Aim What are the government and private sources

Aim: What are the government and private sources of consumer assistance? Do Now: When you have a problem what is the difference between a negotiation and a mediation? Date: Monday, March 3

ARBITRATION • Some businesses have panels to resolve consumer complaints • Impartial 3 rd party • Hears both sides and makes a decision • Decision is binding for the company, but not the customer • Customers have the right to take the case to court

SMALL CLAIMS COURT • *Lawsuit = last resort • $1000 -$10, 000 • *Advantages • You don’t need a lawyer • Court costs are low (less than $250) • Most cases are resolved quickly • *What should you do? • Take all the information you have to the courthouse • The clerk will take you through the process

Key Terms Review Textbook page 674 -679 • United States Department of Agriculture • National Institute of Standards and Technology • Food and Drug Administration • Consumer Product Safety Commission • Federal Communications Commission • Federal Trade Commission • United States Postal Inspection Service • Federal Aviation Administration • Securities and Exchange Commission

Page 680 Questions 1 -7 1. Develops and rewards standards of excellence in business USDA 2. Protects the food supply in the United States 3. A private clearinghouse of information about BBB local businesses USPIS 4. Investigates consumer problems pertaining to illegal use of the mail 5. Regulates unfair methods of competition, FTC advertising, and labeling Consumer 6. A person who actively promotes consumer causes Advocate 7. Enforces laws and regulations preventing FDA distribution of mislabeled food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices NIST