Consumer Education

What is Consumerism?

Consumerism is defined as the organized movement of the citizens and Government to enhance the rights and power of consumers in relation to the sellers. It is the preparation of an individual through skills,

concepts and understanding that are required for everyday living

to achieve maximum satisfaction and utilization of his resources The basis of consumerism is to protect the consumers from from certain malpractices.

In economics consumerism refers to the economic policies placing emphasis on consumption. The term consumerism was first used in 1915 to refer to advocacy of the interest of consumers. It emphasis on or preoccupation with the acquisition of consumer goods.

History of Consumerism
The Consumerism was first started in US the early 1900s. The second movement started in 1962 and was propagated by President of US, John F Kennedy. In 1962 Ralph Nader considered as the Father of modern consumer movement. He wrote a book that crystallized many issued and he documented auto deaths arising out of faculty car designs.

He Introduced the rights to the sellers: Right to introduce products in any size and style provided they are not hazardous to health and safety. Right to price the product at any level, provided there is no discrimination among similar class of buyers. Right to spend any amount of money to promote the product, provided it is not defined as unfair. Right to formulate any product message, provided it is not misleading or dishonest in content or execution. Right to Introduce any buying incentives scheme.

Why is consumer Education Important?

Consumer Education is important for following reasons: It provides the person with the basic knowledge to handle customer problem, he/she becomes a discriminating buyer by taking rational decisions, and thus not fall prey achieve maximum satisfaction and utilization of his resources. Technological developments have flooded the market with a variety of products, goods and services. School children are mostly dependent on the their parents, It is therefore important that they make the best use of their pocket money.

 Consumers education can alert the pupils to the corporate dumping of dangerous pharmaceuticals and similar products.

Consumerism in India

Peter Drucker stated that consumerism should have the opportunities of marketing, means they should take marketing decisions keeping in mind the organizations the long-term interest. Indian consumers are not all well educated and hence are unable to comprehend and understand the complex methods of marketing.

India's large youth population is driving the consumerism trend in the country. For the youth shopping is just not a necessity but a leisure activity. A recent researchers indicates that the Indian consumers are cheated to a tune of Rs 2,000 cores annually through various devices invented by the clever marketers. A liberalized economy has open doors to MNCs, and all the companies have successfully adapted their products or their marketing communication in local conditions and preferences.

Organized retail formats have also contributed to the spending spree in the country. One myth is that Indian consumers are price sensitive. FMCGs or fashion brands have all above average pricing, but in spite of this, these companies have gained profit from operations in the sub-continent. Thus consumerism is still in its infancy stage.

The consumers has following benefits: Consumer Education Liaison with Government and the producer Product Research and Information to consumer Inculcate Honesty, Responsiveness & Responsibility on to Manufactures & Marketers. Move towards Societal Concept of Marketing

Benefits Of Consumerism

Know Your Rights

Consumer has been defined by two categories:a) For the Purpose of goods b) For the Purpose of Services

For the Purpose of Goods

One who buys or agrees to buy any goods for consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid or under any system of deferred payment. Includes any user of such goods other than the person who actually buys goods and such use is made with the approval of the purchaser.

For the purpose of services

It includes the following categories:One who hires or avails of any service or services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred payment. Includes any beneficiary of such services other than the one who actually hires or avails of the service for consideration.

Consumer Rights
Right to be protected against goods.
Right to be informed about quality, quantity, purity, standard, price of goods or services. Right to choice. Right to consumer education.

Right to healthy environment. Right to be heard & to be assured that consumer interest will receive due to consideration at appropriate forums. Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices unscrupulous exploitation.

The Consumer protection, 1986

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is a very important legislation passed by the government of India, to ensure a proper system is established for the protection of consumer rights and the redressal of consumer disputes. This Act applies to the whole India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It applies to all goods and services.

The objective of the Act are.

To provide the better protection of the interests of the consumers. To fulfill the above objective make provision for the establishment of the consumer council and authorities for the settlement of consumers disputes and for matters connected therewith.

Ambit of Consumer protection Act

The Act applies to all goods and services unless exempted by the government. It covers all the sectors whether private, public or cooperatives. The provision of the act are compensatory in nature.

The provisions of this act are in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force. The act envisages establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at central and state levels, whose main objects will be to promote and protect the rights of the consumers.

What is a Consumer Complaint?

Under The Consumer Protection Act, a complaint means any allegation in writing made by a complainant in regards to one or more the following:
Any unfair trade practices Restrictive trade practices One or more defects in goods The goods hazardous to life and safety

Thank You..