Consumer Awareness
*Firstly The Meanings:-
.Consumer:- Someone who purchases a good for personal use.
.Awareness:-having knowledge of ; state of elementary or undifferentiated consciousness
Introduction
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalisation and liberalization process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behavior to a great extent.
Definition
Consumer awareness is making the consumer aware of His/Her rights.
Consumer awareness it a marketing term. It means that consumers note or are aware of products or services, its characteristics and the other marketing P's (place to buy, price, and promotion).
Usually commercials and ads increase consumer awareness, as well as "word of mouth" (a comment from someone you know about a product or service).
Need of Consumer Awareness
1) It has been observed that the people for, whom various schemes have been taken up by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in fact, do not get benefit as expected. This is mainly because they are not fully aware of these schemes and their benefits.
Also, only knowledgeable and alert consumers aware of their rights and responsibilities can protect themselves effectively. The need of the hour is, therefore, to educate the common consumers particularly those in rural areas who are more susceptible to exploitation. Once they are educated and made aware of the schemes that have been drawn up for their benefit and also the redressal forum that is available, the benefit of various schemes, in true sense, will reach the common consumers of the country.
It is, therefore, our bounden duty to play our part jointly and effectively in disseminating various schemes to the common consumers of the country. In this regard, the role of the voluntary consumer organizations, consumer activists, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and media cannot be ignored.
2) Making existing and potential customers knowledgeable about products/services, consumer awareness programs create more informed buying decisions. Consumers cannot purchase products and services if they do not know they exist. A lack of consumer awareness in any industry can harm sales. If specific products and services are better known, those products and services will remain on the front line in sales. Therefore, it is important to implement consumer awareness programs that will introduce and make the target audience aware of the products and services a company offers. Consumer awareness programs can be initiated through the utilization of flyers, brochures, television, radio, guides, fact sheets, information posted to a Web site, school programs, and other sources depending upon the topic and the message delivered.
3) we need it so we will not be misled by producers, it explains if what we buy is worth to our money. and not harmful to us and to environment .
Many people are ignorant of their rights to get protected against the exploitation by so many others. So when there is a forum for such redress of grievances there seems to be no such exploitation by many; and becomes a rare one. So in order to get a clear picture of the level of exploitation of consumers, the awareness is required.
Various Forms Of Consumer Exploitation
1) Adulteration of foods (use of unpermitted colors)
2) Sales of medicines after expiry date.
3) Spurious drugs (Sub-standard drugs)
4) Supply of blood from a blood bank infected with AIDS or other diseases.
5)Advertisement with false claims
6) Shortage of weight and quality Excessive price.
7) Death of a person due to medical negligence of a doctor.
8) Consumer redressal.
9) Always insist on cash bill.
10) Send a complaint petition to the manufacturer. If they do not respond within a reasonable time, file your petition before the court.
11) Get help from consumer organizations working in your area.
Role of Producers in Protecting Consumer Rights
1) The role of producers is very significant with far reaching consequences.
The producers are under obligation to produce goods conforming to the prescribed standards, such as ISI, wherever such standards are prescribed.
Secondly, they must provide written literature giving details to reasonable extent about the products, their ingredients, their do and don'ts, warranty or guarantee, MRP, date of manufacture and expiry, operational instructions.............etc. as the case may be, with each unit of product.
Provision of the address of the manufacturer with other contact details is significant as the customer may ultimately have to fall back in case of need.
Packing of products to reach them safe at the end user point, quick response and remedial measures in case of any wrong happening...etc could be very helpful to save consumers from big hassles and losses.
Not going into very much details here, if the producer take all reasonable care, for which he has the facilities and abilities, a high volume of troubles gets eliminated by facilitating the consumer rights this way providing right quality products, each unit tested and certified.
2)
Role of producers
proper labeling, full information, health warnings, handling information, expiration date, etc. keep to requirements, norms, standards
label products according requirements, providing true facts
They have to produce and deliver the goods/services of right quality at right price at right time at right place at right quantity with right face
If they are providing a service they should carry it out with due skill and care. They must also make sure that any materials they provide as part of this service are fit for the purpose.
