Chap 15:Consumer protection Flashcards
What is the consumer protected by?
Consumer laws
Statutory (government) agencies
Voluntary agencies
What are the two consumer laws?
- Sale of goods and supply of services act 1980
- Consumer information act 1978
What does the sale of goods and supply of services act 1980 state?
Under this act, all goods should be;
- of merchantable quality (perfect condition)
- fit for their purpose
- be as described
- conform with samples
What is consumer protection necessary to do?
- to protect rights of consumers
- to Give consumer a way of redress if rights not granted
- to guard against dishonest sellers and manufacturers
What is the consumer entitled to expect?
- That the supplier has all the necessary skills to supply the service
- That the supplier will provide the service with proper care and diligence
- Materials used will be sound
- Any goods supplied for the service will be of merchantable quality
What is a guarantee?
-A promise from the manufacturer that they will make good any faults in an item for a specific period of time after the purchase
If goods are faulty, what is the consumer entitled to
Compensation, redress in the form of repair, replacement or a full refund
When are you not covered by a guarantee or consumer laws?
- misused goods
- ignored advice from seller
- fault pointed out before sale
- mind is changed after sale (some shops will refund or replace)
Caveat emptor
To let the buyer beware that the good is subject to defects
Are you obliged to take credit note as a form of redress ?
No
Consumers need to be informed to:
- Ensure value for money
- Make informed decisions about Gs and Ss
- Understand consumer laws
- prepare them to take action if they seek redress
Sources of consumer information
- National consumer agency
- Consumer association of Ireland
- The office of ombudsman
- Consumer programs on tv and radio
- Advertising
- Word of Mouth
Under the consumer information act 1978, it is an offense to:
- Make misleading claims about the price of goods
- Advertise a misleading price reduction
- Publish an advertisement which is likely to mislead the public
- Make false or misleading claims about goods or services
2 statutory agencies
National consumer agency
The ombudsman
Explain about the national consumer agency
Set up in 2007 to:
- enforce laws in relation to the sale of Gs and supply of Ss
- represent the consumer
- deal with complaints about false or misleading claims
- educate and inform consumers about their rights
Explain about the ombudsman
- Helps the consumer in complaints against government departments and state bodies eg. An Post
- small claims registrar/court deals with claims up to the value of €2000
- Handled quickly and cheaply and without need of a solicitor
Consumers association of Ireland: a voluntary agency
It is an Independent, non-profit association. Publishes monthly magazine called consumer choice with gives advice and information to consumers
Steps to take when complaining in person
- Go back with proof of purchase as soon as the problem is discovered
- Ask to see the manager, be firm but polite.
- Explain problem clearly and ask what intend to do
- If manager unhelpful, contact head office/trade association
- As a last resort, contact NCA,CAI or the small claims registrar
Steps when complaining by telephone
- Stand up>improves assertiveness
- Ask for customer services manager,speak slowly & calmly
- Ask for name and title of whom you are speaking to
- Record date and time of call
- Explain clearly, ask what intend to do and note it down
- if nothing heard back, don’t give up, write a letter
Steps when writing a letter of complaint.
- State the facts clearly and calmly
- Keep copies of letter and send as registered post
- Send copies of receipts, invoices and guarantees
- Description of product, state when and where bought
- state what is wrong and steps already taken
- State action you want taken
