Caveat Venditor

Caveat Venditor

Caveat emptor was the rule for most purchases and land sales prior to the Industrial Revolution, although sellers assume much more responsibility for the integrity of their goods in the present day.

Today, most sales in the U.S. fall under the principle of caveat venditor, which means "let the seller beware," by which goods are covered by an implied warranty of merchantability. Unless otherwise advertised (for example, "sold as is") or negotiated with the buyer, nearly all consumer products are guaranteed to work, if used for their intended purpose

What are the functions of the Consumer Clubs in schools?

The following basic structure of functioning is recommended:

1. Monthly meetings and demonstrations for one hour after school hours on the First Thursday of each month. Each month a topic / activity may be scheduled as in the model calendar.

2. Days of National and International importance to consumers may be celebrated in the School / College. Poster / Speech / Essay competitions can be organised at school level by the Consumer Club to sensitise the students on the importance of the day.

3. Field visits to local markets / Consumer Courts and door to door campaign in the local community etc., may be organized for at least 4 days in a year. It can be done on Saturdays with prior arrangement.

4. Minutes of each activity have to be recorded by the Student and Teacher Co-ordinator jointly as properly document.

Mahatma Gandhi's quote about Consumerism

“What is a man if he is not a thief who openly charges as much as he can for the goods he sells?”

For own learning

Students should go to the nearest consumer court and watch the activities of the consumer court

For Future learning

Students may collect further details regarding Consumer Protection. For this purpose, they may contact their District Collector and the Chairman, District Consumer Protection Council and also the Voluntary Consumer Organisation of locality with valid reputation to learn more about actual implementation of Consumer Protection Act in practice.

Case Study

Mr.Narasimachary bought a refrigerator of a familiar brand with a warranty for seven years. He uses the fridge as per the guidelines given by the manufacturer. After the completion of two years the fridge went out of order. He was shocked, and approached the dealer. But the dealer refused to service the fridge at free of cost. What is your suggestion to Mr. Narasimachary to this grievance?

Live example:

A Mumbai based consumer purchased a pair of shoes from the dealer of a well-known brand after going through its advertisement assuming 50% off. Consumer paid Rs.1345/-for the purchase. After the purchase, the consumer came to know that it had two price tags, one printed at MRP Rs.1345/- and another sicker for Rs.2690/-. On complaining by E-mail, the dealer gave reply that discount had been included in MRP, and the consumer was not satisfied. Then he came to show room and took refund from the dealer.

Why is it Interesting-

Attracting consumers by misleading advertisement of 50% discount.

Putting another sticker, double of actual MRP which is illegal.

Wrong excuse that discount is included in MRP. Discount should be on MRP and as per the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011: “No wholesale dealer or retail dealer or other person shall obliterate, smudge or alter the retail sale price, indicated by manufacturer or the packer or the importer, as the case may be, on the package or on the label affixed thereto.”

Key words

Consumer Protection Consumerism Consumer Consumer movement Caveat Emptor Caveat Venditor Buyer Beware Consumer Grievances