It is also illegal for a supplier to cut off, or threaten to cut off, supply to a reseller (wholesale or retail) because they have been discounting goods or advertising discounts below prices set by the supplier.
The Case Study:
First pesticides in colas, now worms in chocolates. MNC-bashing is once again at a crescendo. Are they callous about India? Or just our favorite whipping boys?
Gauri Bhatia
Outlook India, 29 October 2003
Case studies of Consumer Exploitation
On Thursday, October 16, while Cadbury India's managers were busy with their fire-fighting mission after a wriggle of worms was found in cocoa powder boxes just down the road from their Mahalaxmi headquarters in Mumbai, they had unannounced guests. Local BJP workers descended on the chocolate giant's mutedly plush headquarters with ink to throw on the walls, screaming anti-Cadbury, anti-MNC and anti-America slogans over megaphones, with generous smiles thrown in for the select media they had quietly invited.
After the cleaning-up operations, managing director Bharat Puri was left wondering aloud what Cadbury, the very British confectionery firm, had to do with America. In fact, he points out that since Cadbury is one of the oldest MNCs operating in India and is nearly synonymous with chocolates, many of his consumers actually think it is an Indian company. But the protesters were screaming at this strongly "warm, fuzzy"-imaged brand as if Cadbury was the caterer at Auschwitz.
First came impurities in bottled mineral water. Then pesticides in soft drinks. Now worms in chocolates. So are MNCs, far from being classy aspiration-inducing outfits, actually just crooks in expensive suits? Or are they misunderstood businessmen who are being meted out punishment far harsher in India than their crimes warrant? Whatever the answer, suddenly MNCs are looking like a band on the run.
Nothing highlights this siege mentality more than the reaction of many MNCs Outlook spoke to in the last few days. A majority of executives thought the debate over whether MNCs were villains or victims was a valid one, but wanted to stay out of it. The most common response: "Shut off the tape recorder, keep the notepad away, then we will speak." Right now, paranoia rules, okay?
In private, they say they are the victims, convenient whipping boys in the name of swadeshi, but it's a feeling that dares not speak its name. "We can't be seen as publicly blaming anyone, even though we feel that there exist dual standards," the communications manager of one transnational complains on the phone. "Nobody cares a damn, for example, about the lassi they drink from the streetside shop, but when it's an MNC product...", he wanders off. One MNC image manager gets agitated at the very mention of the word. "Drop the M, we are a National Company, an Indian company!" he shouts over a long-distance line. "We have always had an Indian ceo!" Yet another asks: "Tell me, would there have been such a hue and cry if worms had been found in, say, an Amul chocolate?"
Persuade them to reply to a questionnaire and what you get is sterile legalese carefully designed to communicate nothing. But the off-the-record tirade does not stop. "Let's not forget that there are MNCs and MNCs. Some ethical, others not so. Please learn to differentiate between them instead of clubbing them together," pleads a senior vice-president of a food and beverage company. Another, when contacted, tries to set the tone of our conversation with a casual "You know...we are soon planning a multi-crore print media campaign...."
However, some corporations like McDonald's and Cadbury were more than willing to share their worldview. McDonald's (northern) India managing director Vikram Bakshi feels that MNCs are visible symbols and hence it is easy to take potshots at them. "And they don't fight back. MNCs can't be seen as aggressive and rude," he says. McDonald's on its part has always had a crisis management manual in place. You don't know what can strike you when. They are not seeing the pesticide controversy as one that has hit someone else. They are on guard. Always.
Says Cadbury India's Puri: "These protest rallies and this tendency to run to the media is happening because Cadbury is a really strong brand." He says infestation in chocolates is not unusual, and a web search reveals several such cases across the world. But in India, he believes, the controversy has taken on a life of its own because of the strength of the brand. He points out that the protests have been staged by political parties and not consumer activists.
Strong brands make a lot of people uncomfortable. Says Dr Roopa Vajpeyi, honorary editor of Consumer Voice magazine, "We see MNCs as supplanting local consumption patterns that were wholly dependent on local and seasonal produce. We are going through social, cultural and economic colonisation by them. Not long back, people served local and homemade sherbets at home, but now the colas have taken over." Even traditional Indian snacks like namkeens are now getting packed under MNC banners, she points out.
