Crafty Consumers

Social Studies Online

Consumers Institute

• What is the FUNCTION of this organization?
• Explain how the organization tries to safeguard the rights of the consumer.
• How is the organization funded? Does this keep the organisation impartial? Why?
• Explain why and how the organization tests the reliability of products. Present this information in the form of a FLOW Chart.
• Find a test report in the consumer magazine and present the report on a chart to the class.

FairGo

• What is the FUNCTION of FairGo?
• Explain how the organization tries to safeguard the rights of the consumer.
• How is FairGo funded? Does this keep them impartial? Why?
• What type of problems will FairGo not investigate? Can you give a reason why?
• Find out about at least 2 examples of how FairGo tried to assist a consumer. In your report write about the nature of the complaint, the role FairGo played to assist the consumer and the final outcome.
• Prepare a flow chart showing the steps that need to be taken when wanting FairGo to investigate a problem on your behalf.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs

• What is the FUNCTION of the organization?
• How is the organization funded and organized?
• Explain how the organization tries to safeguard the rights of the consumer.
• What ADVICE does the ministry provide to the consumer on: buying second hand goods, damaged goods not yet paid for, and gift vouchers.
• Discuss an EXAMPLE of how the ministry has taken steps to safeguard consumers. Consider: cigarette lighters, prams & strollers, toys, safe furniture.
• Explain the steps to be taken in the form of a FLOW chart when wanting to make a complaint.

Disputes Tribunal

• What is the FUNCTION of the Disputes Tribunal?
• Explain how the Disputes Tribunal tries to assist the consumer when experiencing problems.
• Prepare a chart telling the CONSUMER about the ROLE of the Disputes Tribunal. Include information on:
  • The basic setup, Costs,
  • What's not covered,
  • Making a claim - Explain the steps to be taken in the form of a FLOW chart when wanting to make a claim.
  • Preparing your case,
  • The hearing
  • Taking it further and enforcing an order.

Consumers International

• What is the FUNCTION of Consumers International? (Go to About Consumers International).
• Explain how the organization tries to safeguard the rights of the consumer.
• On 9 April 1985, The Eight Basic Consumer Rights were adopted by the United Nations' Assembly. Together they provide a framework for strengthening national consumer protection policies around the world. Prepare a poster informing the consumer about eight Consumer Rights and five Consumer Responsibilities.
• Investigate one of the campaigns undertaken by the organization. Present your findings on a chart for others to read.

Consumer (Magazine)
Some organizations like to keep the consumer informed and produce publications. An example of such a publication is the Consumer Magazine.

• What is the aim or purpose of this magazine?
• Explain how this publication tries to safeguard the rights of the consumer.
• Read at least two reports which appeared in the consumer magazine and present a synopsis of each of the reports on a chart for others to read.

Advertising Standards complaints Board
Advertising is a difficult thing to ignore. Mostly you grin and bear it, but occasionally you think an agency has really gone too far. You have the right to complain about it.

• What is the FUNCTION of the Adverting Standards Complaints board?
• Prepare a Chart telling people about their right to complain about advertisements that are misleading, unfair and/or of poor taste (offensive). Include information on:
  • How the system works
  • Codes of practice
  • How to complain
  • Advertising not covered
  • Broadcasting standards
• Prepare a FLOW CHART showing the steps followed by the Advertising Standards Complaints board once a complaint has been received.

Broadcasting Standards authority

• What is the FUNCTION of the Broadcasting Standards Authority?
• Explain how this organization tries to ensure that viewers are not offended by what's aired.
• Prepare a Chart explaining how to make a formal complaint about a broadcast that violated the Codes of Broadcasting Practice.
• Search: Decisions On Formal Complaints - read about a case and prepare a written report of a complaint received by the BSA and the decision reached.