How these laws safeguard consumers.Types of Consumer Rights (3 pages)Right to safetyRight to informationRight to choiceRight to be heardRight to redress

Consumer rights are designed to hold sellers of goods and services accountable when they seek to profit by taking advantage of a consumer’s lack of information or bargaining power. Here's how these laws safeguard consumers:

1. Right to Safety: This right is to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property. This is very important right given the increasing number of accidents, explosions and fires caused by defective appliances, vehicles, electrical machinery etc.

2. Right to Information: The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services, as the case may be so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices. Consumers must receive factual, unsolicited and clear information about the products and services they purchase, allowing them to make informed decisions.

3. Right to Choice: The right to free choice among product offerings and alternatives, and to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices. In the case of monopolies, it means right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. It also includes right to basic goods and services which guarantee survival.

4. Right to be Heard: This right is to be heard and to be assured that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare.

5. Right to Redress: The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer. Consumers must receive fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

These rights provide a framework for the creation and implementation of laws designed to protect consumers, and they provide a way for consumers to fight back against abusive business practices. These laws have been interpreted and enforced by a network of federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as private organizations.