Influences on consumers

Smart consumers understand the factors that influence their shopping habits. They think about whether they need the product, whether they can afford it, and how they can purchase it carefully. They also know the difference between wanting and needing a product. Of course, sometimes all consumers splurge and buy things they really don't need. But smart shoppers don't spend so much on things they want that they can't afford what they really need.

Consumers often buy things in response to advertising. A great deal of television, radio, newspaper, and magazine advertising is geared toward specific groups of people. For example, sellers know that teenagers are an extremely important market for their goods and services, and so they develop specific ads for this audience. Advertising to teens has been stepped up as studies have shown that today's parents make fewer buying decisions for their children. The ads, which are often purchased for shows or publications that particularly appeal to teens, are designed to increase sales of the products advertised. Many ads provide useful information about products or announce the start of a sale. However, ads may also attempt to influence you to purchase a product that you do not need or want or that you cannot afford.

1. Answer the questions:

1) Define the term consumer.

2) How was consumer law characterized for many years?

3) What did it mean?

4) Why is the law more balanced today?

5) What is the best protection for consumers? Why?

6) How can you avoid problems?

7) Do consumers have any responsibilities? Give your examples.

8) What factors influence smart consumers shopping habits? Are you a smart consumer?

9) How does advertising influence consumers?

Say in a few words what the text is about.

2. Problem-solving.

Select an item costing more than $100 that you or your family would like to purchase. What item did you select? Use the library or internet to find answers to the following questions:

1. What publications can provide you with information about this product? How else can you get information about it?

2. What specific information is provided about the product?

3. How can this information help you to be a smart consumer?

3. Problem-solving.

Identify an ad for a product you would consider buying. If the ad appeared in a newspaper or magazine, cut it out and bring it to class. If it was aired on the radio or television, either tape (or videotape) the ad or write a description of it and bring it to class.

Answer the following questions about your ad:

1. What product or service does the ad promote?

2. Who is the target audience for this product or service?

3. If the ad appeared on radio or television, at what time and during what program did it appear? If it appeared in print, in what publication did it appear? Why do you think the advertiser chose to run the ad in this way?

4. What information provided in this ad would you need to make a decision to purchase the product? Is there information you would need about the product that is not included in the ad? What is that information? How would you obtain it?

5. What makes this ad effective in encouraging you to buy the item advertised?