The Power of Consumers

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The Power of Consumers
List last five things you have purchased in your
notes.. Share..
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The Power of Consumers

• What is a consumer?
• Someone that uses goods and services
• Examples of consumers
• Parents
• Businesses
• Students
• Others?
• What are they all doing?
• Using the product, and often the ones who buy /
  purchase
• the good (product) or service (non-product).

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Consumers Have Power !!!
How? Examples? What you buy effects what
stores sell! Example Big jeans worn on hips
resulted in low rise jeans. Starbucks coffee on
every corner influenced by demand and amount of
purchases. HDTV supply is increasing to meet
demand, decreasing because of lower cost due
to economies of scale
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The Power of Consumers
Goods The physical objects that are
produced Tangible, can be touched Services
Actions that are performed for someone. No
physical product constructed Marketplace The
world of commercial activity where goods and
services are bought and sold "without
competition there would be no market"
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The Power of Consumers
Effective Consumers Set Goals They decided
what they want and how they can best carry out a
plan. They know their priorities and plan for
their career. Think Critically They make
decisions based on careful consideration of
alternatives and their possible outcomes. They
avoid acting on impulse. Do Their RESEARCH
They read, observe, and ask questions about the
many options available to them. They compare
prices, quality, features, and customer service
policies. Manage Everyday Finances They handle
their income, expenses, taxes, banking, and
credit in a responsible way. Plan for Financial
Security They set up plans for savings,
investing, and insurance calling upon
professionals for help!
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The Power of Consumers
Technology Have you ever used it for
purchases? Internet shopping. EBay Stores Outle
ts Research on products. Consumer
Reports Internet access and magazines
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1.2 Consumers Rights Your rights!!
Consumer Advocate people or organizations who
work on behalf of consumers. They work to
investigate business practices, expose unfair or
dangerous situations, and encourage the passage
of laws protecting consumers. Here are a
few Harvey Wiley a medical doctor , proved
that adding certain chemicals to foods and drugs
was dangerous. His campaign against mislabeled
foods and drugs led to the passage of the Food
and Drug Act of 1906. Upton Sinclair
published The Jungle in 1906. This novel exposed
the filthy conditions in meat packing plants
(gross), leading to the passage of the Meat
Inspection Act of 1906. Continued.
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1.2 Consumers Rights Your rights!!
Stewart Chase and F. J. Schlink published Your
Moneys Worth in 1927, a book demonstrating how
misleading advertising affects consumers. Rachel
Carson published Silent Spring, a book the
revealed the damaging effects of insecticides and
pesticides on songbird populations, in 1962. Her
work inspired many environmental laws. Ralph
Nader - Highway research, took unsafe cars off
the road, seatbelts, speed limits, moved engines
to front of car. Published Unsafe at any Speed
in 1965 demonstrating that many highway deaths
are caused by defects in cars. Inspiring laws on
highway safety and car manufacturing. Sooooooooo
oooo what are your rights!?
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1.2 Consumers Rights Your rights!!
Rights and Responsibilities worksheet!
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1.2 Consumers Rights Your rights!!