Globalisation-wrought lifestyle changes irk many. Huge ad campaigns, the glitz, the glamour, the hype of celebrity endorsements and above all the image make activists worry about the effect on young Indian minds. Says Dr Vajpeyi, "Thanks to our colonised minds, we have an in-built inferiority complex which makes us hanker after foreign goods. MNCs take advantage of this and even the media broadcasts their ideas because they have softened them with advertising money." Varsha Raut, secretary of the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, which ran a campaign asking consumers to revert to natural drinks like coconut water, says she feels it is a dire turn of events when people today gift chocolates instead of sweets at Diwali. NGOs working in the rural India complain that children there would rather buy a small Coke for Rs 5 than spend that money on bananas.
The relationship between the MNC and the Indian consumer is rather complex. She does not seem to transfer her love for MNC products to the MNCs themselves. Outlook asked a thirtysomething McDonald's regular chomping away at a McChicken burger, Coke in hand. "It is more about the brand than the burger. I am biting into America," he confessed. "I know big business is bad and I don't trust these guys, but can any Indian company give me a bigger brand than McDonald's?" What is unsaid is-if I find the slightest reason to give the MNCs hell, I shall do so. This is a strangely edgy cross-connection.
One explanation for this love-hate relationship that consumers share with MNCs is that they have brought to India the bad along with the good. The best global practices, for one, is a good thing, but these very best practices also include the policy of hire-and-fire, pink slips and vrs. Thanks to transnational companies, the Indian middle class has seen both dollar salaries as well as unprecedented job insecurities. We hate them but we need their jobs-that is the dichotomy.
Our consumer poll too reflects this uneasy relationship (see graphs). The Indian consumer believes MNCs deliver better quality than Indian companies, but at the same time she believes that Coke and Pepsi did carry pesticides. Forty per cent of those surveyed are willing to pay a higher price for an MNC product, but 46 per cent also believe that MNCs bring outdated products to countries like India.What these seemingly conflicting responses appear to indicate is that the Indian consumer has a really low opinion of local products.
But consumer groups rarely ever bother themselves with quality issues when it comes to local manufacturers. However, their logic is quite simple. The local chaatwala is not faceless, nor is the local mithai shop owner. When consumers have a problem they go directly to these shops and sort it out. But when it comes to multinational products, where do you pin down responsibility? The retailer will almost always ask you to get in touch with the company. Says consumer columnist Pushpa Girimaji: "MNCs shortchange third world consumers when it comes to product quality. There is a difference between a product bought abroad and in India. A lax enforcement system emboldens them." Bakshi disagrees. "No brand worth its salt can afford to be lax," he says. Given the price-value equations in India, MNCs say they can't afford to charge a premium for their products, as a result they do scale down their product offering for the mass market that is India. Says Bakshi, "If globally we sell platinum-plated products, in India the external environment is such that we will have to scale it down to gold-plated. But if a manufacturer goes below this, then there is a problem."
Localisation is another key word. Consumer groups argue that MNCs localise to such an extent, using cheap Indian labour and hiring local franchisees, that in the end their product is also of local quality. But big corporations argue that they bring global practices to India. If they are using a 10-step method to clean water, say in Europe, they use the same method here too. However, given the quality of our groundwater, this 10-step method might not be enough and pesticides can still creep in. Says image consultant Dilip Cherian, "We are now trying to impose European Union standards on bottled water and soft drinks. By doing so, we are setting high standards on the end-product but not on groundwater." He argues that while there is no justification for worms being found in Cadbury chocolates, you have to understand that you can only get a product which is the creation of your environment. If there are flies all around, one or two can enter a Kentucky Fried Chicken kitchen.
The Ahmedabad-based Consumer Education and Research Society (CERS), which has a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, receives on average two to three complaints against MNC food companies every year. Says laboratory director S. Yellore, "Most of the complaints we receive are stray individual cases, which do not reflect a trend. Our tests reveal there is no deliberate attempt by the MNCs to push sub-standard material into India."
