Explains price and product discrimination, showing how intelligent consumers can achieve increased purchasing power of their income and discusses how consumer educators can explain this discrimination. Evaluates the pros and cons of price/product discrimination from the social viewpoint. (Author/JOW)

Describes letters of credit and their usefulness in financing computer systems acquisition. Relevant legal policies and the different types and applications of letters of credit are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

A study tried to distinguish between consumers (n=440) who bought and did not buy an extended service contract, to find out why a consumer would buy an extended service contract, and to profile those most likely to purchase one. Results showed that most consumers felt such contracts were worthwhile and offered peace of mind. (JOW)

It is important for teachers to understand both their eye care needs and the services offered in the eye care market in order to make intelligent decisions regarding their own needs. (LH)

The poor pay more than the non-poor for similar products in many consumer goods markets. This disparity seems not to be addressed by consumer protection regulations like disclosure laws. Several lines of argument suggest that the poor will not benefit from disclosure regulation either because they lack the ability to use information effectively…

The report urges that every seller review, and where necessary modernize, his internal complaint-handling procedures and his methods for resolving disputes in the light of the following recommendations: (1) The handling of consumer complaints should be swift, personalized, courteous, and as effectively managed as any other function of prime…

Discusses the negotiation of a purchase contract agreement between a library and vendor's sale representative for the purchase of an automated system. Vendor ploys and the negotiation process--selecting important issues, establishing tentative position on issues, developing alternatives, reaching agreement on all contract terms--are noted. Eleven…

Information and exercises are provided in this learning module to increase students' awareness of and effectiveness in their role as consumers. The module, which is written at an elementary level, covers eight topics related to consumer affairs: (1) finding an apartment through newspaper classified advertisements and other sources and signing a…

In order to determine the evidence upon which the Federal Trade Commission decides that an advertisement or other sales representation has the capacity or tendency to deceive, a census was conducted of the 3,337 cases in which such decisions have been made from 1916 through 1973. Findings showed that, of 22 categories of evidence, the three most…

An account is given of a consumer's visits to a number of retail computer stores to catch a glimpse of what the innocent consumer can expect when buying a home computer. (MP)

Provides a generalized overview of the problems that software buyers are likely to encounter and could overcome. Experiences of Online, Inc., in purchasing programs, using software documentation or manuals, and problems with software, provide examples. (EJS)

Among the 90 papers on topics relating to the consumer are "Academics and Advocates" (Brobeck); "Economic Profile of the Young and Elderly" (Ryscavage); "Estimation of Savings Needs To Adequately Fund Baby Boomers' Retirement" (Burns); "Saving and Dissaving in Retirement" (Hogarth); "Analysis of Effects of Children on Consumption and Savings…

Discussion of the effects of copyright on microcomputer software highlights the nature of copyright and situations in which the copying of copyrighted software may be permitted. Rights that a purchaser should insist upon when contracting for computer equipment are noted, i.e., right to test hardware and software prior to purchase. (EJS)

Information and resources are provided for teachers in developing a unit to help students become smarter consumers and understand the purposes of merchandise packaging. (DF)

This overview of vendors supplying goods and services to libraries notes the development of library suppliers, services offered by subscription agencies, the use of online systems, services offered by book jobbers, other vendor services, binderies, and consumerism. (EJS)