Being an Informed Consumer In this lesson, you will Learn About… The questions to ask before purchasing a product. The factors you should consider when comparison shopping. Why it is important to read product labels. What to do if you are dissatisfied with a product.

Standards 3: The student will demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and services to enhance health.

Indictors M Locate valid health information, products, and services.

Relevance

Being an Informed Consumer The Vocabulary terms for this lesson are : Comparison shopping. Comparison shopping Generic products. Generic products Warranty. Warranty

Teens as Consumers As you get older, your purchasing power will increase and so will your responsibility. Your buying decisions reflect what is important to you.

Teen Purchasing Power Food and Snacks Clothing Movies & Other Entertainment Savings Others 23% 21% 17% 13% 26% Source: Rand Youth Poll, 1999

Think Before You Buy To make wise buying choices, consider the following questions: Do I understand what the product does and how to use it? Is the product safe? Could the product or its packaging harm people or the environment? Is the product worth the price? Is there a similar product that costs less? What sets the product apart from similar products? Could the information on the package be misleading? Have I used other items made by the same company? Was I satisfied? What is the return policy of the company or the store?

Comparison Shopping Comparison shopping means accessing information, comparing products, evaluating their benefits, and choosing products that offer the best value. Make a habit of comparison shopping. Look at labels to compare the ingredients in a generic product and a similar brand name product. Generic products can save you money when they are equal in quality to brand name items.Generic products

Comparison Shopping (cont’d.) Cost. Compare prices of the same brand in different stores. Also, check newspapers for sales. Features. Avoid paying for features that you don’t need. However, do pay for features that you find especially useful or desirable. Quality. Well-made products generally offer superior performance to those that are poorly made. A cheap product is no bargain if it falls apart or doesn’t work. WarrantyWarranty. Before you buy a costly product, ask about the warranty. Always read the fine print on a warranty because it may cover only certain aspects of a product or its use. Recommendations. Talk to people who have used the products that you are considering buying. These might be parents, guardians, or other trusted adults. You may also get information from the library or reliable media sources such as consumer reports. Ask questions and read articles to find out which products have earned recommendations.

Reading Product Labels The labels on health products can help you make smart buying decisions. They also offer guidance for the safe and proper use of the product. If a product label’s information seems confusing or incomplete, speak with your doctor or pharmacist, or contact the manufacturer.

What Labels Tell You Product Name Don’t rely solely on a product’s name to determine its purpose. Read the label. Amount in Container When you compare prices, check the amount contained in each package. Product’s Intended Use Make sure that the product’s purpose suits your needs. Warnings Pay attention to warnings against using the product improperly. Directions for Use For best results, read and follow the directions on the product label. Ingredients If two brands list the same ingredients in the same order, they probably offer similar results. If you are allergic to a particular substance, check the label to make sure that the product does not contain that substance. Manufacturer’s Contact Information Contact the manufacturer of the product if you have a problem or question.

Consumer Rights Consumers have the right to safety. They should be able to purchase products and services that will not harm them. Consumers have the right to choose. They should have the opportunity to select from many products and services at competitive prices. Consumers have the right to be informed. They deserve truthful information about products and services. Consumers have the right to be heard. They should be able to join in the making of laws that affect them. Consumers have the right to have problems corrected. They have the right to complain when they have been treated unfairly. Consumers have the right to consumer education. They should have an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to help them make wise choices.

Your Rights As a Consumer Usually your rights as a consumer are recognized and respected wherever you purchase goods. Sometimes, however, more action is necessary. If you are dissatisfied with a product or service, you can seek help from any of the following groups: Consumer advocates Business organizations Local, state, and federal government agencies Small-claims courts

Reviewing Terms and Facts 1.Define the term comparison shopping. Comparison shopping means accessing information, comparing products, evaluating their benefits, and choosing products that offer the best value.

Reviewing Terms and Facts 2.What is a warranty? A warranty is a company’s or store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your money should the product not function properly.

3.When would reading a product’s label prevent injury? Thinking Critically

Vocabulary Review Comparison shopping means accessing information, comparing products, evaluating their benefits, and choosing products that offer the best value.

Vocabulary Review Generic products are products sold in plain packages at lower prices than brand name products.

Vocabulary Review A warranty is a company’s or a store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your money should the product not function properly.