For instance, CERS is dealing with a complaint from a family which claims its health deteriorated after eating at McDonald's in Ahmedabad. "Now, it is difficult to generalise that food served at McDonald's in Ahmedabad is substandard," says Yellore. "This particular family faced this problem, and this could be for a genuine reason. But should we run down the MNC simply because one family suffered, while nobody else did?" Complaints should be handled on merit, he feels, and the company must be penalised if guilty. Cherian says that Cadbury can argue that they are in the chocolate business and not in the cold-storage or retail business. "For, there is no doubt that when the chocolate left the company's factory it was worm-free."
But consumer activists say that thanks to weak laws and an ineffective redressal system, the MNCs know that whatever they do, they will get away scot-free. According to Mumbai-based consumer activist Ahmed Abdi, "Instances of problems with food products are not unusual, but because Maharashtra has a history of consumer activism and a strong FDA (Food and Drug Administration), these (worms) problems came out."
Not many consumers go to the courts and even if they do and win the case, the compensation they get is a pittance. Says an MNC executive, "The maximum we are required to give is a free sample of the defective product and the cost of the complainant's legal expenses. In the US, of course, we have to pay compensation for things like the trauma the consumer might have gone through, etc." But in spite of weak laws, MNCs are not taking any chances and paying millions of dollars as insurance premia, they claim, for product and public liability cover.
India's Consumer Protection Act came into force only in 1986. Before this, there was only the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, which could only be invoked by the state health departments. Consequently both these acts have been given more teeth, but consumer activists are still crying for more.
For instance, according to Consumer Voice, something that requires a complete overhaul is nutritional labelling rules. Right now, except for infant food, it is not mandatory for any other product to declare its nutritional information. Activists feel that products like readymade noodles, chocolates and soft drinks need to disclose how many calories, how much fat and caffeine they contain. Says Dr Vajpeyi, "It was only after the controversy regarding the quality of bottled water erupted that the 'Best Before' label was made mandatory for them."
In the absence of the government as watchdog, the consumer groups have assumed that mantle. Coke and Pepsi, according to industry estimates, may have lost over Rs 120 crore in sales in the months since the pesticide story broke.
Economists and corporate strategists may argue that a democracy like India is a far better bet for MNCs than the iron-fisted capitalism of China. But some MNCs operating in India do get this niggling doubt that democracy is a double-edged weapon. "It gives so much freedom of expression that anyone can attack us any time," says an MNC executive. "What we need is a protective arm. The government should be wary of these NGOs; they will frighten away fdi."
Meanwhile, tension is palpable in hushed MNC office corners. What is the next damaging accusation that's going to hit them?
Well, it could be in the form of a consumer wanting to know whether the meat in his burger is halal (the Muslim way of slaughter) or jhatka (the Hindu and Sikh way). Recently, a Sikh diner sought this information at a McDonald's outlet in Delhi and, not satisfied with the answer, sent off an e-mail to the company. Now both the Akal Takht as well as the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee have got involved, and are pushing for a law that would force restaurant owners to display information about how they slaughter the meat they serve.
At Cadbury's, as a damage control initiative, Puri has launched what they are calling Project Vishwas (trust). As a part of this, full-page ads have been taken out in all major national newspapers. Also, Dairy Milk will now be sold in heat-sealed packs, bulk packaging sizes will be reduced and quality controllers will regularly visit retailers.
And for the record, McDonald's has a mechanised system of slaughter.
Are you an individual, a common man who toils day and night, up and down to earn three meals a day? If yes, then do you at times come home depressed with a look of betrayal on your face? There can be reasons like someone withdrew cash from your credit card and you have no clue how; the television you purchased for your family is not properly functioning, the shopkeeper refused to take the onus even though the TV is in the warranty period or somebody stole the information from your email account by hacking it?...this is the plight of today’s consumer, who at the end of the day comes back home defeated and cursing his fate and today’s world.
But one should never forget that God only helps those who help themselves. You can never be beaten unless you admit that you have lost; similarly no one can deceive you unless you let him do so. Thus, it is time for the consumers to wake up and realize that nothing will happen by sitting hands on hands, more than talking of action, one should believe in implementing or doing it. Howsoever one may try it is impractical to erase theft, fraud etc. form our society. In this case the only option left is to take preventive measures.
