CONSUMER CHALLENGES AND RIGHTS
Subject:
Home Economics
Term:
First Term
Week:
Week 1
Class:
JSS 3 / BASIC 9
Previous lesson: Pupils have previous knowledge of
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS
that was taught in their previous lesson
Topic:
CONSUMER CHALLENGES AND RIGHTS
Behavioural objectives: At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to
- define the meaning of challenges
- explain consumer rights
- List ways of solving consumers challenges
- mention the ways of protecting consumers right
Instructional Materials:
- Wall charts
- Pictures
- Related Online Video
- Flash Cards
Methods of Teaching:
- Class Discussion
- Group Discussion
- Asking Questions
- Explanation
- Role Modelling
- Role Delegation
Reference Materials:
- Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum
- Workbooks
Content
CONSUMER CHALLENGES AND RIGHTS
When it comes to our rights as consumers, we often feel powerless. We may feel like we’re not being treated fairly, or that our voices aren’t being heard. But there are ways to fight back and get the treatment we deserve.
Consumer redress is a set of guidelines that protect all consumers. It is a way of making sure that all consumers are treated the same and it provides a method of how to deal with it if one feels he/she has been treated poorly. Some of the consumer redress options include the following:
-Asking for a refund
-Asking for compensation
-Making a complaint
If you feel like you’ve been wronged as a consumer, don’t hesitate to take action. Stand up for your rights and make sure your voice is heard!
Redress Options for the Consumer
Consumer redress is a set of guidelines that protect all consumers. It is a way of making sure that all consumers are treated the same and it provides a method of how to deal with it if one feels he/she has been treated poorly. Some of the consumer redress options include the following:
- Public authorities: For example the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). The primary function of this body is to protect buyers of goods and services against low quality or dangerous products and advertisements that deceive people. They make laws that perform this function. Consumer Protect Council is among the first point of call to aggrieved consumer. It is the best of all redress option because it can result in a positive response from suppliers in term or providing compensations.
- Individual court action: This is very common especially where consumer is a victim of serious fraud. For example government failure to provide infrastructure but will intimidate consumers to pay using all forceful means, sale of land with forged document etc. this process demands money, time and it is frustrating because of time delays in court.
- Consumer organizations: Examples of these are market associations and associations of interest groups (motor parts association, yam sellers association, Nigeria Union of teachers, etc.) this have helped in bring action against companies on behalf of consumers.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): In this case mediators between suppliers and consumers are appointed by court or organizations. Mediators should be persons of proven integrity. He should also be neutral in his judgment. This process is prone to abuse in some cases.
- Collective court action: this is also very common especially with association of interest groups, usually against government agencies. It is very convenient for consumers because they employ the service of a lawyer, pay little and save time of going to court.
Procedures for Seeking Redress
Companies use different methods to advertise their products and make them look attractive to consumers. Consumers will purchase these products based on the claims of the companies and expect a certain level of satisfaction. However the products do not always meet the sellers’ claims or the customers’ expectation. The consumer has a right to be satisfied with a purchase and there are ways or procedure to enforce consumers’ rights. The following procedure is usually employed in seeking redress.
- Make photocopies of all documents that support your complaint e. g. receipts of transaction.
- Check the policies of the company and make sure you are acting within your rights.
- Make a complaint at the right place through letter, e-mail, phone call or a visit to the company.
- Show your supporting document and other evidence e.g. unsatisfactory item purchased. Take a picture of the item and include it in the letter or scan to include in e-mail.
- Seek the service of a mediator if not successful on your own. Mediator helps to resolve issues between two parties but has no legal power to enforce the final decision.
- Seek legal consultation; a lawyer can advise you to proceed with the case or not, your chances of winning or other alternative methods of solving the problem.
Presentation
Step 1:
The subject teacher introduces the new topic
Step 2.
He introduces the new topic
Step 3:
The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise
Evaluation
1. What are consumer challenges and rights
2. Explain how to deal with a challenge as a consumer
3. What are steps that are involved in how to file a complaint as a consumer
4. List four benefits of being an empowered consumer
5. Mention four top tips for consumers
6. How can a consumer identify a scam or scammer?
7. Explain five redress options for the consumer.
8. State the procedures for seeking redress by the consumer.
9. Mention three ways to by which an aggrieved consumer can seek redress
10.What is consumer protection right?
11. Explain five redress options for the consumer.
12. State the procedures for seeking redress by the consumer.
Conclusion
The class teacher wraps up or concludes the lesson by giving out a short note to summarize the topic that he or she has just taught.
The class teacher also goes round to make sure that the notes are well copied or well written by the pupils.
He or she makes the necessary corrections when and where the needs arise.