Consumer Responsibilities-its Meaning and Kinds

When consumer himself safeguard his own interest only when he make himself aware from all the things related to the product and services. It is termed as Consumer Responsibilities. There are some responsibilities which must be follow by the customer. Before explaining the variours responsibilities let’s pay attention on its meaning:

Meaning of Consumer Responsibilities:

It refers to the commitment made by the consumer towards his/her priorities regarding the products and services. What kind of product they want to purchase or ready to purchase there must be a duty of him/her to get the full-fledged knowledge about the product and services. So that nobody (seller/marketer) can cheat him.

On the other side, the customer should Read and Follow the Instructions mentioned on the label of the product before purchasing it.

Consumer Responsibilities can be divided into three Stages:

1. First Stage: In this, the consumer was assumed to be concerned with the value for money, information, and production of consumer goods only.

2. Second Stage: In this stage, the aware consumer challenged the large corporations and advocated consumer cause.

3. Third Stage: It is expected to be aware of the environmental implications consequences that are likely to happen. of each product on the market shelf and be aware of higher duties and responsibilities as a consumer and as a citizen. In other words, this means what the consumer should take care of: To Buy inexpensive and easily available products or fair trade practices.

Kinds of Consumer Responsibilities:

There are six responsibilities which are as follows:

1. Consumer must Excercise his rights:

Under the consumer protection act, the consumer is having various rights Like the Right to Safety, The right to the gratification of basic needs, The right to be Informed, etc. but these are rights are only useful if consumers apply the rights. The consumer should choose or purchase the product according to his taste and preferences, if he is not satisfied with the quality, they can file a case or complaint. For this act firstly he should know about the rights and how these rights he can exercise at the time of requirement.

2. Caution Consumer:

If the seller saying or insisting the consumer buy the product then the consumer should not blindly believe on the seller’s words. He should make himself aware of the product by putting questions regarding the product brand, features, price and make comparisons with other brands. After doing so the customer can purchase the product.

3. Filling Complains of Genuine Grievances:

According to my experience, most of the time consumer ignores the loss related to the product what they have purchased and used Due to defects/ outdated products. This thing encourages the businessmen for making corruption and supply of low-quality products. So for stoping these bad things there is a consumer’s responsibility to file complaints against these practices.

4. Consumer must be quality conscious:

The consumer must be aware that what kind of product he is buying. He should make a comparison between different brands and their products with features. Therefore, while purchasing the product the consumer must check the quality marks like ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified Mark, Wool Mark (product is made of 100% pure new wool). ISI Mark (reassures the consumers that your product is safe to use)etc.

5. Do not be affected by advertisement:

Consumers should focus on the actual use of the product because sometimes in advertisements, excess features are shown just to enhance the sales of the products. So the consumer should make a comparison between other products and then purchase. 

6. Insist on the bill:

Consumer needs proof before filing the complaint regarding the wrong practices done by the seller. So for this, if the consumer is having the cash memo or bill regarding the product then only it can be possible. And also the seller is bound to give the cash memo if the buyer does not ask for that. But if the seller forgets to give the bill, then there is the responsibility of the consumer to demand that bill.

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