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| Back to School Shopping It’s time for back to school shopping. Experts remind us that stores are real-life classrooms that can provide lessons in math and consumer choices, so you can use this opportunity to help children become savvy shoppers. Here’s how. Involve them. Take inventory of what you have. Then assess needs and wants. Explain the difference. Make a list of needs to buy now. Shop for wants later. Set a budget and stick with it. If children want unbudgeted items, suggest they buy them with their allowance or earnings. Ask children to help find bargains. Check coupons and advertisements for specials. Consider safety. Loose clothing can catch in playground equipment and cause accidents. Backpacks should not weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of a student’s weight. Rolling packs on wheels are a good option. College students need a credit card, so create a spending and budget plan together. Insist that bills are paid on time |
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Brands: Name and Generic (also known as store brands, house brands, or private labels) Popular name brands and equally useful house brands live side by side in stores and in our homes. There is a place and purpose for both, but choosing can be confusing. To help with the choices, here are some frequently asked questions.
Why are generic or house brands cheaper? There are usually no coupons or free samples. Packaging may not be as fancy or eye-catching, and national advertising is minimal. Are generic foods as nutritious as name brands? Yes. All food products must meet the nutritional standards set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, the term “nutrition” is relative. Name brand and generic candy bars can be equally nutritious, but eating only candy bars may not be good for you.
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Clothing Labels If you want to keep your clothes in good condition for as long as possible, be sure to read and follow label directions. Content labels identify the fiber(s)—cotton, silk, polyester etc.—and the percentages of each used. They also list the manufacturer’s name, and whether the item was imported or made in the USA. Care labels state the cleaning method that should be used along with safe water, drying, and ironing temperatures. If the label says “do not dry clean,” don’t. If bleach is not mentioned, any type of bleach may be used. If any type of bleach is unsafe, the label must say so. If no water temperature or dryer setting is mentioned, any setting may be used. If no ironing temperature is given, a hot iron can be used safely. If no ironing instructions are given, ironing is not necessary. |
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Common Sense Shopping Here are some ideas to consider while shopping. They’re just common sense, but sometimes we need to be reminded when faced with the temptation of want over need, choosing among add-on features, or finding an appropriate gift. Is the item a want or a need? Either is all right as long as you recognize the difference and can afford it. What is the expected life of the product? Choose the quality best suited to your purpose depending on use, durability, reliability, and price. For instance, disposable items might cost more now, but be worth it to save you time later. A good rule is to buy the best you can afford, but be willing to try an alternative and don’t assume a cheaper product won’t do. When choosing an item, consider how you will use it. Are you an expert who needs the best, or a beginner for whom another version will do? Buying giant sizes or too much of anything may not be wise if they take too much storage space or spoil easily. When choosing a gift, consider the recipient’s likes, needs and wants which may differ from yours. Do your research and learn the pros and cons. Web sites like Consumer Reports provide helpful unbiased information. You can also consult knowledgeable users including sales personnel, professionals, repair people, or friends and family. |
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| Consumer Ethics Customers expect to be treated fairly, so retailers should expect the same from them. Most people don’t intend to harm anyone, they just don’t always consider the consequences. For instance, taking enough condiment packages at a restaurant to enjoy your meal is fair. Taking an over-supply for use at home is not. Eating a few grapes plucked from the produce counter may seem inconsequential, but if many customers do it, grocers must raise their prices to compensate. Most grocers provide clearly marked free samples; enjoy those. Sometimes merchants offer age-related discounts. While it may be tempting to fudge a few years, it isn’t worth the price of a conscience or the merchant’s goodwill. We know that if a mistake is made in your favor, you’ll point it out. You won’t return used items or make unreasonable demands. Finally, shopping with kids can be difficult, but this is a great time to teach them respect for others. Visiting a store is like visiting someone’s home. Children should not run freely wherever they wish or touch things without permission. |
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Comparison Shopping Save money! Save time! Comparison shopping with prior preparation can save a lot of headaches. To start, it’s a good idea to make a checklist of features in order of their importance to you such as budget, size, color, add-ons, durability, life expectancy, guarantees etc. because you probably won’t find all of them in every version. Consider the needs of family members who will also use this product. Measure your space to be sure that refrigerator or sofa will fit. Web sites like Consumer Reports, newspaper and magazine advertising, recommendations from friends, and using the telephone to ask preliminary questions can help you make informed choices. Be open to suggestion. New features may be available, so weigh their importance to you. Most important, don’t automatically assume that name brands are better and big stores are cheaper. Local retailers can match price, quality and provide customized service. |