• The first and the foremost step for a consumer to prevent himself from cheating is to keep his eyes and ears open. Know or be aware of what is happening around you. Read the cases of various scams, thefts, burglaries, phishing scams etc. in that are highlighted in your local newspaper and also seen on television. This will keep you informed and conscious of what is going on and what can unfortunately even happen with you.
• Learn from the mistakes of your neighbors. If a shopkeeper has given a malfunctioning gadget to your neighbor, do not make the mistake of going to that shop. If somebody stole important mails from their mailbox, do make it a point to collect all your crucial mails directly from the post office.
• Never reveal personal identity to a stranger. You go for a morning walk and a man over their tries to be extra amiable even asks you to come home for lunch etc. does not imply that he wants your friendship or that he is a genuine person. So do not disclose your residence, telephone numbers, your workplace numbers etc. to him unless you gather complete information from a known person about him. Avoid giving personal details on phone. If you receive calls from unknown place that offers you some benefits and asks for your particulars, don’t be carried away by that. Tell your particulars only when you are sure that the call is genuine and that there is no other way out.
• Do not rely much on courier services. If you an access to the place where you have to deliver the parcel, take out some time and go yourself.
• Do not hand over your credit or debit cards even to your friends. It is foolish to trust someone blindly nowadays. Never tell your friends or colleagues to check your mails while you are holidaying with your family. It is not wise to let others know your password and mails.
• When you are out for shopping in the market, do not carry much cash. Keep the tentative amount and credit or debit card in case of emergency. This will not only help you do a regulated shopping but will also save you from many pitfalls.
• Before purchasing any commodity, always read the manufacturing date, the expiry date and the MRP carefully.
• Never forget to take all the bills and an assurance for the warranty period. Take the bills for each and every thing you buy and it is advisable to take things on a longer warranty basis even if you have to pay a little more for it.
• If while coming back home you lose your wallet, call up the police and register your complaint. This can protect you from the illegal use your documents by the one who picks them up. It is better that you de not carry your essentials every time you move out of the house.
• Keep all the emergency numbers (like the social security unit of your area, the police station number etc.) stored in your mobile phone. Also what is vital for your security is to keep a back up record in a diary of all the essential numbers in your phone and addresses. This will facilitate you with all the information in case you lose your mobile phone.
Wake Up, Its Time to Retaliate by Being Cautious and Not to Sit Quite.
what is consumer awareness and its need?what are the various forms of consumer exploitation?
Best Answer - Chosen By Voters
i am also a student of class 10 making a project on consumer awareness
Introduction
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalisation and liberalisation process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behaviour to a great extent.
Definition
Consumer awareness is making the consumer aware of His/Her rights.
Consumer awareness it a marketing term. It means that consumers note or are aware of products or services, its characteristics and the other marketing P's (place to buy, price, and promotion).
Usually commercials and ads increase consumer awareness, as well as "word of mouth" (a comment from someone you know about a product or service).
1 Need :
we need it so we will not be misled by producers,it explains if what we buy is worth to our money..and not harmful to us and to environment .
Many people are ignorant of their rights to get protected against the exploitation by so many others. So when there is a forum for such redress of grievances there seems to be no such exploitation by many; and becomes a rare one. So in order to get a clear picture of the level of exploitation of consumers, the awareness is required.
Role of producers
proper labeling, full information, health warnings, handling information, expiration date, etc. keep to requirements, norms, standards
labelproducts according requirements, providing true facts
They have to produce and deliver the goods/services of rght quality at right price at right time at right place at right quantity with right face
If they are providing a service they should carry it out with due skill and care. They must also make sure that any materials they provide as part of this service are fit for the purpose.
It is also illegal for a supplier to cut off, or threaten to cut off, supply to a reseller (wholesale or retail) because they have been discounting goods or advertising discounts below prices set by the supplier.
Introduction
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalization and liberalization process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behavior to a great extent.
Definition
Consumer awareness is making the consumer aware of His/Her rights.
Consumer awareness it a marketing term. It means that consumers note or are aware of products or services, its characteristics and the other marketing P's (place to buy, price, and promotion).
