Consumer protection policies and practices
Consumer education:
Most basic right= right to consumer education
Aims:
1. Providing skills and information which cons need to make wise, informed decisions
when purchasing goods and services
2. Create competent consumers who are skilled buyers, able to critically evaluate
marketing strats and make sensible choices
3. Providing info on how to use and care for products and where to get assistance if
dissatisfied
4. Teaching people how to budget and manage finances appropriately
5. Create awareness of wider and social, economic adn environmental responsibilities
(recycling waste, reusing plastic bags)
Gov and other orgs responsibility of: consumer education
Consumer protection policies: aim to protect and educate consumers from illegal and
dishonest practices.
Cons responsibility : to be aware of laws that protect their rights
Steps to make wise decisions:
1. Know what you want= shop with list ( don’t buy unnecessary items)
2. Shop around= compare prices and quality esp. If item is expensive
3. Be informed= look at adverts, read advice, research
4. Read labels and info given= insight into quality, price, content, instructions for use
5. Check for economy and value= calculate unit price & buy most economical goods
6. Check documents= check prices on slip is right, read contracts carefully,
7. Beware of extra charges= delivery charges and installation charges
8. Know return/exchange policy before buying= check if can get full refund,credit note
or replacement ( keep slips)
9. Use credit wisely= don't use credit if not necessary. Credit adds to cost of item. For
large items ( car or house- shop around for best rates)
CPA: protect South African consumers
1. contracts , products and services must be written clearly in plain lingo and
understood by both parties
2. Labels must be clear + detailed- not misleading
3. Products be of fair value and quality
4. Cons have 5 days ‘ cooling off time’ to change their minds
5. All cons get equal treatment
6. Salespeople may not bombard you with phone calls if you dont want to speak to
them
7. Marketing must be fair and responsible, do not tempt beyond your means
8. Overselling+ overbooking=illegal
Consumer education:
Most basic right= right to consumer education
Aims:
1. Providing skills and information which cons need to make wise, informed decisions
when purchasing goods and services
2. Create competent consumers who are skilled buyers, able to critically evaluate
marketing strats and make sensible choices
3. Providing info on how to use and care for products and where to get assistance if
dissatisfied
4. Teaching people how to budget and manage finances appropriately
5. Create awareness of wider and social, economic adn environmental responsibilities
(recycling waste, reusing plastic bags)
Gov and other orgs responsibility of: consumer education
Consumer protection policies: aim to protect and educate consumers from illegal and
dishonest practices.
Cons responsibility : to be aware of laws that protect their rights
Steps to make wise decisions:
1. Know what you want= shop with list ( don’t buy unnecessary items)
2. Shop around= compare prices and quality esp. If item is expensive
3. Be informed= look at adverts, read advice, research
4. Read labels and info given= insight into quality, price, content, instructions for use
5. Check for economy and value= calculate unit price & buy most economical goods
6. Check documents= check prices on slip is right, read contracts carefully,
7. Beware of extra charges= delivery charges and installation charges
8. Know return/exchange policy before buying= check if can get full refund,credit note
or replacement ( keep slips)
9. Use credit wisely= don't use credit if not necessary. Credit adds to cost of item. For
large items ( car or house- shop around for best rates)
CPA: protect South African consumers
1. contracts , products and services must be written clearly in plain lingo and
understood by both parties
2. Labels must be clear + detailed- not misleading
3. Products be of fair value and quality
4. Cons have 5 days ‘ cooling off time’ to change their minds
5. All cons get equal treatment
6. Salespeople may not bombard you with phone calls if you dont want to speak to
them
7. Marketing must be fair and responsible, do not tempt beyond your means
8. Overselling+ overbooking=illegal