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Customer Service Consumers correctly view good customer service as something they deserve and should expect. However, they may not be aware that they can help facilitate that service. In a perfect world, employees would know all the answers, nothing would ever be damaged, and deliveries would always be on time. Of course, in our imperfect world, things happen that are beyond our control, people don’t know everything, and mistakes occur. Consumers, the Golden Rule works. Treat others as you would like to be treated and they’ll respond in kind. So when you are dealing with consumer concerns, smile! Explain your needs calmly and clearly. Be courteous and respectful. If you shop in a store frequently, learn the clerks’ names and greet them pleasantly. If you can’t find what you want, ask for it. If you have special needs, request assistance. If something doesn’t work the way you thought it should, or you need instructions, describe the situation as explicitly as possible, even if you don’t know the technical terms. Keep receipts, warranties and record model numbers. Finally, if you find yourself sorting through voice mail options, sometimes pressing zero will take you to a helpful live person. |
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Debit Cards A debit card is a convenient shopping tool. It works like a credit card but you don’t have to pay interest, but be aware that there is no grace period. The funds will be withdrawn from your bank account immediately. That means you should always know how much money is available in your account and be sure you have enough left to cover any checks which have not cleared. Cards that have the MasterCard or VISA logo can be used like credit cards worldwide. If they are lost or stolen, most issuers do not charge for the loss and will replace the full amount that was used fraudulently. Memorize your PIN number. Don’t write it down and don’t use your house number or birthday. Never sign a blank debit slip, and shred receipts when you dispose of them. |
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Food Labels Dieting? Health conscious? Have food allergies or special dietary needs? Want to be nutritionally aware? Then understanding food labels will help. All food labels must show the product’s name, manufacturer’s name and address, contents, and ingredients in descending order of predominance and weight.
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Gift Cards Looking for the perfect gift no one will return? Then consider giving a gift card. The size and color are right. It’s convenient and secure. If it’s lost or stolen, the unspent amount can be replaced. With some gift cards you can check your balance online or by calling a toll free number. Gift cards are either store specific or general purpose issued by credit card companies. You can use a store specific gift card to buy merchandise from the designated store or, in some instances, from the store’s Web site. A general purpose gift card from a major credit card company can be used almost anywhere a credit or debit card can be used. You can use the gift card to pay part of the purchase price, but be sure to ask the cashier how to handle the transaction. Treat a gift card as you would cash or credit/debit cards. Keep receipts. Some gift cards have expiration dates or fees attached, so be sure to check the details. Give a gift card, save shopping hassles, and know the recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness. |
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Gift Return Receipts Who hasn’t received a gift that’s the wrong size, isn’t needed, duplicates another etc.? That’s why gift receipts have gained popularity. Gift receipts are not limited to holiday gift giving and they benefit customers and retailers alike. Customers can be refunded for the actual purchase price of an item and retailers can verify that merchandise was purchased at their store. Some retailers automatically include gift receipts with merchandise. They provide the same details as regular receipts but don’t include prices. When purchasing gifts: ● Whether you are a gift giver or gift recipient, find out the retailer’s return policy. ● Ask for a gift receipt and include it with the gift. ● If you are a gift recipient, provide all original packaging, parts and tags when giving a gift. Some retailers won't accept returns unless the item is in its original package. If you plan to take back a gift when it is unwrapped, resist the urge to open or use it. ● Make returns as soon as possible. When shopping online, ● Ask who pays for shipping the return. Some merchants will pick up the delivery charges for exchanges, but not for returns. ● Ask where to make returns. Is there a physical store, and can returns or exchanges be made there? Be sure to note the correct address if you need to mail returns back to the company. Some merchants have off-site service centers to handle returns that are in a different location from where the merchandise is sent. ● Be patient, especially when returning merchandise after holidays. |
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| Guarantees and Warranties Guarantees and warranties are federally mandated promises that products will perform as expected; otherwise, consumers can count on repair, replacement, or restitution. Express warranties must be written, easy to understand, and displayed prominently. They should not be confused with extended warranties, which are service agreements that require consumers to pay extra for them. Implied warranties cover most products that do not have written warranties, unless they are marked “as is,” or as having no warranty. Implied means that a product should do what it is supposed to do; for instance, a can opener will open cans. It also means that if a product is represented to fit a specific need, such as a washing machine that can handle king-sized quilts, it should be able to do so. Implied warranties are not guarantees. Consumers should understand that problems caused by misuse, failure to follow directions, or improper maintenance can invalidate them. |
