Six Rights of the Consumer

Consumer Rights
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The struggle for consumer rights dates back decades ago, at a time when consumers suffered a lack of representation and hence, no rights whatsoever. They particularly had no say in the kind or quality of products that they purchased, and if they were defective, it was still up to them. The producers enjoyed an upper hand and did their production with an almost certain degree of impunity. Increased complaints from consumers brought about the need for new policies to protect them from the producers. The establishment of the policies to ensure the rights of the consumer ensures that the consumer’s health and welfare are safeguarded from the otherwise detrimental effects of what would be brought about by negligent producers. In the long run, consumer rights protect even the producers, since, in one way or another, they also consume. There are six rights of the consumer, which help in protecting them.
* The Right to Safety.
The consumer is entitled to be protected from the dangers or hazards caused by products or services that might be faulty. In the United States, the establishment of a body, known as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ensured that this right was enforceable and carefully monitored. Companies and other producers are supposed to undertake strict routine measures, to ensure that the set standards are in order (Pride et.al. 2008). In the case of a defective or faulty product, the consumer is entitled to return it to the producer or seller, as long as he notices the defect within a stipulated period, as highlighted in the warranty certificate that came with it.
* The Right to Information.
The consumer is entitled to know the contents and usage of any given product or service, well before even purchasing it. This ensures that producers do not mislead the consumers into buying products that are not what they mean to be. Consumers are therefore protected from false advertisements, which might contain inaccurate information (Fernando, 2010). Consumers are also given the right to ask, request or demand for the information in a language that is simplified enough for them to understand. The consumer is also granted the right o inquire about unit costs of any product, so as to prevent any overcharging by the seller, or any hidden costs. They also have the right to know more about the refund policy of the same too.