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Discuss the rights of consumers under the terms of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2011
Question B
Discuss the rights of consumers under the terms of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980. Illustrate two forms of redress available to consumers for bre... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Discuss the rights of consumers under the terms of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 - Leaving Cert Business - Question B - 2011
Step 1
Discuss the rights of consumers under the terms of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980.
Answer
Under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, consumers are endowed with several essential rights that protect them during transactions. These rights include:
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Right to Quality: Consumers have the right to goods that are of satisfactory quality. This means that products should not only be free from defects but also fit for the purpose intended.
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Right to Description: Goods provided must match their description. If a product is advertised in a specific way, it should conform to that description when purchased.
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Right to Title: Consumers hold the right to receive goods without any third-party claims. Essentially, this ensures that sellers have the legal right to sell the items they are offering.
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Right to Repair or Replacement: If a consumer receives faulty goods, they are entitled to either a repair or replacement free of charge.
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Right to Services Performed with Reasonable Skill and Care: Consumers are entitled to services that are conducted to a reasonable standard—meaning professionals must perform their services competently.
These rights are fundamental to maintaining consumer confidence and protection in the marketplace.
Step 2
Illustrate two forms of redress available to consumers for breach of the Act.
Answer
In cases where there is a breach of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, consumers have several forms of redress available to them. Two primary forms include:
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Repair or Replacement: When a product does not meet the standards set out in the Act, the consumer can demand that the seller repair or replace the item at no extra cost. This remedy restores the consumer’s right to receive a functional product as promised.
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Refund: If a repair or replacement is not feasible, consumers may be entitled to a full or partial refund. This ensures that the consumer can recuperate their expenditure when the goods or services fail to meet legal standards.