Selection and purchase of household goods

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Consumer rights

The selection and purchase of household goods

You dont have any rights to return items if any of the following applies to that specific item:

  • You were informed of any faults before you bought the goods, or if the fault was so significant you should haave noticed when you purchased it.
  • You damage the goods yourself.
  • If you made a mistake and change your mind.
  • You want to return the goods as you found them cheaper somewhere else.

Legislation to protect the consumer

  • Sale and supply of goods act 1979/1994- three main aspects of this act: goods must be of satisfactory quality, goods must be fit for purpose and goods must be as described.
  • Trade description act 1968/1972- when a seller describes the goods to the consumer the consumer must not be misled in any way.
  • Food and drugs act 1955- ensures that food and drugs are named and labelled correctlyy and are produced in hygenic conditions.
  • consumers safety act 1978- protects consumers from goods which are dangerous
  • The consumer protection regulations 2000
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Consumer rights 2

Selection and purchase of household goods

Consumer rights when using services

  • Supply of goods and services act 1982- requires the supplier to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill.
  • Codes of practice - retailers join trade associations related to their trade, follow certain codes of practice to ensure a good service to consumers.

Consumer protection

  • The office of fair trading- protects consumers and explains their rights,and ensures businesses compete fairly.
  • The trading standards agency- provides information for all, makes sure no dangerous goods get to the shelves, ensures they're described and weighed properly, makes sure farm animals are protected.
  • The environmental health department- maintain, protect, and improve the quality of life in communities.
  • The food standards agency- aims to protect publics health and consumer interest when related to food.
  • Citizens advice bereau- offers free confidential and independant advice for all, all around the country.
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Consumer rights 3

The selection and purchase of household goods

Complaints procedure

  • Make sure that all facts are correct
  • Go back to the shop as soon as possible, take a proof of purchase.
  • Explain the problem and say what you expect, be calm but firm, make note of what was agreed.
  • Speak to someone of authority and get their name.
  • Write to head office and explain complaint and action taken, say what you expect, note when sent, keep copy and origianl document, take photo if necessary.
  • If nothing happens within reasonable time, send another letter or phone, note time, date and person.
  • If still not resolved possibly bring in other third party.
  • Write to trade association (if retailer has one) and detail action.
  • If the outcome is still unsatisfactory, conciliation and arbitration can be considered.

Conciliation- The idea of conciliation is to enable the parties to settle their differences themselves, if not resolved arbitration and court action may be necessary. Arbitration- Is often a straight alternative to court, give both sides of evidence, and arbitrator decides a final outcome. Court Action-This is the last resort if all else failed, but often not advised as its time and money consuming and can be ecxpensive.

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Purchasing 1

Retail outlets selling food

  • Supermarkets
  • Internet
  • Specialist stores
  • Local markets
  • Organic box schemes
  • Smaller corner shops

Advantages of supermarkets

  • Convinient and easy food for busy working people to grab on the go
  • wide variety of food choices
  • Loyalty cards promoted which encourage people to come back again and again.
  • Loyalty cards allow retailers to quickly meet the demands of the consumer.
  • vouchers to buy petrol at discounted prices
  • Facilties for all types of people  e.g. people with children and people with disabilities
  • Self service tills now available making shopping quicker.
  • promotions e.g. buy one get one free
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Purchasing 2

Selection and purchase of food and household goods

Disadvantages of supermarkets

  • Sometimes can be hard to access by transport if you dont have a car.
  • Promotions may be too hard to pass, which means consumers start to spend unecessaary money.
  • Some consumers may not be happy about fruit and veg flown in from others countries if they care about the environment.
  • More difficult to support local shops and farmers.

Advantages of the internet

  • no need to visit the store so saves fuel, time and money- good for bust people.
  • possible to shop for normal groceries
  • previous shopping lists are saved so easy to access for next time.
  • useful for large families as large quantaties can be delivered.
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Purchasing 3

The selection and purchase of household goods

Disadvantages of the internet

  • sometimes can be extra charges for delivery.
  • most people prefer to select goods themselves, and check quality before purchase.
  • sometimes products are unavailable.
  • Not everyone has access

Advantages of specialist shops

  • Includes butchers, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, farm shops- good for specific types of items.
  • farm shops offer many facilities and items which makes it a fun enjoyable activity
  • can offer expert knowledge in that particular area as been well trained.
  • offer more personal service, and can become friends.
  • more supporting of local farmers
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Purchasing 4

The selection and purchase of food and household goods

Disadvantages of specialist shops

  • less accessible
  • Mostly rural areas
  • not as many around due to supermarkets.
  • tend to be more expensive.
  • not normally open long hours.

Advantages of local markets

  • frequently offer good produce at fair prices.
  • fresh and detailed information usually helps to say exactly where its from.
  • less carbon footprint
  • cuts out 'middle man' as it comes straight from farmer.

Disadvantages of local markets

  • only available on certain days and for short time periods.
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Purchasing 5

The selection and purchase of foor and household goods

Advantages of small corner shops

  • Open very long hours
  • useful for items needed in emergencies
  • available in all urban areas
  • less likely to buy more than you need.

Disadvantages of small corner shops

  • limited range of foods
  • quite expensive
  • not usually in rural areas.
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Dietary guidelines

The selection and purchase of household goods

Healthy eating guidelines

  • Base meals on starchy foods e.g. pasta, rice potatoe
  • Eat lots of fruit and veg- aim for minimum of five a day
  • More fish -good source of protein and minerals, and vitamins
  • Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
  • Try eat less salt - no more than 6g a day
  • Get active and keep healthy weight
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Dont skip breakfast.
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Management of food resources

The selection and purchase of household goods

Important to consider certain issues, some of these include:

  • Time,equipment, and storage available may influence food choice and prep
  • Financial resources
  • Capabilties of the cook
  • health of the individual
  • meeting dietary needs.

Sources of infomation

  • Media consumer reports - e.g. good food magazine and 'which?' website
  • Documentaries on the tv
  • Internet articles
  • Consumer helplines
  • Consumer exhibition e.g. the good food show
  • Advertisement
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Retailing

The selection and purchase of household goods

Current marketing stratagies

Above the line:

  • Expensive
  • Advertise through independant media
  • Can help build brand loyalty
  • Effective, coverage to wide audiences
  • Includes television, radio, newspapers, magazine e.g. cadburys.

Below the line:

  • Less expensive
  • DOES NOT involve advertising by the independant media
  • Used to build awareness of products and influence shoppers to purchase
  • Includes direct mail, brouchers, flyers, coupons, packaging e.g. Nisa
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