Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: We recently received a letter from Sandra Blackwell, who is the trade practices team lead for the Better Business Bureau in Spokane. She sent a copy of the code of consumer ethics, and everyone should read it. Cut this out and save it.

The Better Business Bureau’s mission is to promote, develop and encourage an ethical marketplace. Consumers share the responsibility for maintaining an ethical marketplace. Therefore, the following Code of Ethics includes goals to which today’s consumers should strive. The Consumer Code of Ethics has been established to guide consumers in this role.

Consumer Code of Ethics

Education – Know your rights and responsibilities, comparison shop, read contracts and ask questions before buying. Investigate offers that sound “too good to be true.”

Truthfulness – Don’t return used goods under the pretense that they are damaged if they are not. This practice, as well as price-tag switching 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 salesclerk 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. Always turn to your Better Business Bureau for assistance with any marketplace decision or dispute.

My thanks to Sandra for reminding us how important the Better Business Bureau is. – Heloise