Activity 01
Consumer Complaint Role-Play
Students work in pairs, with one acting as a consumer with a faulty product (e.g., a new pair of runners that fell apart) and the other as the shop manager. They must act out the conversation, with the consumer attempting to assert their rights and the manager responding.
Identify the key consumer rights provided by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act.
Facilitation TipProvide cue cards with key phrases and legal rights to help guide the consumer's argument.
What to look forUse exit tickets at the end of a lesson with a short scenario, asking students to identify the consumer's right and the first step they should take.
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Activity 02
Redress Roadmap
In small groups, students are given a case study of a consumer issue. They must create a flowchart or 'roadmap' detailing the step-by-step process for seeking redress, from contacting the retailer to involving the Small Claims Court.
Explain the role of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Facilitation TipEncourage groups to use the CCPC website as their primary research tool for the steps.
What to look forA written test featuring a case study of a consumer problem. Students must analyse the situation, explain the relevant laws, and detail the full process of redress.
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Activity 03
CCPC Website Scavenger Hunt
Students are given a worksheet with questions that can only be answered by navigating the CCPC's consumer website (ccpc.ie). Questions could include 'What are your rights if a flight is cancelled?' or 'Find the template for a complaint letter'.
Evaluate the appropriate course of action for a consumer who has purchased a faulty product.
Facilitation TipEnsure students have access to devices and direct them to the consumer-facing section of the website.
What to look forProvide students with a 'confidence checklist' based on the learning objectives, allowing them to self-evaluate their understanding of each key concept.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Begin with relatable, everyday examples before introducing formal legal terms. Use the 'I do, we do, you do' model for analysing case studies, starting with a teacher-led example, then a group activity, and finally individual work. Constantly refer back to the CCPC website as the single source of truth for consumer information in Ireland.
By the end of this topic, students will be able to clearly state their consumer rights and confidently outline the steps to take when a product or service is not up to standard.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
If I change my mind about a purchase, I have a legal right to a refund.
You do not have a legal right to a refund simply because you changed your mind. Many shops offer this as a goodwill gesture, but your statutory rights only apply if the goods are faulty, not as described, or not fit for purpose.
A 'No Refunds' or 'Credit Notes Only' sign in a shop is legally binding.
A shop's policy cannot take away your statutory rights. If a product is faulty, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund, regardless of what any sign says.
The manufacturer's warranty is my only protection if something goes wrong.
Your contract is with the retailer who sold you the item, not the manufacturer. Your legal rights are against the retailer, and these rights are separate from and can last longer than any manufacturer's warranty.
Methods used in this brief