The Consumer Bill of Rights

Imagine that you just bought an electronic device or a new appliance for your kitchen. You are so excited, you take pleasure in just unboxing it and can`t wait to show it to your family and friends. Your excitement is shattered and your heart is broken because the thing won`t work. You will certainly feel disheartened but you need not worry because the good news is that you have rights as a consumer. These rights protect you when a product is defective. In 1962, the Consumer Bill of Rights was formed. The bill stated that every person has four basic consumer rights — the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to safety, and the right to be heard. These rights received a lot of attention from the consumer movement, a movement to pass laws protecting consumers from unfair and unsafe business practices. Over the years, three other rights were added: the right to have problems corrected, the right to consumer education, and the right to service.

The Right to Be Informed

As a consumer, you have a right to receive accurate information. Consumers can make wise decisions only if they have the information they need. Businesses are required to provide certain details about their products. For example, drug companies must list the complete contents of every medicine. Clothing manufacturers must list the fibers used in materials. Packaged foods must show all ingredients, with the main one listed first. Companies provide this information through product labelling.

The Right to Choose

Most countries have a market economy, therefore consumers can choose from a wide variety of goods and services. Businesses compete with each other to sell their products to consumers. They offer new products, lower prices, higher quality, or improved services to get you to choose their products. Competition provides choices. A lack of it hurts consumers. Government has the power to keep markets competitive. It can use antitrust laws to break up monopolies or keep them from forming. Sometimes it will prevent a large company from buying a smaller one if the purchase would lead to control of a market.

The Right to Safety

You have a right to products that are safe to use. Product liability is the legal responsibility that manufacturers have to make a safe product. For example, tools and appliances must include safety devices for your protection. Federal laws ensure that clothing, food, toys, and other items will not harm consumers. The Safety Commission enforces product-safety standards.

The Right to Be Heard

Consumers who have complaints about products or services have a right to be heard. Suppose you buy a bike helmet for your kid from a sporting goods store. After wearing the helmet a few times, you find that the chinstrap keeps coming loose. You have the right to let the store know you are not satisfied with the helmet. Businesses rely on customer satisfaction. The purpose of the customer service department is to listen to the concerns of customers.

The Right to Have Problems Corrected

Sometimes products do not work properly after they are purchased. Usually if a customer takes a defective item back to a store with a receipt, the business will replace it or issue a refund. If a business cannot or will not correct a problem, consumers can write to the manufacturer to find out how to get the matter resolved. If the manufacturer will not help, a government agency might be your next step.

The Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to learn how a market system works. You should know how to get the best value and satisfaction for your money. When you decide to buy an item, you should know that different stores might charge different prices. You should know how to comparison shop to find the best buy. Check the information required by law on labels, and read fact sheets about products.

The Right to Service

Customers have a right to be treated in a respectful and courteous manner. You have the right to expect prompt delivery of goods or services that meet the standard of quality a business claims. You also have the right to be served without discrimination on the basis of your race, gender, income, or age. These rights apply wherever you are being served.