Selection and purchase of household goods

The selection and purchase of household goods

You dont have any rights to return items if any of the following applies to that specific item:

• You were informed of any faults before you bought the goods, or if the fault was so significant you should haave noticed when you purchased it.
• You damage the goods yourself.
• If you made a mistake and change your mind.
• You want to return the goods as you found them cheaper somewhere else.

Legislation to protect the consumer

• Sale and supply of goods act 1979/1994- three main aspects of this act: goods must be of satisfactory quality, goods must be fit for purpose and goods must be as described.
• Trade description act 1968/1972- when a seller describes the goods to the consumer the consumer must not be misled in any way.
• Food and drugs act 1955- ensures that food and drugs are named and labelled correctlyy and are produced in hygenic conditions.
• consumers safety act 1978- protects consumers from goods which are dangerous
• The consumer protection regulations 2000

Selection and purchase of household goods

Consumer rights when using services

• Supply of goods and services act 1982- requires the supplier to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill.
• Codes of practice - retailers join trade associations related to their trade, follow certain codes of practice to ensure a good service to consumers.

Consumer protection

• The office of fair trading- protects consumers and explains their rights,and ensures businesses compete fairly.
• The trading standards agency- provides information for all, makes sure no dangerous goods get to the shelves, ensures they're described and weighed properly, makes sure farm animals are protected.
• The environmental health department- maintain, protect, and improve the quality of life in communities.
• The food standards agency- aims to protect publics health and consumer interest when related to food.
• Citizens advice bereau- offers free confidential and independant advice for all, all around the country.

The selection and purchase of household goods

Complaints procedure

• Make sure that all facts are correct
• Go back to the shop as soon as possible, take a proof of purchase.
• Explain the problem and say what you expect, be calm but firm, make note of what was agreed.
• Speak to someone of authority and get their name.
• Write to head office and explain complaint and action taken, say what you expect, note when sent, keep copy and origianl document, take photo if necessary.
• If nothing happens within reasonable time, send another letter or phone, note time, date and person.
• If still not resolved possibly bring in other third party.
• Write to trade association (if retailer has one) and detail action.
• If the outcome is still unsatisfactory, conciliation and arbitration can be considered.

Conciliation- The idea of conciliation is to enable the parties to settle their differences themselves, if not resolved arbitration and court action may be necessary. Arbitration- Is often a straight alternative to court, give both sides of evidence, and arbitrator decides a final outcome. Court Action-This is the last resort if all else failed, but often not advised as its time and money consuming and can be ecxpensive.

Retail outlets selling food

• Supermarkets
• Internet
• Specialist stores
• Local markets
• Organic box schemes
• Smaller corner shops

Advantages of supermarkets

• Convinient and easy food for busy working people to grab on the go
• wide variety of food choices
• Loyalty cards promoted which encourage people to come back again and again.
• Loyalty cards allow retailers to quickly meet the demands of the consumer.
• vouchers to buy petrol at discounted prices
• Facilties for all types of people  e.g. people with children and people with disabilities
• Self service tills now available making shopping quicker.
• promotions e.g. buy one get one free

Selection and purchase of food and household goods

Disadvantages of supermarkets

• Sometimes can be hard to access by transport if you dont have a car.
• Promotions may be too hard to pass, which means consumers start to spend unecessaary money.
• Some consumers may not be happy about fruit and veg flown in from others countries if they care about the environment.
• More difficult to support local shops and farmers.

Advantages of the internet

• no need to visit the store so saves fuel, time and money- good for bust people.
• possible to shop for normal groceries
• previous shopping lists are saved so easy to access for next time.
• useful for large families as large quantaties can be delivered.

The selection and purchase of household goods

Disadvantages of the internet

• sometimes can be extra charges for delivery.
• most people prefer to select goods themselves, and check quality before purchase.
• sometimes products are unavailable.
• Not everyone has access

Advantages of specialist shops

• Includes butchers, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, farm shops- good for specific types of items.
• farm shops offer many facilities and items which makes it a fun enjoyable activity
• can offer expert knowledge in that particular area as been well trained.
• offer more personal service, and can become friends.
• more supporting of local farmers

The selection and purchase of food and household goods

Disadvantages of specialist shops

• less accessible
• Mostly rural areas
• not as many around due to supermarkets.
• tend to be more expensive.
• not normally open long hours.

Advantages of local markets

• frequently offer good produce at fair prices.
• fresh and detailed information usually helps to say exactly where its from.
• less carbon footprint
• cuts out 'middle man' as it comes straight from farmer.

Disadvantages of local markets

• only available on certain days and for short time periods.

The selection and purchase of foor and household goods

Advantages of small corner shops

• Open very long hours
• useful for items needed in emergencies
• available in all urban areas
• less likely to buy more than you need.

Disadvantages of small corner shops

• limited range of foods
• quite expensive
• not usually in rural areas.

The selection and purchase of household goods

Healthy eating guidelines

• Base meals on starchy foods e.g. pasta, rice potatoe
• Eat lots of fruit and veg- aim for minimum of five a day
• More fish -good source of protein and minerals, and vitamins
• Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
• Try eat less salt - no more than 6g a day
• Get active and keep healthy weight
• Drink plenty of water
• Dont skip breakfast.

The selection and purchase of household goods

Important to consider certain issues, some of these include:

• Time,equipment, and storage available may influence food choice and prep
• Financial resources
• Capabilties of the cook
• health of the individual
• meeting dietary needs.

Sources of infomation

• Media consumer reports - e.g. good food magazine and 'which?' website
• Documentaries on the tv
• Internet articles
• Consumer helplines
• Consumer exhibition e.g. the good food show
• Advertisement

The selection and purchase of household goods

Current marketing stratagies

Above the line:

• Expensive
• Advertise through independant media
• Can help build brand loyalty
• Effective, coverage to wide audiences
• Includes television, radio, newspapers, magazine e.g. cadburys.

Below the line:

• Less expensive
• DOES NOT involve advertising by the independant media
• Used to build awareness of products and influence shoppers to purchase
• Includes direct mail, brouchers, flyers, coupons, packaging e.g. Nisa