Understanding consumer detriment in Ireland
A new report has detailed the money, time and peace of mind lost by Irish consumers when things go wrong with goods and services.
A survey of more than 4,500 consumers asked them to recall issues that had cost them money, caused them stress, or taken up their time in the previous 12 months. Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) researchers used this to estimate the level of consumer detriment in Ireland.
Of 4,537 consumers surveyed, 39% reported experiencing detriment. Of that 39%:
- 81% reported being at least moderately stressed by the issue
- 62% spent some work time resolving their issue
- 10% were still experiencing an issue more than 6 months later.
The financial loss to consumers for their most serious issues came to €968 million.
On a more positive note, the survey found that when consumers contacted the trader about the issue, 1 in 8 had the issue resolved in under a day, 1 in 3 in under a week.
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