1. Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

2. 1962: President Kennedy presented 4 basic consumer rights.
Basis for government action and legislation aimed at protecting consumer interests.
Along with each right, the consumer has a certain responsibility to act within the boundaries of that right.
Background

3. The Right to Safety Right: Responsibility:
Consumers have the right to know that the product/service is not dangerous.
Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Responsibility:
Using, caring for, storing and disposing of products safely.
Read all information booklets and labels carefully, and follow the manufacturer’s directions/advice.
The Right to Safety

4. The Right to be Informed
To be protected against false and misleading information about goods and services.
Laws prohibiting advertisers from giving false information and misleading the public.
Responsibility:
Seek information and use it to make wise decisions, and understand that a claim that sounds too good to be true probably is.
The Right to be Informed

5. Right: Responsibility:
To be exposed to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
Laws prohibiting monopolies.
Responsibility:
Choose goods and services carefully.
Shop around, support reputable businesses.
The Right to Choose

6. Right: The Right to be Heard Responsibility:
To complain if a product/service is not satisfactory.
Follow chain of command at a business, or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or State Bureau for Consumer Protection.
Civil lawsuits as a last resort.
Responsibility:
Speak up and let your likes/dislikes be known.
The Right to be Heard

7. For each of the rights and responsibilities, give a specific example of how this affects the goods/services you purchase.
Application: