RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER

Be a Responsible Consumer

Consumers share the responsibility for maintaining an ethical marketplace. When doing business with any organization - be it a store, professional service, or a large corporation - today's consumers should strive to conduct their business following some basic ethical practices in the following ways:

Education

Know your rights and responsibilities, comparison shop, read contracts, and ask questions before you buy. Investigate offers that sound too good to be true.

Truthfulness

Don't return used goods under the pretence that they are damaged if they are not. This practice, as well as switching price tags and shoplifting (or failure to report shoplifters), costs all consumers in terms of time and money.

Honesty

Exhibit the same kind of honesty you expect to receive from business firms. If a sales clerk makes a mistake in your favor, point it out as quickly as you would a mistake in the company's favor.

Integrity

Live up to your obligations. Enter agreements in good faith, and pay your bills when they are due. If you can't, inform the merchant and explain why.

Courtesy

Recognize that store employees are individuals. Treat them as you wish to be treated.

Sensibility

Don't make unreasonable demands. Respect the firm's right to limit services and products offered. Don't expect to get something for nothing.