| The following four rights are the basis of much of the | | | | must disclose the true cost of borrowing the money |
| consumer-oriented legislation that has been passed | | | | they make available to costumers who purchase |
| during the last thirty years. These rights also provide an | | | | merchandise on credit. In addition, manufacturers must |
| effective outline of the objectives and | | | | inform consumers about the potential dangers of using |
| accomplishments of the consumer movement. | | | | their products. |
| - The right to safety | | | | - The right to choose |
| The consumers' right to safety means that products | | | | The right to choose means that consumers have a |
| they purchase must be safe for their intended use, | | | | choice of products, offered by different manufacturers |
| must include thorough and explicit directions for proper | | | | and sellers, to satisfy a particular need. The |
| use, and must be tested by the manufacturer to | | | | government has done its part by encouraging |
| ensure product quality and reliability. Business firms | | | | competition through anti trust legislation. Competition |
| should also be aware that consumers and the | | | | and the resulting freedom of choice provide additional |
| government have been winning an increasing number | | | | benefits for costumers by reducing prices |
| of product-liability lawsuits against sellers of defective | | | | - The right to be heard |
| products. Moreover, the amount of the awards in | | | | The forth right means that someone will listen and take |
| these suits has been steadily increasing. Yet another | | | | appropriate action when costumers complain. In fact, |
| major reason for improving product safety is the | | | | corporate management teams begun listening to |
| consumer's demand for safe products. People will | | | | consumer complains after the end of World War II |
| simply stop buying a product they believe is unsafe or | | | | when competition begun again to increase. Today, |
| unreliable. | | | | businesses are listening even more attentively and |
| - The right to be informed | | | | many larger firms have consumer relations |
| The right to be informed means that consumers must | | | | departments that can be easily contacted via toll-free |
| have access to complete information about a product | | | | phone numbers. Actually, one of the services every |
| before they buy it. Detailed information about | | | | consumer today expects to receive from the |
| ingredients and nutrition must be provided on food | | | | companies he or she selects to purchase things from |
| containers, information about fabrics and laundering | | | | is consumer support. |
| methods must be attached to clothing and lenders | | | | |