Leaving Certificate Business Notes: Consumer Conflict

Keywords: Leaving Certificate study notes, Leaving Certificate Business Studies notes, consumer conflict, consumer rights, dispute resolution, consumer protection, business law, legal remedies, complaint handling, consumer advocacy, conflict resolution strategies.

Important Takeaways

• Consumer Protection Act 2001: This act ensures transparent pricing, prohibits misleading practices, and enforces fair trading standards through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

• Understanding Consumer Rights: Goods must meet quality standards, be fit for purpose, and match descriptions. Services should be performed with care, by qualified individuals, and guarantees must not override statutory rights.

• Faulty Product Redress: Consumers are entitled to refunds, repairs, or replacements for defective goods, with the response depending on the fault's severity and complaint timing.

• Cooling-Off Period for Distance Sales: Purchases made online, by phone, or at the doorstep allow a 14-day cooling-off period, offering buyers the option to cancel and claim a full refund.

• CCPC’s Role in Consumer Protection: The CCPC informs consumers of their rights, enforces consumer law, provides compliance oversight, and conducts research to support fair and informed consumer practices.

Key Lessons from "Leaving Certificate Business Studies: Unit 1 – People in Business: Consumer Conflict"

• Consumer Protection Act 2001: This law ensures fair practices in pricing, prohibits misleading or aggressive behavior by traders, and is enforced by the CCPC through compliance notices, fines, or criminal proceedings.

• Consumer Rights for Goods and Services: Goods must be of merchantable quality, fit for purpose, and as described, while services must be provided with due care and skill, using quality materials. Guarantees enhance protection without limiting statutory rights.

• Unsolicited Goods and Consumer Redress: Consumers can keep unsolicited goods under specific conditions and have the right to a refund, repair, or replacement if they purchase faulty goods.

• Cooling-Off Period for Distance Purchases: Consumers have 14 days to cancel and receive refunds for products bought online, by phone, or doorstep sales, offering extra protection for remote purchases.

• Role of the CCPC: The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission informs consumers, enforces consumer laws, advises the government, and conducts research to protect consumer rights and promote value for money.

Keywords: Leaving Certificate study notes, Leaving Certificate Business Studies notes, consumer conflict, consumer rights, dispute resolution, consumer protection, business law, legal remedies, complaint handling, consumer advocacy, conflict resolution strategies.