Question
Explain, in brief, any six responsibilities of consumer to safeguard their interest.
Solution
Following are the responsibilities of a consumer:
- Consumer must exercise his Rights: Consumers have many rights with regard to the goods and services. They must be aware of their rights while buying. These rights are: right to safety, right to be informed, right to representation, right to seek redressal, right to consumer education, etc.
- Cautious Consumer /do not buy Blindly: The consumers should make full use of their reason while buying things. They should not take the seller’s words as the final truth. In other words, while buying consumer must get information regarding the quality, quantity, price, utility, etc. of goods and services.
- Filing complaint about the redressal of genuine grievances: It is the responsibility of the consumers to approach the officer concerned in case there is any complaint about the goods purchased. A late complaint may find that the period of guarantee/warranty has lapsed. Sometimes, consumers ignore the deception of businessmen. This tendency encourages corrupt business practices.
- Consumer must be Quality Conscious /should not compromise on Quality: The consumers should never compromise on the quality of the goods. Therefore, they should not buy inferior stuff out of greed for cheaper prices. It is also the responsibility of the consumers only to buy goods with the ISI, Agmark, Woolmark, FPO, etc. printed on them. All these symbols are indicative of the good quality of the goods.
- Advertisements Often Exaggerate/Beware of False Advertisement: The sellers inform the consumers about their things through the medium of advertisement. The sellers exaggerate the quality of their goods through advertisement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the consumers to recognize the truth of the advertisement.
- Do not forget to Get Receipt and Guarantee/Warranty Card: One should always get a receipt or bill for the things purchased. In case a guarantee/warranty card is also offered by the seller, it should also be taken. In case, the goods purchased turn out to be of inferior quality or some defect appears and bothers the customers, these documents will be of great help in settling all kinds of disputes with the seller.
