consumer studies Flashcards
sale of goods and supply of services act 1980
goods/services should be:
- of merchantable quality
- be fit for purpose
- correspond to a sample on display
- as described by sales person/labels
- supplied by qualified/skilled person
- provided with due care, following safety procedures
- materials used must be of merchantable quality
redress for consumers under SGSS Act
refund
repair
replacement
partial refund
repeat of a service
guarantee
covered by SGSS Act
contract between consumer and manufacturer
has a time limit
does not affect consumer rights
illegal signs
‘no cash refunds’
‘credits notes only given’
‘no exchange of goods’
consumer protection act 2007
protects consumers from misleading or false claims about goods, services and prices prohibits misleading claims made: -verbally -about a service -about the price, previous price -about extra costs
competition and consumer protection commission
independent statutory body that:
- enforces consumer protection law/legislation
- informs consumers about their rights
- enforces product safety regulations
office of the ombudsman
appointed by the gov
- investigates unresolved complaints against public bodies, gov. departments, HSE, An Post
- valid complaints are reported to the department in question and recommendations are made to resolve it
national standards authority of Ireland
- sets, monitors and develops standards of safety and quality in Ireland
- ensures that products meet EU and international safety/quality standards
- provides accredited certification eg food hygiene and safety
citizens information board
statutory body that provides a range of advice on:
- consumer rights
- social welfare
- family law
consumer association of Ireland
publishes consumer choice magazine
aims to improve consumer legislation
advices the gov. on consumer issues
advertising standards authority of Ireland
ensures advertisements are legal, decent, honest, truthful
investigates consumer complaints
independent, voluntary body
small claims court
system within the district court cheap, fast, easy used by consumers and businesses no solicitor required claims up to €2000
rights of the consumer
right to choice
right to honest and truthful information
right to safety
right to redress
procedures to be followed when making a complaint
- stop using the product when fault is identified
- return to shop with receipt/guarantee
- explain what you expect to happen
- if not satisfied, put the complaint in writing
- if no resolution, small claims court
purpose of consumer research
to identify consumer needs, wants, likes, dislikes and expectations
four merchandising techniques used to maximise consumer spending
- product placement (where in the shop)
- in store stimuli
- shelf position
- blocking techniques (displays placed at entrance/aisles to ensure consumers see them)
Factors affecting management
Employment patterns
Socio economic status
Values and standards
Gender roles
Role of household as a financial unit within the economy
Paying statutory taxes
Spending wages on goods/services
Mortgages/loans contribute to profits of financial institutions
Money management skills prevent children falling into debt/social welfare
Social factors affecting household income
Age
Gender
Socio economic status
Culture (some jobs paid higher in other countries)
Supplementary welfare allowance
Weekly payment to individuals whose means don’t meet their needs
To qualify:
-satisfy a means test
-waiting on social welfare payments to be processed
-have registered to work with their local intreo office
Social insurance Payments
Paid to individuals who have paid the minimum 39 weeks of PRSI contributions
Not means tested
Social assistance payments
Paid to individuals who have insufficient PRSI contributions
Means tested
Factors that contribute to varying patterns of household expenditure
Socio economic status
Family size/stage
Location
Beliefs/values
Strategies to follow when preparing a budget
Estimate total income List all expenditure Allocate a % of income Allocate savings Review and evaluate
money advice and budgeting service
Funded by dept of social protection
Free and confidential service
-advice on money and budgeting for those in debt or at risk of debt
-facilitate knowledge and skills to avoid debt
-facilitate access to credit to pay debts
Consumer credit act 1995
Regulates aspects of credit eg hire purchase, mortgages, credit cards
Monitors credit advertising
Imposes credit agreements
Stipulates that lenders cannot visit borrowers in their place of work looking for payment
