Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. Chapter 23

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1 Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 23

2 What could you do to be a smart consumer?

3 The Consumer Bill of Rights The Right to Be Informed The Right to Choose The Right to Safety The Right to Be Heard The Right to Have Problems Corrected The Right to Consumer Education The Right to Service

The Right to Be Informed Energy Guides inform us of

yearly cost of operating the product Food labels give

labels provide information about what the garment is

4 The Right to Be Informed Energy Guides inform us of the estimated energy consumption and the estimated yearly cost of operating the product Food labels give us useful information about the food we eat Clothing labels provide information about what the garment is made of, how to care for it, where it is made, and what size it is.

5 WOW! What a deal!

6 Read the Fine Print With your Wickes Furniture credit card, subject to credit approval. January 2007 credit offer applies to purchases of $300 or more, excluding clearance items. Sales tax and delivery charge down payment required. Finance charges will not be imposed and no payments are required until the expiration of the deferred period for accounts kept current. Standard Rate APR 23.99%. Otherwise, the Default APR of 26.99% will apply to all balances. Minimum Finance Charge $.50. Credit offer ends August 16th, PRIOR SALES & CLEARANCE EXCLUDED. Sale ends August 16th, Some items not displayed in every showroom. Quantities are limited. Not responsible for typographical errors.

7 Reading the Fine Print CBS News Reported

8 The Right to Choose Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods and services. Competition means choice How many wireless companies can you think of?

9 The Right to Safety Consumers have the right to products that are safe to use. Product Liability the legal responsibility that manufacturers have to make a safe product. Can you think of any safety devices or warning labels on the products that you use?

10 How about Warning labels Cigarette Label CD Labels ATV Label

11 McDonalds Coffee Lawsuit In 1994, $2.9 million was awarded to an 81-year old woman who was scalded by McDonald s coffee. While removing the lid to add cream and sugar, she spilled it causing third-degree burns to her inner thighs Judgment was later reduced to $430,000 What changes do you think occurred after the verdict?

12 As a result Batman: The Animated Series Armor Set Halloween costume: PARENT: Please exercise caution mask and chest plate are not protective; cape does not enable wearer to fly. Conair Pro Style 1600 hair dryer: WARNING: Do not use in shower. Never use while sleeping. Instructions for folding up a portable baby carriage: Step 1: Remove baby. On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Do not iron clothes on body.

13 The Right to Be Heard Consumers have the right to complain about products or services The customer is always right Many businesses rely on satisfying their customers to stay in business Do you have an example of a time when you complained about a product and the business responded positively?

14 Some businesses do not operate in the best interest of the customer Bait and Switch advertising an item at a low price to lure you into the store A Car Dealer s Deception CBS News Reported

15 Fraud deliberately misleading the consumer Consumer Alert: Mortgage Scam CBS News Reported

16 The Right to Have Problems Corrected Many large businesses have customer service departments How would your respond if you purchased an item that was defective and the company did not rectify the situation?

17 The Right to Consumer Education Be an informed consumer Read Consumer Reports Watch the news CBS News Consumer Alerts Comparison shop Consumer Websites

18 The Right to Service Consumers have the right to be treated in a respectful and courteous manner Consumers have the right to expect fast delivery of goods or services Consumers have the right to be served without discrimination What could you do if you feel you are not being treated fairly?

19 Your Responsibilities as a Consumer As a consumer, you have the responsibility to educate yourself You have a responsibility to read information about a product and use the product the way it was intended Before making a major purchase, do your homework. Consumer Reports Read Fact Sheets

20 The Responsibility to Choose Carefully Make comparisons to find the best product or service at the best price do your homework. Find out about the product choices Which product has the best guarantee Which product fits your budget and your needs?

21 The Responsibility to Use Products Safely Government has passed many laws to make products safe Consumers must follow the instructions given by the manufacturer for the safe use of products What is the recommended dosage? How should chemicals be stored?

22 The Responsibility to Speak Out You have a responsibility to report unfair, unsafe, and illegal business practices Boycott (refuse to buy) the product In Ireland, in the 1800s, a landlord named Charles C. Boycott would not lower rents. His tenants refused to have anything to do with him. Activities like theirs bear his name to this day when people boycott a product, service, or company they disapprove of. List of active boycotts

23 The Responsibility to Seek Remedy You have a responsibility to seek remedy for a defective product If you plan to exchange an item or get a refund, it s your responsibility to bring with you the item, the receipt, and any warranties or guarantees that came with the item.

24 When one does nothing, one believes oneself responsible for everything. Jean-Paul Sartre, French philosopher, playwright, and writer

Chapter 23: Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

Chapter 23: Consumer Rights and Responsibilities Unit 8: Buying Goods and Services Section 23.1 Consumer Rights Section Objective: Describe seven protections that are included in the Consumer Bill of Rights.