The Consumer (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Quality Control

Quality Control

Before goods are sold, manufacturers check their quality to ensure:

• Safety
• Suitability for purpose
• Reliability This process is called quality control.

Characteristics of Good-Quality Goods and Services

Goods	Services
Safety: Must be safe to use.	Value for money: Service is worth the cost.
Function: Easy to use, works as intended.	Good customer service: Staff should be friendly.
Durable: Withstands normal wear/tear.	Reliable and punctual: No unreasonable delays.
	Hygiene and safety: High standards are vital.

Quality Marks

Quality marks are awarded to companies that produce high-standard goods and services.

Quality Mark	Meaning
Guaranteed Irish	Awarded to goods made in Ireland to a high standard.
Q Mark	Irish products and services of excellent quality.
Irish Standard Mark	National Standards Authority of Ireland certification.
BSI Kitemark	High-quality certification from the British Standards Authority.