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Household Chemicals Labels Reading labels carefully and following directions on household chemical products can save your life! ● Emergency Contacts — 1-800-222-1222. This number works anywhere in the United States. For more information, visit these Web sites: The American Association of Poison Control Centers The National Capital Poison Center Hazardous household chemicals are part of our daily living, but too often we take them for granted. Instead, we must treat them with caution and respect. Dangerous, hazardous and toxic household chemicals can be found in cleaning products, personal grooming aids, detergents, paints, pesticides, and automotive fluids. Hazardous substances are those that may cause injury or illness during handling or use. They are labeled as toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable, or radioactive. All household chemical labels must include:
Hazardous substances can be found in:
Definitions
Safety Tips
Consider the Environment
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| Identity Theft
Prevention Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Here are four common sense ideas you can use to help to protect yourself from identity theft. 1. Don’t carry more identification than you need. A driver’s license is usually sufficient. 2. Use personal checks only when necessary as your personal check probably has nearly your life history on it. Pay with cash, credit, or debit card whenever possible. 3. Always take your receipt with you. Don’t throw it in a public trash container. 4. Be aware of who is watching you when you enter your PIN or password at ATMs or checkout lanes. If you use your mother’s maiden name, your house number, phone number, or birth dates, please know that these are the first ideas identity thieves will consider. Consumers and Legislation: Why Should Consumers Care? What do retailers, legislators and consumers have in common? Every retailer and every legislator is also a consumer, so legislation that affects one affects all. When it comes to laws affecting business, consumers and retailers are partners, not adversaries. Consumers should consider carefully laws they want to promote because laws affect everyone. For instance, allowing fast food restaurants to be sued and held liable for a consumer’s lack of common sense will not cure overeating. However, on the positive side, consumer driven legislation has provided improved product labeling and safety standards, access for the disabled, and environmental benefits. |
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Maintenance and Service Agreements When making major purchases, the option of buying maintenance or service agreements often arises. The consumer, who has just committed to spending a considerable sum of money, then wonders, “Is it worth more money to sign a maintenance or service agreement?” The answer depends on your needs. You may consider this to be a form of insurance or preventive maintenance, but before you go shopping, think through what will serve you best. Consider the life expectancy—a refrigerator will probably serve you longer than a computer. Consider how, and how often, you will use this item. Is the accompanying guarantee or warranty sufficient and is there an expiration date? Ask about payment options and if taxes, travel time and parts are included. Is this regularly scheduled maintenance or strictly on an as needed basis? What is the usual response time for service? Finally, find out if you can reconsider the maintenance or service agreement at a later time. |
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Over the Counter (OTC) Drug Labels Care must be taken when choosing over the counter medications. Always, the best advice is to consult your doctor or pharmacist. You should read the label every time you buy a drug because labels change as new information becomes available. There are so many similarities amongst drugs that the process can be confusing. Reading the label carefully can help, and can save you money. Federal regulations require drug labels to list in large type the active ingredients with their purposes, inactive ingredients, uses, warnings, dosage instructions and other pertinent information. Following is what each over the counter drug label contains and what it means. ● Active ingredients are the chemical compounds that will be working in your body. The active ingredients list states their purpose, and the amount in each dosage. Learn what ingredients your medicine should have and don’t take more than you need. If you take combination drugs designed for a variety of symptoms, you could accidentally take an overdose of a particular ingredient or to take two ingredients that result in adverse interactions. Take time to compare ingredients. A generic drug may have everything you need and cost less. If the ingredients are identical, the products will be equally effective. Do not take two medicines with the same active ingredient at the same time unless prescribed by your doctor. ● Inactive ingredients do not affect your body. They are the colorings, buffers, binders, and preservatives. ● Uses lists the symptoms and illnesses for which the drug is recommended. ● Warnings give possible drug interactions, allergic reactions, side effects, medical conditions that may make the drug less effective or unsafe, substances or activities to avoid, specific times the drug should not be taken, and the maximum length of time the drug may be taken safely. Check drug interactions. For instance, taking a sedative with an antihistamine can cause slowed reactions and make driving unsafe. Mixing alcohol and drugs can be fatal. ● Directions are dosage instructions. They tell how much to take and how often. Follow them carefully. More is not necessarily better and could be worse. ● Other information includes all other pertinent information including how to store the medicine and how certain ingredients that may affect people with special conditions. Know your special conditions. These include, but are not limited to, allergies, pregnancy, prescription drugs, high blood pressure or heart problems. ● Questions or comments provides the telephone numbers of a source, usually the manufacturer, who can answer questions about the product. |
