Consumer Rights And Responsibilities 1 Name the seven

Consumer Rights And Responsibilities 1 -Name the seven rights of consumers 2 -List the basic responsibilities of a consumer 3 -Explain how you can conserve resources. 4 -Describe ways you can learn consumer skills

Being a smart consumer n Why is it important? n AS a consumer, you have rights about the safety and the quality of the products you buy. Along with those rights, you also have responsibilities to choose and use products wisely.

KEY WORDS n n n n n Consumer rights Consumer movement Product liability Bait and switch Fraud Pollution Conservation Recycling boycott

The Consumer Bill of Rights n President John F. Kennedy n n (CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS). Bill stated that consumers have 4 basic rights! n n Right to be informed Right to choose Right to safety Right to be heard

Consumer Movement n n Consumer movement- a movement to pass laws protecting consumers from unfair and unsafe business practices This movement created 3 more rights for us as consumers! They ARE: n n n Right to have problems corrected Right to consumer education Right to service

Right to Be Informed n Each and every consumer can only make the right decisions if and only if they have the correct information. n n EX. Drug Companies Clothing Companies

Right to Choose n n n The United States is a Market Economy therefore each person has the right to choose from any (legal) product they want. Competition means Choice!!!! And the lack there-of would hurt the consumer. Antitrust laws stop monopolies from forming or to break them up.

The Right to SAFETY!! n n Federal Laws ensure that clothing, food, toys and other items won’t harm consumers. The legal that manufacturers have to make a safe product is called: PRODUCT LIABILITY Drugs must be tested and proven safe, Tools and appliances must have safety devices and all products must have instructions for correct and safe operation. n

Right To Be HEARD! n n If you have a problem with a product you have the right to complain and be heard! Businesses must also comply with regulations regarding price and quality. BAIT AND SWITCH-advertising an item at a low price to lure you in then a salesperson will tell you they are out of the item and talk you into a more expensive item.

FRAUD Deliberately misleading business practices.

Right To Have Problems Corrected n n Customer Service Departments Always communicate your problem clearly, concisely, and courteously to speed up the solution

Right to Consumer Education n You should be able to get the best value and greatest satisfaction for you money. Comparison Shop is a value of your right to consumer education. Consumer reports and consumer organizations provide consumers with information so they can make educated choices.

RIGHT TO SERVICE n n n Consumers have the right to be treated in a respectful and courteous manner. Products must meet the standards that manufacturers and businesses claim You also have the right to be served without discrimination

ASSIGNMENT n n n What is a manufacturer’s legal responsibility to make a safe product called? What is Bait and Switch? Name sources of consumer education.

ASSIGNMENT CONTINUED… n Regulations for automobile safety belts, air bags, antilock brakes, food and drug labels, and unleaded gasoline are responsible for the prevention of injury, illness, and the loss of life. Choose one of the topics mentioned above or another of their own choosing and research what effects the regulation has had on consumer safety. Write a 250 word report explaining your answer.

Your Responsibility As A Consumer Along with your rights comes RESPONSIBILITIES! n Responsible consumers know what they’re buying and know how to use the products they buy. n Always read the Consumer Product Safety Commission(this tells you how a product is rated on safety, performance, and value. ) n

The Responsibility to choose Carefully n n n Responsible consumers make comparisons to find the best product or service at the best price. What is the best guarantee? Which product has the best record for reliability? What product best fits your budget. Always make an educated choice!!!

Choose carefully by: n n Avoiding Pollution! (pollution is the most serious concern facing consumers because of the effects on the environment) Pollution-contamination of air, water, and land. It is caused by waste from products as well as the ways we use those products.

Choose carefully…. n n Conserving Resources: Population has grown and people have increased their demands for all kinds of resources. Conservation- the process of preserving, protecting, and planning the management of resources.

Choose carefully… n n Recycling- involves collecting products for processing so that they can be used again. learn to avoid waste!

The Responsibility to Use Products Safely n n Speak Out! Let the company know if you do not approve of its products or policies. Report unfair, unsafe, and illegal business practices Boycott- or refuse to buy goods or services. Do this if you object to a company’s policies or products.

Seek Remedy! n Be a good consumer and get the best value for your money. Seek remedy for a defective product. If you are exchanging a product it is your responsibility to bring the receipt, the item, and any warranties or guarantees that came with the item. If the store can not solve your problems it is your Responsibility to contact the manufacturer.

Responsibility to Learn Consumer Skills n n n Follow these steps to become a responsible consumer: Read information on labels and packages. Compare prices at different stores and look for sales. Pay attention to the media to become aware of illegal practices Read consumer information publications Attend classes or workshops on consumer issues and problems

Assignment n n n Why is it important to read product Labels? Would you choose not to buy a manufacturer’s products for ethical reasons? Do you have the responsibility to report illegal business practices?