Consumer Rights & Responsibilities Chapter 23

Today’s Schedule  Thursday’s Quiz Review  Homework Collection  Assignment of Homework  Chapter 23  Quiz

Quiz Review  Fix the following sentences (as they should appear in formal writing): –I couldn’t find the right door to go into. –I always go shopping with my mom on Sundays all the time. –I went to the mall last week, but I soon got tired and decided to go home, but I didn’t have a ride and it wasn’t a real good day to walk so I just stayed at the mall last week. –Extra Credit – Who is the current president of DLS?

Pass Up the Homework

Homework Assignment  Chapter 23 –Read –Do Key Words

Chapter 23 Learning Objectives  Name the seven rights of consumers  List the basic responsibilities of a consumer  Explain how you can conserve resources  Describe ways you can learn consumer skills

The Consumer Bill of Rights  Outlined by John F. Kennedy in 1962  Four Basic Consumer Rights –The Right to be informed –The Right to choose –The Right to safety –The Right to be heard  Additional rights later added –The Right to have problems corrected –The Right to consumer education –The Right to service

What Are Your Consumer Rights? AAAAn automaker recalls its new model that has malfunctioning seat belts TTTThe over-the-counter medication label mentions pregnant or nursing women should not use it TTTThe Advertisement for the new home-theater system tells the consumer the total cost and interest rate LLLLocal electronics store displays 3 highly similar and competing computers TTTThe department store replaces your new shoes since the soles are coming loose CCCConsumer Reports compares washing machines RRRRight to have problems corrected RRRRight to Safety RRRRight to be informed RRRRight to choose RRRRight to be heard RRRRight to consumer education

The Right to be Informed  Consumers must have the information needed in order to make wise decisions  Consumers have the right to accurate information  Companies are required to give certain information about their products –Ex. – Clothes, food, medication

The Right to Choose  United States = Market Economy  Competition exists and is encouraged –Leads to:  New Products  Low Prices  High Quality  Best Service  Choice  One company controlling the market –Monopoly –Lack of competition – Hurts the consumer  Federal government regulates competition –Can regulate purchasing of smaller companies –Can use antitrust laws

The Right to Safety  Translates into having safe products available  Product Liability –The legal responsibility of manufacturers to make a safe product  Medication tested prior to being put on the market  Safety devices on tools & appliances  Possibly dangerous items must have instructions for safe operation

The Right to Be Heard  Business must satisfy the consumer in order to stay in business –Listen to a consumer and make them happy  This is a generally accepted policy  There are a lot of scumbags out there –High mark up –Bait & switch  Fraud – Deliberately misleading business practices  Government & Consumer organizations can help

The Right to Have Problems Corrected  Applies to defective items  Defective items will be replaced or money will be refunded if it can be proved there is a defect  Customer Service Departments  Write to a manufacturer if problems are not fixed  Proper communication of your problem will get it resolved

The Right to Consumer Education  Consumers have the right to understanding a market system  Should get value and satisfaction for your money  Different stores may charge different prices  Consumer Reports & consumer organizations provide consumers with information –Leads to educated choices

The Right to Service  Right to respectful and courteous manner –Restaurants, salespeople, repair departments, etc.  Right to good, speedy service & a standard of quality  Service without discrimination –Denny’s Restaurant  Make sure those serving know if you feel you are being mistreated

Know Your Rights: 1. The Right to Be Informed 2. The Right to Choose 3. The Right to Safety 4. The Right to Be Heard 5. The Right to Correction 6. The Right to Education 7. The Right to Service

Quiz  Who outlined the consumer Bill of Rights in 1962? (3 points)  What are the four basic consumer rights instituted in 1962? (4 points)  A market economy leads to _______ (3 points)  Extra Credit – By title, who must approve a student’s taking of a sixth subject at DLS? (two points; Hint: there are 2 people involved in the decision)