Wiser Buyer Flashcards
What does this label mean:
Heart w/ lines inside
Where would you find it?
The kitemark.
BSI assures product is safe + reliable.
IT equipment, gas hob, car windscreens.
What does this label mean:
CE
Where would you find it?
CE mark
Meet European safety environmental standards.
Allows manufacturers to sell product in Europe
Toys, telephones, light bulbs.
What does this label mean:
X
Where would you find it?
Harmful/Irritant
Skin/breathing problems if inhaled or swallowed
Bleach, cleaning products, dishwasher powder
What does this label mean:
Skull + crossbones
Where would you find it?
Toxic
Dangerous if inhaled/swallowed/touched. Serious harm/death
Bleach, weedkiller, paint stripper
What does this label mean:
Fire
Where would you find it?
Highly flammable
Easily catch fire if near heat, flames or sparks.
Fireworks, aerosol, nail polish remover
What does this label mean:
BEAB approved
Where would you find it?
Electrical safety mark. Tested against EU safety standards
Toaster, microwave, DVD player.
What does this label mean:
Fairtrade symbol
Where would you find it?
Fair price to producer, safe working conditions, environmentally friendly
Bananas, chocolate + coffee
What does this label mean:
Soil Association Organic Standard
Where would you find it?
Meet soil association standards. Promote biodiversity, recycling and waste reduction. No pesticides/artificial fertilisers.
Organic beef, honey or cider
What does this label mean:
Arrows in a circle
Where would you find it?
Material used for packaging can be recycled
Boxes, bottles and food packaging
What do energy labels mean and where would you find them?
Show how energy efficient they are.
White goods - washing machine, fridge, dishwasher.
Pros and cons of magazines for information
\+ Inexpensive \+ Specialist = reliable \+ Kept + used later - Specialist = expensive subscription - Funded by advertising - Purpose = entertainment
Pros and cons of newspapers for information
\+ Broadsheet = expert (finance) \+ Tabloid = Easy to read \+ Inexpensive and available - May be biased or sensationalist - General information - May not be quality information
Pros and cons of experts for information
\+ Specialist information \+ Accurate, easy to understand \+ Can demonstrate product - Information can be complicated - Can be hard to access - Information can be inaccurate
Pros and cons of consumer programmes for information
\+ Entertaining format \+ Well researched + factual \+ Experts present specialist information - Information can be more general - Must plan to view certain programmes - Info may be presented too quickly for use
Pros and cons of friends + family for information
\+ Relaxed and informal \+ Specific information \+ Experience can be valuable - Can be biased - Unqualified knowledge - Info may be inaccurate
Pros and cons of the internet for information
\+ Extensive range of information \+ In comfort of own home \+ Quick to compare from range of shops - Can be slow + time consuming - IT skills are needed - Can be unreliable
What does Advice NI do?
Training and support for organisations that offer consumer advice.
Training for National Vocational Qualifications
Social security, housing, consumer matters + debt problems
Advice through website.
What does Citizens Advice do?
Helps people resolve debt, benefits, discrimination etc
Free, confidential and impartial
Helps neogotiate with companies. Represents people
Educate people: Rights + Responsibilities, Services.
Social security benefits, money, health, housing rights + legal matters.
What does the Consumer Advice Centre do?
Must work/live in Belfast. Free advice on consumer issues. Neogotiate with companies. Refers to other organisations. Supports small claims. Teaches.
What does the Consumer Focus for NI do?
Provides info + gives voice to consumers.
Handles complaints.
Fair deal for consumers
Consumer Advocacy, not advice agency
What does the Trading Standards Service do?
Investigates complaints + gathers evidence.
Promote + maintain fair trading, protect consumers.
Advice + guidance to consumers + traders
Empower consumers, businesses comply with legislation, maintain good practice.
What does Which? do?
Independant. Information on rights and best products. Monthly magazine, tests products. Makes super complaints.
What does Consumer Council do?
Set up in 1985, funded by DETI, beat standards of service + protection for NI consumers.
Campaigns, research, lobbies government, investigate consumer complaints,.
Product testing, mystery shopping, best buy info.
What does Consumerline do?
Website + telephone helpline. Free, impartial advice. Aware of consumer rights, avoid scams + dodgy deals.
Joint enterprise with Consumer Council + Trading Standards Service.
