How does consumer movement affect business?

Answer 1

(1) Protection from Unsafe Products: An important object of consumer movement is, the united fight of consumers against harmful and unsafe products produced by manufacturers and sold by traders. The examples of such products are medicines causing side effects, sold without any written warning, sale of stale products, etc.

(2) Protection against Unfair Trade Practices: Businessmen do various unfair trade practices like overcharging the customers, using inaccurate weight and measures, selling inferior quality goods, resorting to black marketing, etc. Consumer movement protects the consumers from such malpractices.

(3) Protection Against Pollution: Due to consumer movement, business organizations are under pressure to take the necessary measures to control air, water and noise pollution.

(4) Bringing Consumers Together: It was very easy for business organizations to exploit unorganized customers. However, due to consumer movement, customers are collectively fighting for their rights. Thus, consumer movement has succeeded in uniting and getting a fair deal for consumers from the business world.

(5) Control on Monopolistic & Restrictive Trade Practices: Many Laws and Acts have been introduced to protect the interest of consumers against monopolistic and restrictive trade practices of businessmen.

(6) Creating Consumer Awareness: Consumer movement creates awareness among consumers and educate them through lectures, seminar, workshops, media, public meetings, etc. regarding consumer rights.

(7) Timely Supply of Essential Commodities: Consumer movement has made it possible for consumers to form Consumer Co-operative Societies for production and distribution of essential commodities on co-operative basis so as to ensure their regular supply at reasonable prices.

(8) Right to get After Sale Service: After sale service is provided by manufacturers and sellers to the customer even after effecting sales. Seller must provide after sale services in case of consumer durable products. The seller is supposed to undertake free repairs and maintenance of products sold during the warranty period. The awareness about this right of consumers has been brought through consumer movement.

(9) Pressure on Government: Since consumers are now united, they are able to exert pressure on the government to enact various laws and introduce measures for consumer protection.

(10) Link between Consumers and Business Community: Various consumers, by passing on consumer grievances, their suggestions, etc to business organizations are getting justice for consumers.

(11) Legal Help: Various consumer protection associations helps the consumer to get their complaints against malpractices of traders, redressed through Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies or Civil Courts.