Consumer definition broadened to include purchasers, users, and beneficiaries while excluding resale and commercial-purpose uses. The definition treats consumer as a broad class including purchasers and hirers of goods and services obtained for consideration (including deferred or partial payment), and also users or beneficiaries who use such goods or services with the buyer's or hirer's approval; it excludes persons obtaining goods for resale or for commercial purpose, while excluding from 'commercial purpose' the use of goods exclusively to earn livelihood by self-employment.