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General Information

Consumers are, in an economic sense, those who consume goods and services produced by producers. In business, consumers may be differentiated from customers as using, but not necessarily buying, goods and services.

Individuals buy products from businesses to satisfy various needs and wants: through consumer decisions they choose to use their money to purchase these products. The buying of such products is generally referred to as shopping, be it for need or for personal enjoyment.

Definition: Consumer

One who, or that which, consumes; as, the consumer of food.

Consumer Rights

It is generally considered that consumers are entitled to several rights. In many countries consumers are legally protected and businesses must provide customers with goods and services of a certain quality level. Consumer rights have often been the subject of activism and consumers are increasingly being educated about their rights and responsibilities.

"By becoming wise and well-informed consumers," U.S. President George W. Bush proclaimed during 2001's National Consumer Protection Week, "we can reduce the incidence of fraud and deception in the marketplace."

Related Public Forum Discussions

Shopping Around - What is your biggest consideration when you buy something? What is your biggest influence on your consumer purchases of goods and services?

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