Being a good consumer means knowing your legal rights, and also being responsible when shopping. This includes responsibilities like:
1. Thinking Before You Buy
Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase meaning ‘let the buyer beware’. Consumers should make sure to read the small print and fully understand the terms and conditions before agreeing to a contract.
2. Shop Around Consumers should not buy the first thing they see. They are responsible for comparing prices, reading reviews and looking for the best value available.
3. Keep Receipts
A receipt is a consumer’s proof of purchase. It should be kept safe, as without it, the consumer will find it harder to make a complaint or seek redress if something goes wrong with a good.
4. Be Honest If you damage something yourself, you are not entitled to a refund or repair under consumer law. Consumers have a responsibility to not make false claims.
5. Be an Ethical Consumer
The choices you make as a consumer affect others. For example, buying Fairtrade products ensures a good standard of living for the farmers who produce them.
Extra Responsibilities When Shopping Online
1. Check the website is secure - Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and make sure the web address begins with ‘https’. This shows the site is more trustworthy and your personal data is more likely to be protected.
2. Use secure payment methods - Use trusted payment options such as PayPal or a credit card rather than transferring money directly to a seller.
3. Check the full price- Make sure you know the total cost before you buy, including delivery charges and any extra fees. What looks cheap can become expensive when extras are added.
4. Read reviews - Check what other customers have said about the product and the seller to verify that they are trustworthy before you make a purchase.
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CHAPTER 7: rights and responsibilities of consumers