Being An Effective Consumer Flashcards
What are some barriers to being an effective consumer?
Access.
Age.
Ethnicity.
Resources.
Knowledge.
Why could access be a barrier?
Example
They might have physical barriers with mobility,sight,hearing.
They are unable to access the goods and service they want or need.
A visual impairment may struggle to read the fine print on a food label.
Why could age be a barrier?
Example
This can be linked to judgments about a consumer’s knowledge,confidence and experience.
It may be perceived that an adolescent is a less effective consumer than an adult due to lack of knowledge or experience of consumer issues.
Why could ethnicity be a barrier?
Language barriers and cultural differences can affect someone’s ability to understand their rights and responsibilities as a consumer.
Access to vital information for consumers to be effective may be more challenging and this should be made available in a range of languages and formats.
Why could knowledge be a barrier?
Example
A consumer’s level of knowledge,numeracy and literacy will have an impact on their capacity to be an effective consumer.
Someone who has competent literacy skills will be able to effectively complain in writing.
Why could resources be a barrier?
Example
An extensive range of resources affect a consumer’s ability to be effective,including where they live,the time and money they have available and how they prioritise these.
Consumers whose main priority is time may be less willing to compare prices and will shop wherever is most convenient to them,regardless of cost.
What are 2 advantages of independent grocery shops?
Offer personal and friendly service.
May offer artisan, locally produced results.
Often sell things in small quantities,helping consumers to save money and reduce waste.
Usually in residential areas or town centres for ease of access.
What are 2 disadvantages of independent grocery shops?
May be more expensive.
Opening hours may be restricted.
The range of products for sale may be limited.
Access and parking may be restricted.
What are 2 advantages of supermarkets?
Offer a range of financial incentives.
May have extended opening hours.
Offer an extensive range of products,services and facilities.
Economies of scale mean that they can offer value for money.
What are 2 disadvantages of supermarkets?
There may be a lack of local produce available.
Often busy and large, making shopping-time consuming.
Usually situated out of town,therefore a car or public transport is essential.
What are 2 advantages of markets?
Local and seasonal produce are promoted and widely available.
Many markets offer an extensive range of food products.
Friendly,social shopping experience.
What are 2 disadvantages of markets?
Usually only operate on specific days and early in the morning.
Outdoor markets are dependent on favourable weather conditions.
Packaging and labelling may not be available to help determine quality.
What are 2 advantages of farm shops?
It can be more sustainable to eat locally grown food.
Friendly,sociable shopping experience as it’s usually a family-run business.
Consumers can access artisan food products they may not find elsewhere.
What are 2 disadvantages of farm shops?
Products may be more expensive, as production methods may be more costly.
Need access to car as often situated in rural locations.
Limited opening hours.
What are 2 advantages of online shopping?
Available 24 hours a day,365 days a year.
Price checking a wide range of retailers can save money.
Click and collect or home delivery schemes make shopping online convenient.
