Surveys have shown that as many as one in ten purchases turn out to be faulty - from unsafe food to badly made clothes. When buying a product it should be suitable for the purpose for which it is intended. Some companies adopt good consumer services policies while some give you the run-around. How often have we heard "No one else has complained", to which you should respond you are complaining about your item only. It is faulty and therefore, by law, you are entitled to a refund. Other people's attitudes are not relevant to your goods. But how often do we complain? Or, do we complain enough.
Across our everyday lives there are many instances when we require protection. We have a right to assume that when we get up in the morning, we not are electrocuted when we switch on our light. We should be able to assume when we eat our breakfast that the food will be safe.
To ensure this requires the work of many Government Departments and State agencies. For example, you will not be allowed to connect electricity to your house unless you have a certificate from an approved contracting body. In relation to food, a State body the Food, marketed or produced in Ireland meets the highest standards of food Safety Authority of Ireland has responsibility for ensuring that food consumed, distributed safety and hygiene. These are basic rights that I believe we are all entitled to as consumers.
As a mother of six children, I am sure I'm not alone in the plight of buying clothes that do not fit or are "not appreciated". The policy of the chain stores is quite accommodating when dealing with returns where as smaller outlets may not offer such allowances. This is a case where I...