Chapter 22 Making Consumer Choices

Consumer Someone who buys and uses goods and services produced by others To become a better consumer, you must consider the factors that influence your choices

Influences on a consumer Your income Your job Your environment Your personal interests and values Advertising Peer pressure

Shopping safely: Be aware of the influences Avoid impulse buying (making unplanned purchases at the spur of the moment) Gather information about products Watch for sales Comparison shop – take time to compare products, prices, and services Look before you buy

1.Inspect a product’s quality 2.Look at the price tag 3.Find out if it is a name brand or store brand 4.Read product labels 5.Ask about a warranty

Places you can comparison shop: Department stores Specialty stores Discount stores Factory outlets Warehouse clubs Mail-order companies Electronic shopping Yard sales Flee markets

Consumer Rights Right to safety Right to be informed Right to be heard Right to choose Right to redress – right to have wrong information corrected quickly and fairly Right to consumer education

Consumer Responsibilities Take care of the products you try on or handle Be fair and honest with stores Pay attention at the time of purchase, be sure it is the right amount Save sales receipts, instructions, and guarantees

Beware of consumer fraud Don’t fall for phony prize notification Never give your family’s credit card number out Don’t send money to an unknown business or organization Resist sales pressure