ch 23 Flashcards
4 basic consumer rights + 3 more
outlined by John F. Kennedy in 1962
right to
be informed, safety, be heard, choose
consumer movement :
a movement to pass laws protecting customers from unfair and unsafe business practices.
later on, 3 more were added :
right to
have problems corrected, consumer education, service
right to be informed
right to receive accurate information from businesses abt their product details thru product labeling
right to choose
right to choose from a variety of goods and services
market economy has competition
the feds have the power to keep markets competitive, using antitrust laws to break up monopolies or prevent a company from buying another to have control
right to safety
right to have products that are safe to use
product liability : legal responsibility that manufacturers have to make a safe product.
right to be heard
about complaints w customer service
right to have problems corrected
if a customer takes back a product w a defect w receipt, the business should offer a refund or replace it
right to consumer education
consumers should learn about the market system and how to get the best value and satisfaction for ur money
bait and switch tactic : sales tactic where buyers are tempted by an advertised bargain but are then persuaded to get a more expensive item
the right to service
right to be treated respectfully and expect prompt delivery of goods and services, and receive no discrimination
responsibilities of a consumer
to be informed
to choose carefully
to use products safely
to speak out
to seek a remedy
to learn consumer skills
responsibility to be informed
know what u are buying by reading labels and fact sheets (rates products on safety, performance, and value)
resp to choose carefully
make comparisons and make an educated choice
consumer choices can affect the environment and contribute to pollution : contamination of air water and land, caused by waste from products as well as the ways we use them
conservation : preserving protecting and planning the management of resources. consumers must be aware of limited supplies and adjust their consumption
recycling : collecting products (made of paper plastic glass metal) for processing so they can be reused
resp to use products safely
use instructions found in product manuals
if a product is unsafe, contact the producer or seller
no action taken, contact consumer protection company
resp to speak out
improve policies and products by reporting unfair unsafe or illegal practices and reporting complaints
boycott : last resort, refusal to buy goods or services
resp to seek a remedy
getting the best value for ur money by seeking remedies for defects
take back item, receipt, and warranty policies. if no solution, contact manufacturer or a consumer org
resp to learn consumer skills
read labels
compare prices and look for sales
pay attention to media
read consumer info publications
attend classes or workshops on consumer issues or problems