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Personal Shoppers Who needs a personal shopper? At one time or another, anyone could benefit from the service. Many retailers consider providing free personal shopping as an important part of customer service with no required spending limit and no obligation to purchase anything. Ask if it is available where you shop. With our busy schedules, using a personal shopper can save time and money. For instance, many grocery and health food stores provide the service for people who have special dietary needs, for customers who cannot drive, for those who prefer not to shop with small children in tow, or who for many reasons customers cannot, or would rather not, shop for themselves. Personal shoppers can help because they know the merchandise, the market, and how to find the right fit for your needs. A good personal shopper keeps abreast of new trends, and gives you an honest assessment of what probably will and won’t work for you. Doris Cook, owner of Lincoln’s Purse Revue, Accessories and Clothing, considers this to be an important part of customer service. She says, “Personal shopping includes getting to know my customers and offering services like special orders, layaway and gift certificates.” When Doris goes to market, she often has specific customers in mind when she selects her merchandise. If you use a personal shopper, ● Let the personal shopper know what you want or need. ● Provide sizes, preferences (e.g. colors, flavors), special diets and needs, allergies (e.g. wool or peanuts). ● Set spending limits. ● Select a payment method for merchandise. Will you use cash or credit? ● Specify method of delivery. Do you want to pick it up, have it brought to you, or have it delivered it to a third party? ● Discuss how to handle possible returns. ● Ask about additional services. Some personal shoppers include gift wrapping and will include a signed card. However, personal shoppers are not personal maids, babysitters, or gofers. Please be polite and reasonable with your requests. ● Tipping is usually not expected or accepted. Personal shopping services not connected to any particular store exist in some cities. If you want or need to delegate shopping on a regular basis, hiring a professional personal shopper might solve the problem. Be sure to check references, agree on a payment method and schedule, provide a list of sizes, preferences, and budgetary limits. |
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Rain Checks Rain checks may be offered by merchants when advertised supplies of an item sell out. Federal law requires grocery stores to offer them unless their advertising specifies limited quantities or locations, or unless enough items to meet reasonably anticipated demand were ordered in time for delivery. This flexibility is necessary because it may be impossible to replenish seasonal items or perishables. No federal law covers non-grocery items, so for those, rain check policies vary. Most merchants consider rain checks or their equivalent to be part of good customer service. If possible, carry the advertisement with you. Sometimes an advertised item is not available at all locations but it may be possible to transfer it from another store. If not, request a rain check or a comparable item at the same sale price. Note any time limit for rain check redemption. Rain checks are not a guarantee but they can be worth the effort. |
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Rechargeable Battery Care There are several kinds of rechargeable batteries, but they all have some common characteristics. If you want to get the maximum life from them, here’s what to do. Charge all batteries at room temperature and charge new batteries overnight before using them the first time unless package directions specify a longer time. It is generally best to wait until a battery is fully discharged before recharging. Overcharging or continuous charging can reduce battery life. However, fully discharged or unused rechargeable batteries should be charged overnight at least every 6-9 months. When using a rapid rate charger, leave battery in charger for an additional 1-2 hours after the green light appears. Batteries should be fully charged before storing in a cool dry place for an extended period of time. Dirty contact points can cause charging problems. Contact points can be cleaned by rubbing gently with a clean pencil eraser, a dry cloth, or a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. Although rechargeable batteries are designed for long life, the average life is about eighteen months before replacement is necessary. Careful maintenance and disposal are vital for safety reasons, so be sure to follow directions for use and disposal. There are currently three battery types. The type is printed on the battery. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries are probably the most common. They are durable and reliable but they contain toxic metals and are not environmentally friendly. They perform best if fully discharged periodically. They should not be left in a charger longer than 30 hours. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries have no toxic metals to harm the environment. They are often used in cell phones and laptop computers. Lithium Ion (Li Ion) batteries are the smallest and lightest rechargeable batteries. They are stable and safe and are found in cell phones and notebook computers. |
