A vulnerable consumer is any person who cannot obtain certain services due to underlying financial, social, psychological, political, or physical challenges. This essay provides an insight into the characteristics of vulnerable consumers and the significance of the government’s role in safeguarding them.
The Characteristics of a Vulnerable Consumer
Factors such as disability, pregnancy, old age, malnourishment, unemployment, low income, ignorance, and cognitive issues, such as neurotic, psychiatric, and amnesic disorders are used to define the extent to which a person is regarded as a vulnerable consumer.
Government Regulation for Selling to Vulnerable Consumers Considering Ethics
According to Morse (2017), many insurance companies have been unable to extend insurance cover to about three million people because of their disability status. The vulnerability of this group of individuals reduces the motivation of indemnification firms because the accessibility, affordability, and settlement of debts would challenge them often due to a lack of financial capacities. Regulatory bodies that should address the rights of these cohorts usually have an insignificant impact owing to unclear or biased national laws. In this view, the government should exercise greater regulation for services and goods offered to vulnerable consumers by enforcing fair access to opportunities (Morse, 2017). Martinelli (2018) posits that improved interrelations between regulatory bodies and investigators may play a critical role in enhancing the ability to understand the forces involved and formulate better approaches to safeguarding the vulnerable population.
Methods of Marketing to Vulnerable Consumers within the Context of a Christian Worldview
From a Christian standpoint, businesses should consider the methods of marketing to vulnerable consumers since exercising ethical behavior is regarded as a moral obligation. A common religious belief in this doctrine encourages people to treat each other equally. Christian faith should be upheld in everyday business encounters to ensure fair treatment, integrity, honesty, and trust as this practice will place the vulnerable community in a privileged position.
Conclusion
The size of the disadvantaged consumer population is growing exponentially and can adversely affect the economy. There is a need for awareness creation and provision of civic education to the public in addition to monitoring adherence to policies by supervisory panels.
References
Morse, A. (2017). Vulnerable consumers in regulated industries. NAO. Web.
Martinelli, K. (2018). What is safeguarding training & why is it so important. High-Speed Training. Web.