Chapter 15
Being a Smart Consumer
278
Prepare Ahead 280
Make a List 280
Gather Information 281
Evaluate Advertising 282
Where to Shop 282
Price versus Quality and Service 282
Types of Merchandise 283
Location and Store Hours 283
Advertising or Loyalty 284
Cross-Channel Shopping 284
Consumer Decisions 285
When to Shop 285
Shopping Considerations 286
Shopping Manners 287
Hangtags, Labels, and Packaging 287
Hangtags 288
Labels 288
Packaging 289
Government Legislation 289
Textile Fiber Products Identification
Act 289
Permanent Care Labeling Rule 290
Wool Products Labeling Act 291
Fur Products Labeling Act 291
Flammable Fabrics Act 291
Consumer Rights and
Responsibilities 291
Right and Responsibility for
Safety 292
Right and Responsibility to Be
Informed 292
Right and Responsibility to
Choose 292
Right and Responsibility to Be
Heard 293
Chapter 16
Making the Right Purchase
298
Comparison Shopping 299
Judging Value and Quality 300
General Quality 301
Specific Points of Quality 302
Political/Social Viewpoints 304
The Dilemma of Imports 304
Environmental Sustainability 305
Ethics and Social Responsibility 306
Evaluate Proper Fit 307
Determine Size Category 307
Know and Use Body
Measurements 307
Try on Garments 309
Know Trademarks 310
Designer Labels 311
Evaluate Bargains 311
Shopping at Sales 311
Types of Sales 312
Impulse Buying 313
How to Pay 314
Cash Purchases 314
Layaway Purchases 315
Credit Purchases 315
Installment Plans 316
Electronic Payments 317
Evaluating the Use of Credit 318
Identity Theft 318
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