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Evaluate how effective the main provisions of the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 are in protecting consumers. - Leaving Cert Business - Question C - 2021
Question C
Evaluate how effective the main provisions of the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 are in protecting consumers.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate how effective the main provisions of the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 are in protecting consumers. - Leaving Cert Business - Question C - 2021
Step 1
Effectiveness of the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980
Answer
The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 aims to provide legal protection to consumers by ensuring that goods and services meet certain standards. The act addresses key areas such as:
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Quality of Goods: The act mandates that goods sold must be of satisfactory quality. This means they should meet the expectations of the average consumer in terms of durability, safety, and performance.
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Description and Samples: Goods must match their description or any sample provided. This serves to protect consumers from misleading marketing, making it essential for businesses to accurately represent their products.
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Fitness for Purpose: Consumers are entitled to goods that are fit for the intended purpose. This provision ensures that consumers can trust that the items they purchase will fulfill their expected function.
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Right to Return: The act provides consumers the right to return faulty or misrepresented goods. This right empowers consumers to seek redress if the goods do not meet legal standards.
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Services Provided: The act also covers the provision of services, ensuring they are carried out with reasonable care and skill. This is crucial for consumer protection in situations where services are central to consumer satisfaction.
Overall, the effectiveness of these provisions can be seen in their comprehensive coverage of consumer rights, and their role in fostering trust in market transactions.
Step 2
Limitations in Effectiveness
Answer
Despite the protective measures in the act, there are limitations:
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Consumer Awareness: Many consumers are unaware of their rights under the act, leading to underutilization of these protections.
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Enforcement Challenges: The onus is often on the consumer to prove that the goods or services are faulty, which can be a complex process and may deter claims.
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Exceptions and Exemptions: Certain types of goods may be excluded from these protections, and the nuances in the act can sometimes favor the seller, limiting consumer rights.
As a result, while the Sales of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 provides a strong foundation for consumer rights, its effectiveness can be hindered by practical enforcement issues and lack of consumer knowledge.