Main Ideas:

1.) Federal consumer protection agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Food and Drug administration, monitor the quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, and health aids. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets requirements for automobile safety. Other federal agencies promote safety. in the marketplace and free and fair competition.

2.) At the state and local levels, consumers may get help through consumer protecion bureaus, the state attorney generals office, the public utilities commission, the bureau of ieghts, and standards, and consumer affiars offices.

3.) Organizations like the Consumer Federation of America monitor legislation concerning consumer protection. The Consumers Union tests and rates products available in the marketplace.

4.) Consumers with complaints about goods or serives should first approach the business that provided the goods or services, explain the problem, and tell the sloution they expect.

5.) Entrepreneur Kathy Prasnicki, owner of Sun Coast Resources, believes that keeping employees happy is one way to ensure satisfied customers.

6.) Periodicals, on-line services, and government publications are three sources of current business information.