Consumerism

BY definition as detailed by the business dictionary, consumerism refers to organisedefforts by individuals, groups, and governments to help protect consumers from policies and practices that infringe on consumer rights to fair business practices.

It is a doctrine that the ever-increasing consumption of goods and services forms the basis of a sound economy.

It is continual expansion of one’s wants and needs for goods and services?

Consumerism should first and fore-most be the voice of the individual consumer before Government and other bodies come in. Consumers talk loudly with their money.

Power of saying no Say no to mediocrity. Say no to lower standards. Say no to average tendencies.

Refuse to be a treated like a second class consumer. Demand your worth and not be given junk status to your demands.

Know your consumer worth and be proud of your value as a consumer. If it’s not worth it, then do not spend a dime on it.

Value for money, standards As a consumer you need to know your worth and put intrinsic value to it.

Moreover, it is your hard earned money and you have to get the value of the money spent. Speak with your buying power.

When you don’t have standards you will fall for anything.

How do you demand standards when you don’t appreciate the levels that come with quality?

Mediocrity and sub-standards When we continue to consume mediocre or sub-standard stimuli, then we are complicit in the suppression of consumerism.

It sends the wrong message to those service providers or producers.

When you look at your costs, look at the annual amount that will give you a consumer awareness perspective not the instantaneous illusion of meager expenses.

This kind of thinking makes you understand the sum total game where your small losses count.

Remember boats are sunk by minor leakages, one small drop at a time.

Shareholder activism This is one avenue that has seen shareholders actively getting involved to add value to their portfolios.

These shareholders speak on behalf of their investments.

This demands excellent responsible performance and accountability from executives to give shareholder value.

The power of a consumer and feedback A funny thing though the consumer has not realised, is the power s/he wields with his or her buying power and that has led to shoddy products and services even though we might have monopolies.