Home Science Chapter 19 Consumer Protection And Education

Eight possible mistakes a consumer makes:

1. Did not take the authentic bill.
2. Did not get warranty card stamped.
3. Did not buy a product with standard mark.
4. Did not buy from an authorised dealer.
5. Did not read instructions before reading the product.
6. Did not send the registered AD to opposite party about the complaint.
7. Did not file within two years.
8. Did not submit an affidavit to support her complaint.
9. Did not approach the right forum.
10. Did not fill complete details like name address, etc.

Problems regarding lack of information:
Variation in price: For example, In the same market price of one item is different at different shops. So it is difficult for the consumer to know whose price is justified.

1. Labels may not give complete information.
2. Shopkeeper refuses to give leaflets.
3. The print may be blurred, overlapping, crammed information /very small font.
4. The leaflets are mostly out of print.
5. Leaflets are not written in the local language.

Problems regarding price

1. Prices are not fixed.
2. Prices in two shops also vary.
3. Shopkeepers charges more than highest MRP (Maximum Retail Price)
4. They sell loose products and charge any price.
5. Substandard /poor quality goods are sold for the price of good quality popular brands.
6. The cost of decorations, extra lights, air conditioner, are added to the price.

Reason to not buy a washing machine through the Internet.

1. Machine quality and features may different than described.
2. The authenticity of the product, we never know if it's a fake product or original.
3. Replacement may take time.
4. Can not see the working of the machine.

1. The reputed shop provides genuine products with standardised mark items.
2. The reputed shop provides original bill.
3. We can file a complaint in case of any problem.

Malpractices of a shopkeeper:

1. They charge more than the maximum retail price.
2. They alter MRP and stick their own price.
3. They sell adulterated items with attractive packing.
4. They try to promote the sale of items which are expired or sell items which fetch them a higher commission.
5. They use faulty weights and measures.
6. They do hoarding and black marketing of items, create an artificial scarcity of items.Manufacturers:

Malpractices of a Manufactures

1. Manufacturers use imitated labels.
2. They pack less than the quantity written on the label.
3. They produce inferior & adulterated goods. 
4. They use the fake standard mark.
5. They give exaggerated advertisement and do not inform about the weakness of their products.

Ways by which the shopkeeper have cheated her -

1. The shopkeeper may use stones instead of standard weights.
2. The shopkeeper may use hollow weights.
3. The shopkeeper may keep the balance on a slope.
4. The shopkeeper may hang iron rings.
5. The shopkeeper may put the magnet.
6. Use of improper hand scale

Wise buying tips-

1. Be alert- watch closely while weighing vegetables
2. Refuse to buy if uses stones insist on using stamped weights.
3. Check his balance for magnet, iron rings etc.
4. Buy from reputed shops/outlets which give bills
5. Check the weighing balance for accuracy.

Advantages of labels

1. List of ingredients present which alerts consumer (for any ingredients he/she may be allergic to or/ is vegetarian).
2. Rate and cost effectiveness can be checked.
3. Standard marks indicate quality thus consumer can buy good quality products.
4. A consumer can contact manufacturer for complaint.
5. A consumer can Check expiry/best before the date to use.

Drawbacks of labels

1. The label may be blurred, small font size. Hence consumer cannot check product ingredients properly.
2. Do not give complete information.
3. Imitate popular brands.
4. A label is not in local language.

Internet Advantages

1. A consumer can use it anytime from anywhere and purchase product easily.
2. A consumer has the option to check a wide variety of products.
3. Quick/ no time wasted.
4. Cost-effective.
5. Can compare rates, detailed features.
6. Easy mode of payments.
7. A consumer can maintain records.
8. A consumer can complain to the manufacturer in writing.

Drawbacks

1. Frauds – It may possible that hackers can access personal information of credit card, address and dupe consumer.
2. Exaggerated picture may be shown on the internet.
3. Cannot touch and feel the product before buying.

Malpractice by the vendors:

1. Use stone or hollow weights instead of standard weights.
2. Put magnate beneath balance or iron rings on the side.
3. Sprinkle water on vegetables and sell.
4. Put rotten/ inferior/stale vegetables and charge the price of fresh/good quality.
5. Sells adulterated/coloured/polished vegetables.

Responsibilities of consumers:

1. Be alert.
2. Pich and choose herself vegetables, do not let him choose the vegetables.
3. Check his weight/balance.
4. Refuse to buy from him, if not reliable.
5. Complain against him to the concerned authorities.