You, the consumer

1
Chapter 4

• You, the consumer

2
As Consumers

• We need to confident and competent in our
  choices.
• JFK outlined consumer rights..
• The right to
• Safety
• Be informed
• To choose
• Be heard

3
Safety of Products..

• We are protected against the sale and
  distribution of dangerous goods and services.
• Government has regulations, but consumers must
  take action.
• Read directions
• Safely store and use potentially dangerous
  products
• Report issues to manufacturer or seller

4
How are we protected?

• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Handle hazardous products
• Food and Drug Administration
• Deal with food, drug, and cosmetic products
• Incidents need to be reported to protect other
  consumers!!

5
Product Information

• Accurate info. must be given to consumers to that
  can make good buying decisions.
• Information should protect against false and
  misleading information.
• Includes
• Advertising
• Product labels
• Warranties
• News articles
• Magazines
• Salespeople
• Other consumers (word of mouth)

6

• Consumers responsibility to investigate product
  information.
• - Seek and evaluate the product or service
• Evaluate the seller
• - Policies on sales, returns and exchanges
• - Sellers reputation
• - Compare prices quality

7
Assignment

• Design a cereal box label using the computer.
• Think of ALL THINGS that might be on the
  packaging of cereal and create a safe,
  informational, saleable product for your
  consumer.
• You will design a front, back, top, bottom, and
  two sides.
• Remember, advertising is a big part of consumer
  choice, so make the cereal appealing to your
  market.
• EXTRA CREDIT-Glue your label on your own
  cereal box that you bring from home.

8
Elements Needed

• Name
• Manufacturer logo
• Manufacturer contact information
• Size
• Nutrition facts
• Ingredients
• Entertainment Value
• UPC

9
The Right to Choose..

• As consumers we have free choices in the
  marketplace due to the number of sellers and the
  variety of goods/services offered.
• -Government protects our right to choose by
  not allowing monopolies.
• Consumers responsibilities
• -Deal only with reliable, reputable
  businesses.
• -Buying choices send messages expressing
  approval of the purchase/seller.

10
The Right to be Heard..

• Legitimate interests, comments, and complaints
  should be heard and appropriate action be taken.
• Learn how to communicate effectively (compliment
  and complain) to government and businesses so
  your needs/wants/concerns are known and met.

11
Consumer Protection by Government

• The United States has countless laws and
  regulations that govern business/economic
  activity. (See pg. 95 in text)
• Agencies at the local, state and federal levels
  enforce laws that regulate standards of any
  business/trade practice and uphold
  licensing/certification requirements of public
  service workers.

12
Consumer Complaints

• There are laws to protect consumers.
• When they are violated, we have a right to
  complain.
• Reasons
• - Think of some reasons why we would complain?

13
Getting Results

• When complaining
• Be prompt
• Address the right source
• Be specific and factual
• Be reasonable
• Suggest a solution
• Be businesslike
• Be persistent

14
How do we complain?

• In person
• On the phone
• In a letter
• In an e-mail
• Be sure to go to the right person, and be
  patient!!

15
If business does not cooperate

• Better Business Bureaus
• Chambers of Commerce
• Trade Associations
• Consumer Groups
• Local news and TV stations
• Businesses want to maintain a good reputation!!

16
When something goes really wrong

• Arbitration method of settling disagreements
  through an objective 3rd party.
• Both parties agree to arbitrate
• Each presents his or her case
• Arbitrator decides how dispute will be solved
• Small Claims Court Dont need lawyer
• Amt of case varies from state to state
• 500-1200

17
The Informed Consumer

• Information you need to know as a consumer is
  made up of constantly changing facts and figures.
• Resources in your community will help you make
  intelligent consumer decisions.
• Community, Organizations, Government Agencies.
• The newspaper is a valuable
  resource often overlooked.