CONSUMERISM


Happily, Maria entered into her own house, carrying lots of products and items which she just purchased from the supermarket. As soon as she settled down, she began to use one of the items. She was shocked when that item is spoilt and cannot be used at all. She was terribly mad because her money is wasted.

What's the action that she should take? Or should she just keep quiet? The answer is a 'NO!'. She should report to the authorities.

What are consumers? Consumers are people who consume a product or service to satisfy their ownselves. They are people who are protected by the law. Consumers too are people who have their own rights when consuming a product or service.

Nowadays, people of our modern society are educated on consumerism and yet, some consumers (probably consumers who are not from The United States and England) still don't realize their rights. They simply don't make use of their rights which they have. Probably they think it is useless but that's not true. Maybe some are still ignorant about their rights when purchasing an item or receiving services. It is exceptionally important for each consumer to realize that it is very important to know his or her rights otherwise consumers will be easily fooled because nowadays some retailers use gimmicks and tricks to sell their products.

First and foremost, let me list out some of the rights consumers have:



Other than that, a consumer should also know the precautions to take when he or she buys something. Firstly, a consumer should look at the label to get some information of a product like ingredients, expiry date and what it contains. Then, looking at the price is another important thing to do. Make sure the price is reasonable. Also make sure the information which is stated is ample. One more thing, don't purchase a product just because it looks beautiful from the outside. Don't judge the book by its cover! If possible, investigate the product first. If price is unreasonable and no information is available, then action must be taken to punish those who are responsible for this. Yes, punishment must be meted out to those who are guilty.

A consumer must also not be influenced by a retailer to buy a product. Sometimes a retailer can be very persuasive and may look as if he or she is telling the truth. Nothing but the truth. Sometimes it is not at all the truth. So, as a responsible consumer, be decisive whenever you purchase anything from anywhere so that you won't be easily tricked. If you want brand 'A' buy it and don't buy brand 'B' because the reatailer said it is much more better than brand 'A'. Sometimes it is not at all better. Sometimes the choice to a consumer may turn out to be more beneficial than the recommendation of a retailer.

In these modern days, consumers are constantly exposed to various kinds of advertisements. Some advertisements may appear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth but unfortunately, some advertisements give wrong informations and consequently, bring disappointments to the consumers. So, as a smart consumer, try discerning the various kinds of advertisements first. Whatever is senseless, don't ever try to buy the product which is advertised. Whatever is sensible, you are advised to buy it if you want it. So, sometimes when buying a product, consider the advertisements first. Some advertisements can be really tricky so be aware.

Consumers are also advised to prepare a list of items before stepping into the supermarket. The list should be prepared with items which a consumer wants to buy and the rough estimation of the price. By using this, consumers can avoid being cheated easily.

To perpetuate this awareness, parents should teach their children about their rights and responsibilities as a consumer. The government too should try handing out posters and pamphlets, publish on newpapers and magazines and broadcast on radio and television which regard to consumers' rights. Websites regarding this should be encouraged too. Other than that tighter rules should be implemented for the irresponsible retailers by the government. A campaign too can be launch to help people who are still ignorant about their rights.

As a conlusion, consumers must know their rights. Without knowing it, being cheated is one thing which may become inevitable. Always be rational when purchasing a product and receiving services. Be brave to take action when satisfaction is not achieved. The choice is yours, to be brave or not.

Written by the owner of the homepage 1