BR: Identify as many of these as you can.
Being A Smart Consumer Consumer Economics
Overview We’ve learned how to earn, save, borrow, and budget money. How do producers target us as consumers? Will we make wise consumer decisions? Do you know your rights as a consumer?
Consumer Rights (JFK 1962) and Responsibilities Consumer Rights 1. Right to Safety 2. Right to be Informed 3. Right to Choose 4. Right to be Heard 5. Right to Redress 6. Right to Consumer Ed 7. Right to a Healthy Environment Consumer Responsibilities 1. Use products safely 2. Use information wisely 3. Choose carefully 4. Express satisfaction or dissatisfaction 5. Seek redress 6. Be an educated consumer 7. Contribute to a healthy environment
The Consumer Movement Seeks to protect and inform consumers. Higher level of government involvement in consumer affairs. Honest advertising Product warranties Safety standards
Organizations that Protect Consumers Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Protects consumers from unfair business practices such as misleading ads or false info on product labels. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Makes sure businesses follow environmental laws/ regulations. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Helps to resolve complaints between consumers and businesses. Promotes honest advertising and selling practices. Recommends honest businesses
Product Labeling
Warranties A warranty is a promise that a product will meet specific standards over time or the company will repair, replace, or refund it. Full Warranty The entire product is covered for the set time period. Limited Warranty A specific part(s) of the product is covered for the set time period. Implied Warranty Product will fulfill the basic purpose for which it was designed…if not, it can be returned.
Advertising and Marketing Businesses advertise in order to convince consumer to buy their products. Introduce a new product Highlight features of a product Compare to another product. Types of ads include: TV commercials, radio spots, magazine/ newspaper, and internet ads. Brand advertising- remember a specific brand or product. Jingles Ba da da da daaaaaa… ________ Slogans “I’m Lovin It!” “Just Do It” “Eat Fresh” Logos Golden Arches Swoosh
Common Logos and Slogans
More logos
Types of Advertising Informative Ad Educate about the product’s benefits Car ads Comparative Ad Compare to a rival product May be heavily biased Cable TV ads, “the other guys…” Defensive Ad Usually a response to comparative ads Persuasive Ad Appeals to emotions, doesn’t provide much useful info Cigarette ads, clothing Entertaining Ad These ads don’t even seem to be selling a specific product, just promoting a brand or making people laugh. Beer commercials
Which type of ad?
Deceptive Ads vs. Puffery Puffery Exaggeration in advertising. Subjective/ opinion Puffery is legal. Deceptive Advertising Makes claims that are factually wrong. Claims must be backed by science or research. Government can fine companies that use deceptive ads.