Does the desire to buy the lowest price product ever create any ethical dilemmas for a consumer? Why or why not?

Does the desire to buy the lowest price product ever create any ethical dilemmas for a consumer? Why or why not?

When consumers continuously try to buy products or services at the lowest possible price, there will be different ethical concerns that the consumer should be aware of due to this decision. Many times consumers do not truly care about the ethical dilemmas that may be included due to low pricing, but some people truly do care.  It is very rare that a company is able to offer products at a way lower price than similar products unless there are some ethical dilemmas being crossed. One ethical dilemma that consumers need to be aware of is that many times when they have the desire to buy products with a low price point they are supporting a business that could be underpaying the employees.

It is evident in business that there are numerous companies scattered throughout the world that practice different business regulations than those of the countries that the consumers live in. For example, many times there are companies centered in China or Indonesia that can sell products for a way lower cost. Sometimes this is due to cheaper materials being used, while other times this is due to the cheap labor that is being used. In America, it is illegal to use child labor, which is highly regulated. In other countries, though it is illegal, the practice of child labor is still being used (Poverties.org, 2015). Personally, if I knew a company was using child labor I would not buy a product from them because of this. Ethically speaking, I know child labor is wrong, and would rather spend a couple extra dollars supporting companies who follow the laws and do not break ethical barriers.