Consumers are individuals or groups who purchase or use goods and services primarily for personal, social, family, or household needs, rather than for commercial or business purposes

. They are the final users in the distribution chain, meaning they consume products rather than resell or use them for manufacturing

. The term "consumer" differs from "customer," as a customer is the person or organization that buys the goods or services, who may or may not be the end user. For example, a parent buying toys for a child is the customer, while the child is the consumer

. Consumers have specific rights, including the right to safety, to be informed, to choose, to seek redressal, and to represent themselves in consumer courts, as outlined in consumer protection laws

. These laws aim to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and ensure access to safe and fairly priced products. In economics, consumers drive demand, which motivates producers to create goods and services. Without consumer demand, production would lack purpose in a capitalist economy

. In summary, consumers are the end users of goods and services, distinguished from customers who make the purchase, and they play a crucial role in both the economy and legal frameworks designed to protect their interests.