Consumer Rights & Responsibilities

Introducing…Today we begin our Consumer Choices unit!

Consumer Rights & Responsibilities Consumer Protection Agencies Resolving Consumer Complaints Importance of Product Labeling Consumer Motives & Purchasing Choices Comparison Shopping

Today’s ObjectivesIdentify the seven consumer rights.Understand the purpose of consumer

rights and the Consumer Bill of Rights.Apply the right to safety to current

events.

The ConsumerBill of Rights

You just bought a brand new iPod Touch

from Best Buy yesterday. When you got home, however, you tried it out only

to find that you could not hear a sound!

What do you do?

Just Imagine…

The Consumer Bill of Rights began with:

President Kennedy 1962 4 basic consumer rights

1. Right to Be Informed

2. Right to Choose3. Right to Safety4. Right to be Heard

In the beginning…

Right to Be InformedConsumers have the right to receive

accurate information.Businesses are required to provide certain

details about their product.Companies provide this information

through product labeling.

Right to ChooseBecause the U.S. has a market economy,

its consumers can choose from a wide variety of goods and services.

Businesses compete with each other to sell their products to consumers.

Competition provides choices.

Right to SafetyProduct liability is the legal responsibility

that manufacturers have to make a safe product.

Federal laws ensure that clothing, food, toys, and other items meet product-safety standards and will not harm consumers.

Right to Be HeardConsumers who have complaints about products or services have a right to be heard.

Businesses rely on customer satisfaction.

The Consumer Bill of Rights received a lot of attention

from the consumer

movement.

Over the years, three more were added:

1. Right to Have Problems Corrected

2. Right to Consumer Education

3. Right to Service

The Consumer Movement

Right to Have Problems Corrected

If a customer takes a defective item back to a store with a receipt, the business will usually replace it or issue a refund.

If not, consumers can write to the manufacturer for a resolution.

If the manufacturer will not help, the consumer may need to contact a government agency.

Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to learn how a market system works.

You should know: How to get the best value and satisfaction for your

money Different stores might charge different prices How to comparison shop to find the best buy

Right to ServiceCustomers have the right to be treated in a

respectful and courteous manner.You have the right to:

Expect prompt delivery of goods/services Expect goods/services that meet the standard of

quality a business claims Be served without discrimination

Show What You Know!

Match the consumer issue

with the appropriate

consumer right.

Along with rights come

responsibilities.

Consumer Responsibilities

To Be InformedResponsible consumers find and use available

information.When you shop for:

Food – read product labels for nutritional information

Clothes – read labels to find out what materials are used and how to clean them

Major Purchases – read fact sheets and consumer magazines

To Choose CarefullyResponsible consumers make comparisons to

find the best product or service at the best price.

Examine the options and prices and then make an educated choice.

Consumer choices can affect: The Environment The Conservation of Resources

To Be ReasonableConsumers must follow the instructions

provided in product manuals or other materials on the safe use of products.

For example, you should read the label of a cold remedy to find out its recommended dosage.

To Report Unethical Practices

Responsible consumers help improve the policies and products of businesses where they shop. Let a company know if you are dissatisfied

with its products or policies. Report unfair, unsafe, and illegal business

practices.

To Be Involved in Consumer Advocacy

Responsible consumers take a stand, when needed, to protect each other.

For example, you could organize or participate in a boycott if you object to a company’s policies or products.

To Be HonestResponsible consumers refrain from taking

advantage of business policies.For example, you should:

Respect return policies Be honest about broken (as opposed to

defective) merchandise

Match the consumer action to the appropriate consumer

responsibility it is demonstrating.

On Your Own…