Basic Customers and Consumer Rights

As we continue to look at customer and consumer service, it’s  important to know that you as a consumer are entitled to some rights that form the foundation of fairness in the marketplace. These rights are outlined below as described on consumers international.

1.  The right to be heard – When a customer has a legitimate concern, problem or complaint, they have the right to speak up, and be heard. Consumer interests are supposed to be represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services.
    
2. The right to choose – To be able to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality. This is the freedom of making the decision of where to shop or not, and the laws should protect consumers against exploitation as a result of cartels and monopoly.
    
3. The right to safety – To be protected against products, production processes and services which are hazardous to health or life. Consumers on the other hand have the responsiblility of reporting any unsafe product or practice. 
    
4. The right to be informed – To be given the facts needed to make an informed choice, and to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling.
    
5. The right to consumer education – To acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.
    
6. The right to satisfaction of basic needs – To have access to basic, essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water and sanitation.  All lawmakers and policy makers should be held responsible to ensure that that human life is not at risk for not providing policies and laws thet assure these needs.
    
7. The right to redress – To receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services. 
    
8. The right to a healthy environment -To live and work in an environment which is non-threatening to the well-being of present and future generations.

In the next post, we will look at how to lodge a successful complaint as a consumer.

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