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Return and Exchange Policies Nearly all retailers have return and exchange policies. If the product is the wrong size, wrong color, an unwanted gift, or doesn’t work as expected, the retailer who sold it to you wants you to be satisfied. So, at the time of purchase, it’s a good idea to ask about the store’s return and exchange policies such as time limits, cash or store credit, etc. Some retailers can provide gift receipts when requested which have proof of purchase, but the recipient won’t know the price unless the gift is returned. If the purchase involves a written contract or a separate warranty, ask how that affects the return policy. When you return or exchange an item . . . Be prepared. Bring the receipt and original packaging if possible. Be patient, understanding and fair. Don’t blame the store for policies that are mandated by law or by individual manufacturers. Although it may not be readily apparent, policies are designed to protect the consumer as well as the store from fraudulent claims. As with shoplifting, dishonest returns result in higher costs for everyone. |
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RFID—Radio Frequency Identification Radio frequency identification (RFID) uses radio waves to store information on a microchip which transmits the information into computers. RFID differs from bar codes because RFID does not require the use of a scanner. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. They can be embedded in packaging or encased in protective plastic. Some retailers already have payment readers that use a touch-and-pay system which enables a transaction to be approved through RFID. This speeds up checkout by eliminating the need to enter a PIN or sign a receipt. Consumers have expressed concerns about privacy, but users remind us that the technology isn’t a threat, it’s how the technology is used that matters. RFID tags identify specific items with a unique serial number, so they provide good anti-theft and anti-fraud protection, prescription drug security, faster and more reliable product recalls, and improved food safety. |
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Shopping with Kids Shopping with kids can be fun and productive. How? Consider the learning possibilities. For instance, it is never too early to learn respect for others and their property. You can explain to children that everything in the store belongs to the store’s owners until you have paid for it. That means you treat those items with the same care as you would in someone’s home. You do not take or damage what does not belong to you. Store owners, managers and clerks are your hosts. Treat them with courtesy. Here are some more ideas to share with kids while shopping.
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Shopping Cart Safety Letting babies and small children ride in shopping carts is convenient for parents, but please remember that shopping cart safety is just as important as car safety. Children should be strapped in the shopping cart securely and never be allowed to stand up or hang on to the side. Also, be sure children don’t put fingers in the sliding joints of the basket seat. Don’t let children push or steer the cart because they can lose control easily. Personal baby carriers or child seats should not be strapped to or perched on the cart. Parents are often burdened with carrying many items when they shop with babies or small children, but they should know that there are products made especially to protect infants and toddlers while riding in shopping carts. These can be found in children’s stores and online. |
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Smart Shopping Retailers want you to be satisfied and become repeat customers. You want the same thing. A good buy depends on several factors, not just the price, so here are some ideas to consider while shopping. ● Do I need it? “Need” and “want” do not have to be mutually exclusive. There is nothing wrong with “want” as long as the next questions can be answered positively. ● Can I afford it? Will this put me in debt and, if so, for how long? How much is the total cost including possible interest payments? ● How much will I use it? Is this intended for one time or long term use? Some items are meant to be used only once but can be well worth it for convenience. ● How well is it made and how long will it last? These questions are especially relevant for major purchases but should also be considered for some other items like clothing. ● What is the cost of maintenance or upkeep? Two items may have a similar use but one may cost more to maintain. If, however, the one that costs more to maintain does a better job or is more practical for your purposes, it may still be the better buy for you. ● Is there a warranty or guarantee? This is not always necessary but can be useful. ● Can it be recycled? Remember that recycle also means reuse. Consider people in need as well as the environment. |
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Toys and Safety When shopping for toys, think safety first! Purchase sturdy toys that are labeled non-toxic, flame-retardant or nonflammable, and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved. Heed warnings, and follow directions for use. Choose toys that can be cleaned easily to avoid health hazards. Check age appropriateness as this is meant as a safety warning, not a skill level. Never give young children small balls, balloons, marbles, or coins as they can choke on them. Other dangers include small removable parts, long cords and strings, sharp points and edges, or any parts not attached securely. Check ratings. For instance, video game ratings are only guidelines and may not fully reflect your family’s values. Consider noise levels. Children’s hearing can be damaged easily. Don’t allow children to hold noise-making toys directly against an ear. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, this can cause permanent hearing loss. Buy appropriate protective gear. Consider assembly. Read and follow instructions. Do you have the knowledge, tools and expertise to put the toy together? For safety’s sake, it may be worthwhile to hire an expert. Dispose of all packaging promptly as its components can pose choking or suffocation threats. Stay informed about recalls. Two useful Web sites provide additional information on this subject: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Safe Kids. |
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Back to top Updated August 29, 2007 |
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