1Y: Consumers Flashcards
Who is the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)?
Protects consumers by resolving complaints about energy companies which supply Electricity, Gas and Water.
Common complaints include:
- Delays in getting connected.
- Faulty meters.
- Excessive connection costs.
Consumers must make their complaints to the relevant company first.
What are the 3 parts of a valid contract?
- An offer is made - you offer to buy the goods.
- There is an acceptance of that offer by the shop owner.
- There is consideration - money is paid.
What are the Main Functions of the CCPC?
- Promote and Protect the interests of Consumers.
- Enforce Competition and Consumer Laws.
- Encourage Retailers to comply with Consumer Laws.
- Investigate suspected offences.
- Refer cases to DPP - Director of Public Prosecutions.
What is Comreg (Commission for Communications Regulation)?
Protects consumers of Communications Businesses - home phone providers, mobile phone providers, broadband providers, An Post.
Highlights trends in consumer complaints and highlights any persistent problems with the relevant providers.
Consumers must make a complaint to the relevant provider first.
What was the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980? (7)
- Goods sold must be of merchantable quality, and not break after a short time
- Goods must be fit for the purpose intended, and do what they are supposed to do.
- Goods must be as described by the packaging or salesperson.
- If goods are sold by sample, they must match the sample.
- Suppliers of services must have the necessary qualifications.
- That services must be provided using proper care and attention.
- The part used during a service are of merchantable quality.
What is a Warranty?
A warranty is an additional promise to repair or replace a faulty product. It is offered by the seller, usually for a fee, and it lasts longer than a guarantee.
What was the Cosumer Protection Act 2007? (4 Elements)
Element 1 deals with misleading claims regarding goods, services and prices.
Element 2 deals with EU directives on unfair, misleading or agressive commercial practices.
Element 3 deals with EU directives regarding Pyramid Schemes.
Element 4 deals with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
What is a Guarantee?
A guarantee is a legal promise from the manufacturer to offer a refund, repair or replacement if the product you purchased was faulty.
Who are the ASA (Advertsising Standards Authority)?
- Promotes better standards of advertising.
- Ensures advertisements are decent and fair.
- Investigate complaints from public about untruthful ads.
What are Trade Associations?
Most retailers and suppliers of services are members of Trade Associations that set standards.
- ITAA - Irish Travel Agents Associations
- SIMI - Society of Irish Motor Industry
What is a contract?
A contract is a legally binding agreement between 2 parties, the consumer and the seller.
What 5 things would you find on a label?
- The Name of the Product.
- The Ingredients - listed in descending order.
- The Net Quantity or Weight.
- The Best Before, Sell By or Use by Date.
- The Storage Conditions.
What is a Receipt and what 5 bits of information should it contain?
A receipt is written proof that an amount of money has been paid.
It should show:
- The Date
- The Amount Paid
- Name of person who paid the money
- Name/signature of person who received the money
- The receipt number
Who is the Office of the Om-buds-man?
Responsible for investigating complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public body, such as:
- Goverment Departments
- Local Authorities - County Councils
- The Health Service Executive
- Publicly Funded Colleges and 3rd Level Institutions
- Private and Public Nursing Homes
What are the Consumer Responsibilities? (6)
- Behave wisely when buying goods or services.
- Avoid impluse buying and false economies.
- Shop around for the best value.
- Know their legal rights.
- Use products carefully to avoid damaging them.
- Dispose of packaging responsibly/recycle.
