Consumer Rights & Responsibilities

Caveat Emptor – “Let the buyer beware!” 

The Latin phrase is used to remind consumers that they share the responsibility for protecting themselves in the marketplace. 

Their rights as consumers will not prevent problems unless they make the effort to be informed consumers.

responsibilities of a consumer

It is important that consumers:
  • Understand the terms and conditions of the sale
  • Obtain warranties in print or writing
  • Save receipts
  • Ask questions at the point of sale
  • Keep informed about new and different options in the market place
  • Report dissatisfaction with goods and services to the supplier
  • Inform others of unfair business practices or treatment
  • Report apparently unsafe merchandise to  the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD)
  • Maintain a healthy environment for future generations
  • Check item before signing delivery note
shopping bags

rights of a consumer

01. The Right to Safety

Consumers purchase goods for their needs and wants. Goods must be of merchantable quality and safe for the intended users.
For example:
  • The body, door or handle of a fridge should not shock
  • The motor or the cord of a fan should not catch afire
  • A toy must not contain toxic substances

02. The Right to Complain

Consumers have a right to complain about faulty merchandise. This means that consumers should:

  • Report any dissatisfaction to the supplier
  • Make a note of the date of your oral complaint
  • Follow up on your verbal complaint in writing
  • Provide a copy of your letter of complaint to the Consumer Affairs Division

03. The Right to Choose

Choose wisely and shop within your means. This means that consumers should:

  • Plan your purchase
  • Shop around before you buy
  • Not overspend

04. The Right to Information

It is important that consumers get more information than what is presented in the material produced to persuade you to buy. You should research information on your intended purchase and ask relevant questions upon purchase about:
  • Refund and Return policies
  • Full and limited warranties
  • Restocking fees

05. The Right to Consumer Education

With a view towards empowering consumers, one of the core functions of the Consumer Affairs Division is to provide consumer education to the public.

The Division engages in awareness campaigns utilizing traditional media such as television, radio, print and social media to reach its national audience. Staff of the Division also conduct outreach programmes that target Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other groups. In addition, the Division takes advantage of seasonal and situational opportunities to share information wherever consumers may gather in large numbers.

06. The Right to Satisfaction of Basic Needs

This right goes beyond the basics of food, clothing and shelter. The modern consumer is also entitled to the right of access to essential:
  • Goods
  • Services
  • Healthcare
  • Sanitation

07. The Right to a Healthy & Sustainable Environment

This right goes beyond the basics of food, clothing and shelter. The modern consumer is also entitled to the right of access to essential:
  • Goods
  • Services
  • Healthcare
  • Sanitation

08. The Right to Redress

Your right to redress provides a platform for satisfactory mediation and solutions to your complaints. Here in Trinidad and Tobago, redress means:
  • A refund if an item is not of merchantable quality
  • A replacement of the item, if the consumer is satisfied with same
  • Repair of the item if it can be repaired
  • A Credit note

IN A WORLD DRIVEN BY CONSUMERS

The Power is yours!

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