Usually commercials and ads increase consumer awareness, as well as "word of mouth" (a comment from someone you know about a product or service).
1 Need:
we need it so we will not be misled by producers; it explains if what we buy is worth to our money. and not harmful to us and to environment .
Many people are ignorant of their rights to get protected against the exploitation by so many others. So when there is a forum for such redress of grievances there seems to be no such exploitation by many; and becomes a rare one. So in order to get a clear picture of the level of exploitation of consumers, the awareness is required.
Role of producers
proper labeling, full information, health warnings, handling information, expiration date, etc. keep to requirements, norms, standards
label products according requirements, providing true facts
They have to produce and deliver the goods/services of right quality at right price at right time at right place at right quantity with right face
If they are providing a service they should carry it out with due skill and care. They must also make sure that any materials they provide as part of this service are fit for the purpose.
It is also illegal for a supplier to cut off, or threaten to cut off, supply to a reseller (wholesale or retail) because they have been discounting goods or advertising discounts below prices set by the supplier.
Are you an individual, a common man who toils day and night, up and down to earn three meals a day? If yes, then do you at times come home depressed with a look of betrayal on your face? There can be reasons like someone withdrew cash from your credit card and you have no clue how; the television you purchased for your family is not properly functioning, the shopkeeper refused to take the onus even though the TV is in the warranty period or somebody stole the information from your email account by hacking it?...this is the plight of today’s consumer, who at the end of the day comes back home defeated and cursing his fate and today’s world.
But one should never forget that God only helps those who help themselves. You can never be beaten unless you admit that you have lost; similarly no one can deceive you unless you let him do so. Thus, it is time for the consumers to wake up and realize that nothing will happen by sitting hands on hands, more than talking of action, one should believe in implementing or doing it. Howsoever one may try it is impractical to erase theft, fraud etc. form our society. In this case the only option left is to take preventive measures.
• The first and the foremost step for a consumer to prevent himself from cheating is to keep his eyes and ears open. Know or be aware of what is happening around you. Read the cases of various scams, thefts, burglaries, phishing scams etc. in that are highlighted in your local newspaper and also seen on television. This will keep you informed and conscious of what is going on and what can unfortunately even happen with you.
• Learn from the mistakes of your neighbors. If a shopkeeper has given a malfunctioning gadget to your neighbor, do not make the mistake of going to that shop. If somebody stole important mails from their mailbox, do make it a point to collect all your crucial mails directly from the post office.
• Never reveal personal identity to a stranger. You go for a morning walk and a man over their tries to be extra amiable even asks you to come home for lunch etc. does not imply that he wants your friendship or that he is a genuine person. So do not disclose your residence, telephone numbers, your workplace numbers etc. to him unless you gather complete information from a known person about him. Avoid giving personal details on phone. If you receive calls from unknown place that offers you some benefits and asks for your particulars, don’t be carried away by that. Tell your particulars only when you are sure that the call is genuine and that there is no other way out.
• Do not rely much on courier services. If you an access to the place where you have to deliver the parcel, take out some time and go yourself.
• Do not hand over your credit or debit cards even to your friends. It is foolish to trust someone blindly nowadays. Never tell your friends or colleagues to check your mails while you are holidaying with your family. It is not wise to let others know your password and mails.
• When you are out for shopping in the market, do not carry much cash. Keep the tentative amount and credit or debit card in case of emergency. This will not only help you do a regulated shopping but will also save you from many pitfalls.
• Before purchasing any commodity, always read the manufacturing date, the expiry date and the MRP carefully.
• Never forget to take all the bills and an assurance for the warranty period. Take the bills for each and every thing you buy and it is advisable to take things on a longer warranty basis even if you have to pay a little more for it.
• If while coming back home you lose your wallet, call up the police and register your complaint. This can protect you from the illegal use your documents by the one who picks them up. It is better that you de not carry your essentials every time you move out of the house.
• Keep all the emergency numbers (like the social security unit of your area, the police station number etc.) stored in your mobile phone. Also what is vital for your security is to keep a back up record in a diary of all the essential numbers in your phone and addresses. This will facilitate you with all the information in case you lose your mobile phone.
