Consumer Rights Responsibilities Introducing Today we begin our
Consumer Rights & Responsibilities
Introducing… Today we begin our Consumer Choices unit! Ø Consumer Rights & Responsibilities Ø Consumer Protection Agencies Ø Resolving Consumer Complaints Ø Importance of Product Labeling Ø Consumer Motives & Purchasing Choices Ø Comparison Shopping
Today’s Objectives q. Identify the seven consumer rights. q. Understand the purpose of consumer rights and the Consumer Bill of Rights. q. Apply the right to safety to current events.
The Consumer Bill of Rights
Just Imagine… You just bought a brand new i. Pod Touch from Best Buy yesterday. When you got home, however, you tried it out only to find that you could not hear a sound! What do you do?
In the beginning… The Consumer Bill of Rights began with: v President Kennedy v 1962 v 4 basic consumer rights 1. Right to Be Informed 2. Right to Choose 3. Right to Safety 4. Right to be Heard
Right to Be Informed v Consumers have the right to receive accurate information. v Businesses are required to provide certain details about their product. v Companies provide this information through product labeling.
Right to Choose v Because the U. S. has a market economy, its consumers can choose from a wide variety of goods and services. v Businesses compete with each other to sell their products to consumers. v Competition provides choices.
Right to Safety v Product liability is the legal responsibility that manufacturers have to make a safe product. v Federal laws ensure that clothing, food, toys, and other items meet product-safety standards and will not harm consumers.
Safety in the News!
Right to Be Heard v. Consumers who have complaints about products or services have a right to be heard. v. Businesses rely on customer satisfaction.
The Consumer Movement The Consumer Bill of Rights received a lot of attention from the consumer movement. Over the years, three more were added: 1. Right to Have Problems Corrected 2. Right to Consumer Education 3. Right to Service
Right to Have Problems Corrected v If a customer takes a defective item back to a store with a receipt, the business will usually replace it or issue a refund. v If not, consumers can write to the manufacturer for a resolution. v If the manufacturer will not help, the consumer may need to contact a government agency.
Right to Consumer Education v Consumers have the right to learn how a market system works. v You should know: ü How to get the best value and satisfaction for your money ü Different stores might charge different prices ü How to comparison shop to find the best buy
Right to Service v Customers have the right to be treated in a respectful and courteous manner. v You have the right to: ü Expect prompt delivery of goods/services ü Expect goods/services that meet the standard of quality a business claims ü Be served without discrimination
Show What You Know! Match the consumer issue with the appropriate consumer right.
REVIEW! ØRaise your hand & wait to be called. ØCorrect answers earn candy… mmm!
Who can name all 7 consumer rights? Be Informed Choose Safety Be Heard Have Problems Correcte d Consum er Educatio n Service
Which president outlined the Consumer Bill of Rights? In what year? President John F. Kennedy 1962
How many consumer rights were included in 1962? Which ones? The Right to Be Informed The Right to Choose The Right to Safety The Right to Be Heard
After 1962, there was a push to pass laws protecting consumers from unfair and unsafe business practices. What was this time period called? The Consumer Movement
How many consumer rights were added during the consumer movement? Which ones? The Right to Have Problems Corrected The Right to Consumer Education The Right to Service
Consumer Responsibilities Along with rights come responsibiliti es.
To Be Informed v Responsible consumers find and use available information. v When you shop for: ü Food – read product labels for nutritional information ü Clothes – read labels to find out what materials are used and how to clean them ü Major Purchases – read fact sheets and consumer magazines
To Choose Carefully v Responsible consumers make comparisons to find the best product or service at the best price. v Examine the options and prices and then make an educated choice. v Consumer choices can affect: ü The Environment ü The Conservation of Resources
To Be Reasonable v Consumers must follow the instructions provided in product manuals or other materials on the safe use of products. v For example, you should read the label of a cold remedy to find out its recommended dosage.
To Report Unethical Practices v Responsible consumers help improve the policies and products of businesses where they shop. ü Let a company know if you are dissatisfied with its products or policies. ü Report unfair, unsafe, and illegal business practices.
To Be Involved in Consumer Advocacy v Responsible consumers take a stand, when needed, to protect each other. v For example, you could organize or participate in a boycott if you object to a company’s policies or products.
To Be Honest v Responsible consumers refrain from taking advantage of business policies. v For example, you should: ü Respect ü Be return policies honest about broken (as opposed to defective) merchandise
On Your Own… Match the consumer action to the appropriate consumer responsibility it is demonstrating.
- Slides: 30