Chapter 22Making 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

Look before you buy1. Inspect a product’s quality2. Look at the price tag3. Find out if it is a name brand or store

brand4. Read product labels5. 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