Wake Up, Its Time to Retaliate by Being Cautious and Not to Sit Quite.
Introduction
We live in a society that is built on numbers. There are Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, phone numbers, credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, and so on. All these numbers make it easier for a person to steal and commit fraud.
Technology has also made it easier for thieves and greedy corporations to commit crimes against consumers. They can invade our homes via telephones and computers with marketing pitches that sound legitimate. The items we now purchase come more frequently from companies overseas that are not regulated. Workmanship is shoddier than ever. Quality seems to have been tossed out the window.
Because of all these factors, consumers need to work harder to protect themselves from fraud, theft, and rip-offs.
How Can Consumers Protect Themselves?
The best way to avoid fraud and theft is to educate oneself. Frankly, with all the media attention on scams, cases of fraud should be on the decrease, not the increase. Consumers need to pay attention to the alerts. Local news broadcasts feature stories about con artists calling residents to offer driveway paving or house painting or something similar, when in reality these are schemes to steal money. National news channels do special reports on preventing identity theft or what to do if your wallet is stolen. The information is there to educate the public.
New computer and internet users should take the time to sit down with an experienced user and learn how to identify phishing scams and spam mail, as well as learn how to make sure a website is secure and safe for credit card use.
Paper shredders have become inexpensive to buy and many models are meant for home use. Consumers should consider purchasing a shredder to destroy any documents that might reveal any personal information. Too often these documents get tossed into the trash or recycling bins where thieves can – and do – find them. Mailboxes are another place we once thought was safe, but thieves steal mail, both incoming and outgoing, in the hopes of getting personal information. Sensitive mail should be taken directly to the post office for mailing, and if consumers are concerned about incoming mail, they should rent a post office box for bills and checks.
Consumers can protect themselves from fraud and theft, but they must be aware of the tools available for their protection.
Introduction
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalization and liberalization process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behavior to a great extent.
Definition
Consumer awareness is making the consumer aware of His/Her rights.
Consumer awareness it a marketing term. It means that consumers note or are aware of products or services, its characteristics and the other marketing P's (place to buy, price, and promotion).
Need :
we need it so we will not be misled by producers, it explains if what we buy is worth to our money. and not harmful to us and to environment .
Many people are ignorant of their rights to get protected against the exploitation by so many others. So when there is a forum for such redress of grievances there seems to be no such exploitation by many; and becomes a rare one. So in order to get a clear picture of the level of exploitation of consumers, the awareness is required.
Role of producers
proper labeling, full information, health warnings, handling information, expiration date, etc. keep to requirements, norms, standards
label products according requirements, providing true facts
If they are providing a service they should carry it out with due skill and care. They must also make sure that any materials they provide as part of this service are fit for the purpose.
It is also illegal for a supplier to cut off, or threaten to cut off, supply to a reseller (wholesale or retail) because they have been discounting goods or advertising discounts below prices set by the supplier.
*Firstly The Meanings:-
.Consumer:- Someone who purchases a good for personal use.
.Awareness:-having knowledge of ; state of elementary or undifferentiated consciousness
After That You Can Right About:-
Consumer Awareness At School Level(This Is The Heading)
Consumer awareness at school level
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details before buying products.
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalisation and liberalisation process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
However, this is largely unknown to many citizens irrespective of whether they are educated or uneducated. With an enormous population along with high levels of poverty, unemployment and poor literacy levels, consumer awareness continues to remain low. Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behaviour to a great extent. With the increasing changes in economic conditions, the children especially are becoming young consumers at an early age. Children must learn to obtain information about goods and services, understand the psychology of selling and advertising, learn to shop wisely and distinguish between wants and needs. They must also understand the alternatives of conserving and saving rather than buying and consuming.
Children are spending more of their leisure time watching television at the cost of other pursuits such as reading or sports. With the introduction of a number of specialised satellite channels, television enjoys a large viewership base consisting of children. Exposure to the marketplace as young shoppers has made most children aware of the different kinds of products that are available. Advertisements are no doubt an important source of information as they help to inform consumers about the availability of different products before making their choice. A majority of the advertisements are aimed at young children today, especially those covering food products, beverages and cosmetics (especially toothpaste/fairness creams). Advertising influences the food preferences and eating habits of children to a large extent.
