Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 23 Consumer Movement

Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 23

Consumer Movement • Protect customers from unfair and unsafe business practices

The Consumer Bill of Rights • • • John F. Kennedy, 1962 Right to be informed Right to choose Right to safety Right to be heard

Rights Added to the Consumer Bill of Rights • Right to have problems corrected • Right to consumer education • Right to service

What Are Your Consumer Rights? Cont. – Right to be heard – Right to consumer education

#1 The Right To Be Informed • Right to accurate information • Clearly list interest charges • Drug – Vitamins and Minerals in vitamin pills • Clothing – Fibers used in materials

The Right To Be Informed (Cont. ) • Packaged Foods – All materials, starting with what they contain the most • The advertisement for the new home theater system tells the consumer the total cost and interest rate

#2 The Right To Choose • No Monopolies • Lack of Competition hurts consumers • Your local electronics store displays three highly similar and competing computers.

#3 The Right to Safety • Product Liability – Legal responsibility to make a product safe • Legal Drugs – Tested extensively before sold • Tools and Appliances – Safety devices for protection • Dangerous Products – Instructions for correct and safe operation

#3 The Right to Safety • The over-the-counter medication label mentions pregnant or nursing women should not use

#4 The Right To Be Heard • Consumers have complaints • Customer satisfaction to stay in business • The department store replaces your new shoes since the soles are coming loose.

#5 The Right To Have Problems Corrected • Take defective item back to the store • Write the manufacturer • An automaker recalls its new model that has malfunctioning seatbelts – Right to have problems corrected

#6 The Right to Consumer Education • • Learn to get the best value Consumer education classes Consumer Reports compares washing machines

#7 The Right to Service • • Right to be treated in a respectful manner Right to expect fast delivery Right to standard quality Right to be served without discrimination