A consumer has every right to receive accurate information, because they can only make informed decisions and purchases if they have the information they need. Businesses are also required to provide certain details about their products or services.
For example, drug companies must list the complete contents of every medicine, clothing manufacturers must list the types of fabric and fibres used, and packaged foods must show a list of ingredients with the main one being listed at the top. Labels must accurately reflect the information of the products.
The right to be informed as a consumer allows the consumer to have sufficient information to consider alternatives and to protect the consumer from false or misleading claims in advertising and labelling practices. This is especially relevant in health care and medication products.
Knowing exactly what chemicals one puts into their body and what the chemicals could do is crucial in allowing consumers to make an informed decision and allowing consumers to harm themselves through the use of a product which they were not properly informed of led to lawsuits that created this right.
Consumers should insist on getting all the information about the product or service before making a decision as this will enable them to act wisely and prevent them from falling prey to high pressure selling techniques.
Along with rights comes responsibilities. A consumer has the responsibility of educating themselves on the information available on the products they intend on purchasing, and using the products as intended.
Before making a major purchase, research should always be done beforehand. Read up on the official product website for details and reviews from others to ensure the product works as advertised and is fit for your needs.
Because there is a wide variety of goods and services that consumers can choose from with businesses competing to sell their products, consumers must be well informed to be able to choose their products wisely.
Responsible consumers can also help improve the policies and products of a business. They can let the company know if they are dissatisfied with the products or policies. Consumers also have a responsibility to report unfair, unsafe and illegal business practices, therefore also benefiting other consumers with the information.
