Consumer Protection

Question 1

Why is consumer protection necessary

Answer 1

Protects the rights of consumers.
Gives the consumer a way of redress if their rights are not granted.
To guard against abuse by dishonest sellers and manufacturers

Question 2

What is the consumer protected by

Answer 2

Consumer laws
Statutory (government) agencies
Voluntary agencies

Question 3

What are the two most important consumer laws

Answer 3

Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980

Consumer Information Act 1978

Question 4

Under the sale of goods and supply of services act all goods should be what

Answer 4

Of merchantable quality (fit to be sold)
Be fit for their purpose (eg a kettle should boil water)
Be as described ( must match description on label, advertisement or by salesperson eg a raincoat should be waterproof)
Correspond with samples ( if sample used, item must match sample eg furniture)

Question 5

Under the sale of goods and services act all services should be

Answer 5

The supplier should have the skill to provide the service
The supplier will provide the service with proper skill and diligence
Materials used will be sound
Any goods supplied during the service should be of merchantable quality

Question 6

What is a guarantee

Answer 6

A promise by the the manufacturer that they will make good any faults in an item for a specific period of time after purchase

Question 7

How might someone get a guarantee

Answer 7

If a fault occurs in the good they may claim under the sale of goods and supply of services act 1980 or the guarantee. They buyer and all who have the possession of the item during the time of the guarantee can claim. Their also tiled to compensation (3 Rs)

Question 8

Points to consider before claiming

Answer 8

• Not covered If you miss used good or ignored information from the seller
• Not covered if you change mind (some shops may allow as a good gesture)
• Not covered if fault was pointed out before sale eg seconds or slightly imperfect
• Not abliged to a credit note instead of redress
• Keep receipts and guarantees as well as chequered stubs and credit card statements for proof of purchase
• if you but on credit during sale or lease or rent goods you are protected by the sale of goods and supply of services act

Question 9

What are your statutory rights

Answer 9

Your rights under law

Question 10

What is set up between the buyer and the seller when you buy a good or service

Answer 10

A legal contract the the seller has legal obligations to fulfil (duties or promises to keep)

Question 11

Consumer information act 1978 function

Answer 11

It’s purpose is to protect costumes against false or misleading claims service goods or prices

Question 12

Under the consumer information act 1978 it is an offence for a seller to

Answer 12

• make misleading claims about the price of good
• advertise a misleading price reduction eg ina sale
• publish and advertisement which is likely to mislead the public
• make false or misleading claims about good or service

Question 13

Functions of national consumer Agency 2007

Answer 13

-to enforce laws in the relation to goods or services
To represent the consumer
To deal with complaints about false or misleading claims
To educate and inform consumers about their rights

Question 14

What is the ombudsman

Answer 14

They help the consumer in complaints against the government departments and state bodies eg local authorities HSE and An Post. It doesn’t get involved in desputes between retailer and consumer

Question 15

What are the statutory agencies

Answer 15

National consumer agency 2007
Ombudsman
Small claims registrar/ court

Question 16

What is the small claims registrar or court

Answer 16

They deal with claims relating to goods or service up to the value of 2000. Consumer claims are handled quickly, cheaply and informally without need for a solicitor

Question 17

Name a voluntary agency

Answer 17

Consumers association of Ireland

Question 18

What is the consumers association of Ireland

Answer 18

An independent non profit association of consumers that publishes a monthly magazine CONSUMER CHOICE which gives out advice and information on s range of goods and services

Question 19

Consumers need to be informed to

Answer 19

Ensure they get value for money
Make enforced choices about good and services
Understand consumer laws
Prepare them to take effective action if they seek redress

Question 20

Sources of consumer information

Answer 20

National consumer agency
Consumers association of Ireland 
The office of the ombudsman 
Advertising
Manufacturers' leaflets and brochures 
Shows showroom s and exhibitions
Sales staff
Word of mouth
Citizens information centres
Libraries