Lesson 1: Being an Informed Consumer. Overview of Lesson What is a consumer? When is someone NOT a consumer? What is a contract? What questions should.
Post on 12-Jan-2016
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Lesson 1: Being an Informed Consumer
Overview of Lesson
• What is a consumer? • When is someone NOT a consumer?• What is a contract?• What questions should you ask before you
buy?
What is a consumer?
• A consumer is a person who buys goods or services for personal use or their own consumption
• In order to be protected by law, consumers must buy from someone whose business it is to sell goods or provide services, e.g. you are not protected if you buy a second-hand car from a private seller
You are not a consumer if you….
• Buy goods for commercial purposes
• Buy goods from an individual that is not a business
Difference between a Consumer and a Customer
Consumer Customer
What is a contract?
• Goods on display in a shop window are considered an “invitation to treat”, which is an invitation to make an offer to purchase the goods which can be accepted or rejected by the retailer
• A contract is a legally binding agreement, between two or more parties which can be enforced by law
• When you buy goods or services you are entering into a contract
• A contract is formed following offer, acceptance and consideration (payment)
Can I insist on something being sold to me?
• No. The shopkeeper displays the goods for sale and invites you to buy the goods
• However, the shopkeeper can still refuse to sell you the goods
• A contract is made only when you offer to buy the goods, the seller accepts your offer and consideration is paid
Before you buy…
• Can I afford it? • Do I really need it? • What is the unit price of the
product? • Is the product suitable for the
purpose I need it for?
If you take the time to answer these questions, you’ll be a more informed consumer
Before you buy…
• Are there any hidden extras? • What does the description tell me? • Have I checked the price of the
product in several different retailers? • Will a ringtone download tie me into a
subscription service?
Before you buy…
• What are the terms and conditions of buying the product/service (e.g. buying a mobile phone on an upgrade may lock you into an 18 month contract)
• What is the returns policies? • If it’s an electrical or gas product, or a
toy, does it have a CE Mark? • Do I have room for it?
Summary of Lesson
• What is a consumer? • When is someone NOT a consumer?• What is a contract?• Questions to ask before you buy
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