1. Protecting Consumers
Chapter 24

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

3. 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

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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

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

12. 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”

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

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

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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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
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