Chapter 1 Section 4 Flashcards
harms of household cleansers and pest-control products
harmful if inhaled or ingested
consumer
buys products/services for personal use
What are consumable products?
products needed to purchase and purchase again
- hair care
- skin care
- weightloss products
- sports drinks
what is the marketing of consumable products aimed towards?
teens
what do makers of these products claim?
improve your personal appearance and physical performance
OR improve emotional and social well-being
durable products
products lasting for a few years
essentials in taking part in an organized sport
right equipment and protective gear
FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A PRODUCT ARE:
SAFETY, COST, WARRANTY, CONSUMER TESTING
safety
allergic ingredients? what conditions should i use this product in?
Cost
Check if there are other products that cost lower that give the same results
WARRANTY
an offer to repair/replace the product if there is a problem
Consumer testing
groups may endorse/approve products that rate highly on their tests
this way, the group says the claims in the product are true
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FIND OUT WHEN YOU EVALUATE A SERVICE?
find out whether the person who will perform the service is qualified
Questions to ask when choosing a service:
What kid of experience/education does this person have? Does he have a required license?
Does the person have references? Ask for names and telephone #s of people who have used their service.
Have any complaints been filed with your state’s Attorney General?
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO EVALUATE HEALTH INFO?
Evaluate the source of the info
Questions to ask about validity of source/health info
Is the source qualified to speak on the topic?
Does the source have bias?
Are there other reliable sources that reach the same conclusion?
Is the info current and up to date?
ADVERTISING
public promotion of a product/service
WHAT DO ADS PROVIDE AND NOT PROVIDE?
Provide: what products and services are available
Not Provide: the info you need to make wise choices
Under what circumstance can an ad be true and not mislead you?
When add explains how the studies were done and provides actual results
6 approaches ads use
- Scientific Studies
- Bandwagon Approach (everyone is using it, you should too!)
- Testimonial (effective bc trusting people recommend it. eg. doctors)
- Comparison to other products (product is more effect than others)
- Emotional Appeal (product is safe/cool)
- Price Appeal
FRAUD
person telling lies to obtain money/property that is an ILLEGAL ACT
QUACKS
people who sell useless medicine/products are engaged in HEALTH FRAUD
QUACKERY
health fraud
what is a danger in quackery?
people may postpone proper medical care
Who are the targets of quacks?
people who need cures badly (like cancer, arthritis)
HOW CAN PEOPLE AVOID HEALTH FRAUD?
carefully evaluate the claims made about a treatment/product
4 warning of quackery
- A claim saying this product is the ONLY CURE for the problem
- promised results seem too good to be true
- product is said to cure many different ailments
- product is said to contain “special” or “Secret” ingredients
4 ways to Respond to Health Fraud
- ask a doctor/pharmacist
- notify state’s office of the Attorney General when you uncover fraud
- let your local Better Business Bureau know about the local business doing fraud
- notify your local postmaster if product shipped to you is fraud
WHAT RIGHTS DO YOU HAVE AS A CONSUMER?
- right to info
- right to consumer protection by gov. agencies
- right to complain
Steps to an effective complaint
- Identify the problem
- Decide on your goal: refund, replacement, repair, or credit?
- Collect documents: receipts, warranties, etc as evidence
- Identify the Person in charge
Federal Trade Commission *FTC)
Prevents unfair/deceptive advertising
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
protects public from sale of unsafe foods, drugs, cosmetics
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Established safety standards for consumer goods and takes dangerous products off the market
Things to include in a complaint letter:
- product model and serial number
- location and date of purchase
- specific complaint and suggested resolution
- name, address, phone, best times to reach you
- summary of any conversations you had in person
- a reasonable date you expect action to be taken