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details (for example, labels) before buying products. Children can be taught to shop wisely and a few simple precautions will ensure that they choose the right product at the right price. It is but natural that parents wish the best for their children, and strive hard to fulfil their demands. But this is not always a good idea as it affects both the parents and children in a negative way in the long run.
Consumer education also involves environmental education as it deals with the importance of conserving (natural resources) and sustaining (recycling and reusing) the environment, including the direct health effects of environmental pollution and toxic products on consumers.
Schools must incorporate consumer education into school curricula as it is important to impart the practical skills and critical ability needed to cope with social and economic changes.
Consumer Rights:-
Right to Safety
Means right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services, which
are hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services availed of
should not only meet their immediate needs, but also fulfil long term interests.
Before purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well
as on the guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchas
quality marked products such as ISI,AGMARK, etc
After That Right Abouty Some Of The Tips:-
Are you an individual, a common man who toils day and night, up and down to earn three meals a day? If yes, then do you at times come home depressed with a look of betrayal on your face? There can be reasons like someone withdrew cash from your credit card and you have no clue how; the television you purchased for your family is not properly functioning, the shopkeeper refused to take the onus even though the TV is in the warranty period or somebody stole the information from your email account by hacking it?...this is the plight of today’s consumer, who at the end of the day comes back home defeated and cursing his fate and today’s world.
But one should never forget that God only helps those who help themselves. You can never be beaten unless you admit that you have lost; similarly no one can deceive you unless you let him do so. Thus, it is time for the consumers to wake up and realize that nothing will happen by sitting hands on hands, more than talking of action, one should believe in implementing or doing it. Howsoever one may try it is impractical to erase theft, fraud etc. form our society. In this case the only option left is to take preventive measures.
• The first and the foremost step for a consumer to prevent himself from cheating is to keep his eyes and ears open. Know or be aware of what is happening around you. Read the cases of various scams, thefts, burglaries, phishing scams etc. in that are highlighted in your local newspaper and also seen on television. This will keep you informed and conscious of what is going on and what can unfortunately even happen with you.
• Learn from the mistakes of your neighbors. If a shopkeeper has given a malfunctioning gadget to your neighbor, do not make the mistake of going to that shop. If somebody stole important mails from their mailbox, do make it a point to collect all your crucial mails directly from the post office.
• Never reveal personal identity to a stranger. You go for a morning walk and a man over their tries to be extra amiable even asks you to come home for lunch etc. does not imply that he wants your friendship or that he is a genuine person. So do not disclose your residence, telephone numbers, your workplace numbers etc. to him unless you gather complete information from a known person about him. Avoid giving personal details on phone. If you receive calls from unknown place that offers you some benefits and asks for your particulars, don’t be carried away by that. Tell your particulars only when you are sure that the call is genuine and that there is no other way out.
• Do not rely much on courier services. If you an access to the place where you have to deliver the parcel, take out some time and go yourself.
• Do not hand over your credit or debit cards even to your friends. It is foolish to trust someone blindly nowadays. Never tell your friends or colleagues to check your mails while you are holidaying with your family. It is not wise to let others know your password and mails.
• When you are out for shopping in the market, do not carry much cash. Keep the tentative amount and credit or debit card in case of emergency. This will not only help you do a regulated shopping but will also save you from many pitfalls.
• Before purchasing any commodity, always read the manufacturing date, the expiry date and the MRP carefully.
• Never forget to take all the bills and an assurance for the warranty period. Take the bills for each and every thing you buy and it is advisable to take things on a longer warranty basis even if you have to pay a little more for it.
• If while coming back home you lose your wallet, call up the police and register your complaint. This can protect you from the illegal use your documents by the one who picks them up. It is better that you de not carry your essentials every time you move out of the house.
• Keep all the emergency numbers (like the social security unit of your area, the police station number etc.) stored in your mobile phone. Also what is vital for your security is to keep a back up record in a diary of all the essential numbers in your phone and addresses. This will facilitate you with all the information in case you lose your mobile phone.