Protecting Consumers Chapter 24

What can you do when you have a problem with a product?

Take it back to the store for a full refund Call customer service Tell others of your problem File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau Take the company or small business owner to small claims court

Getting a Refund Check out a store’s refund policy before purchasing an item Not all refund policies are the same

Example: Target Stores Full refund for most items returned within 90 days in new condition with the original receipt

Other Exceptions Any purchase made by check may be refunded as a merchandise voucher. Other restrictions may apply.

Smaller stores might have a stricter return policy Look for their return policy either on the receipt or posted in the store.

Call Customer Service If you can no longer take an item back to the store, do not hesitate to call customer service if there is a problem with the product. If it is a reputable company, they will do what they can to rectify the situation

File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau A nonprofit organization that collects information on local business and handles complaints. The Better Business Bureau does not make recommendations. www.chicago.bbb.org

Take a Company or Business Owner to Small Claims Court Small claims court settles cases involving relatively small amounts of money You do not need a lawyer Size of claim – as little as $25 and as high as $5,000 Examples of Small claims court Judge Judy Judge Mathis

Consumer Advocates Groups or individuals that work to protect, inform, and defend consumers Consumer Federation of America www.consumerfed.org National Consumers League www.nclnet.org Consumer’s Union Non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports www.consumersunion.org

Major Appliance Consumer Action Program Other Advocacy Groups Major Appliance Consumer Action Program Consumer assistance panel Helps consumer solve problems with large appliances such as washers, stoves, and freezers. Radio and Television Using the “power of the press”

Federal Agencies Consumer information Center in Pueblo, Colorado. www.pueblo.gsa.gov Offer booklets that give advice to help consumers decide what and where to buy. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Enforces laws about business practices www.ftc.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspects foods such as meats and gives them grade labels that indicate the level of quality. www.USDA.gov The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Tests and approves all drugs before they can be offered to consumers. www.fda.gov

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Can order automakers to recall or take back and repair or replace cars with defective parts.

State Agencies Each state has a consumer affairs division Usually handled by the Attorney General’s office State governments work to prevent unfair practices such as false advertising. States have laws about credit card interest rates, and other consumer services.

Public Utilities Public utilities are legal monopolies or companies that are allowed to operate without competition A state public utilities commission regulates the rates charged by electric, gas, and water companies

Licenses To prevent people from practicing occupations they are not qualified to do, states issue licenses, or legal permits to conduct business. Doctors Teachers Roofers Hair stylists Architects To get a license, a person usually needs special training and must pass a test.

Using Business Key Words Chapter 24 Book Work Fast Review Page 387 #’s 1-2 Page 389 #’s 1-2 Page 391 #’s 1-3 Page 393 #’s 1-2 Using Business Key Words Page 394 #’s 1-9