation. There are three forms of redress: refund, replacement or repair.
Guarantee: A legal promise from the manufacturer to offer a refund or repair or replacement if the product purchased is faulty.
Warranty: 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.
Ombudsman: Hears and investigates complaints made by private individuals against public bodies or offices.
Trade association: An organisation that represents all the businesses that sell a particular type of product or service.
Ethical: Having a set of moral principles, having a sense of what is right and wrong.
Sustainability: Having a balanced approach to economic activity by taking the environment into consideration.
Globalisation: The world is shrinking and the economies and societies of the world have merged into one economy and society.