what's the buzz

Updated: 2012-03-19 08:11

(China Daily)

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Have you heard of socially responsible consumption? Is it a good way to protect consumers' rights? Suppose a store were to hand out coupons for free goods shortly after it was revealed that it had sold expired food, would you accept them? China Daily mobile news readers share their views.

There is no need to say no to these kinds of coupons. First, the purpose of exposing the dark side of an industry is not to bring down any individual company. Also, companies exposed by heavyweight media outlets such as CCTV will not repeat the same mistakes, in the short term at least, which means the period after exposure is the safest time. Therefore, why not enjoy the preferential measures they take to redeem their reputation?

A READER, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province

It depends on how companies and consumers view this problem. Consumers can make the decision to accept coupons or not by themselves if the situation is not serious. But consumers should protect their legitimate rights according to the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests.

A READER, Shenzhen, Guangdong province

I won't buy the products of companies who deceive consumers no matter how big the promotion is. In modern times, only honest and lawful companies can win consumers' trust.

MANMAN, Tianjin

I would say no to the coupons. In my opinion, what corresponds with consumers' socially responsible consumption is companies' social responsibilities. Consumers lack awareness of how to defend their rights and the cost to safeguard their legitimate rights is too high; unprincipled companies take advantage of this to pursue short-term profits. China's economic development needs an overall environment made up of morally responsible companies and greater awareness of consumer rights. Therefore, consumers must help build an active and healthy buyer's market.

BUYI, Fushun, Liaoning province

The basis of socially responsible consumption is consumers' growing awareness of their legitimate rights and a system that can assure consumers that their individual action can make a difference and support them in their action. Though I don't think the majority of the public has such awareness yet.

A READER, Beijing

The reason why well-known companies have one after another violated consumers' rights and interests is that consumers fail to put enough pressure on them. Consumers should firmly reject a company's products once it is found to have behaved unlawfully. I think it would help decrease and even eliminate such malpractices.

XIAOYE, Haikou, Hainan province

I would continue to shop at these stores anyway since they may have realized their mistakes and really want to make up consumers' loss by promotions or free coupons.

A READER, Beijing

(China Daily 03/19/2012 page9)

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