CONSUMER

Do we have solution? The consumer activism will be the beginning. Social media has potential to unionize the consumer. Consumer can primarily decide to post grievances on social media, about distasteful behavior of the vendor. Consumer activist can collect documents of harassment and then question, integrity and credibility of the brand of the watch, the phone charger and the branded jewellery shop. The application must be downloaded and activated, those that invite victims of unfair trade practices. Reach out to shopper, buyers and consumers. Engage advocates and be proactive to register your complaints.

Last week the newspapers reported the case of a postman from Surathkal. He was busted, though accidentally in an unconnected inspection. But to everybody’s horror and shock, in his house was bundled seven thousand documents that should have been delivered to the addressee. The postman Ashok dumped the letters in his own house for five years. We can only see things in hind sight and sympathise with those grieving losses. Many emergency urgent and important documents were found undelivered to addressee. The postman currently is under suspension. But pain of those whose tenders, documents and other devices were unanswered, cannot be assessed or compensated.

It is disheartening to see that private sector in business is also beginning to show sign of a cartel and is on offensive, on the consumer.

All brands that have chain of franchisees or even own showrooms are well fortified against consumer knocks. Senior officers are hidden behind the cover of many unassuming junior sales people. These junior sales people are convinced that in front ending for the brand, they have to protect the brand image at any cost.

The interface at the point of purchase, that is at the place of sale has a camouflage. The lights, smiles and careful handling of a visitor who strays in to a show room, is filled with lures, and other welcoming baits.

Do not be startled if this selling strategy wreaks of tacts from the study of ambush. The seller must clean up their clan and clique, from being offensive and intimidating upon consumers. Consumer must seek after sale services. The buyer must detest insincere and cunning vendors and brands.

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