Who is a consumer?

Section 2(7) covers a person who buys goods or hires or avails services for consideration, including specified approved users and beneficiaries. Consideration may be paid, promised, partly paid or deferred. Online purchases are included. Goods obtained for resale or a commercial purpose, and services availed for a commercial purpose, are excluded. The explanation contains a specific livelihood-by-self-employment exception for goods bought and used exclusively for that purpose; this is not blanket coverage for every business purchase.

Section 2(42)'s definition of service excludes services rendered free of charge and under a contract of personal service. Section 2(9) describes rights to safety, information, access to variety at competitive prices wherever possible, being heard, redressal and consumer awareness. These rights guide the law, but a particular remedy still depends on the facts, the applicable provision and the evidence. Keep the invoice, payment proof, promised features and communications rather than relying on a slogan about rights.