5.4 Notes  comparison shopping – accessing information, comparing products, evaluating their benefits, and choosing products that offer the best value  generic products – products sold in plain packages at lower prices than the brand name products  5 ways to help comparison shopping 1. Look at the cost 2. Look at the features (characteristics) 3. Look at the quality 4. Look at the warranty 5. Recommendations from friends/people  warranty – a company’s or store’s written agreement to repair a product or refund your money should the product not function properly

5.4 Notes  6 consumer rights: 1. Consumers have the right to safety 2. Consumers have the right to choose 3. Consumers have the right to be informed (truth) 4. Consumers have the right to be heard (laws) 5. Consumers have the right to have problems be corrected 6. Consumers have the right to have consumer education

5.4 Notes  4 organizations that help dissatisfied customers 1. Consumer advocates – consumer unions devoted to helping people with consumer (buying) problems 2. Business organizations – network of offices that deal with customer complains about businesses 3. Local, state, and federal government agencies – FDA (food and drug administration) and the CPSC (consumer product safety commission) 4. Small-claims court – state courts that handle legal disputes involving amounts of money below $10,000