OFFICE OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (OCA)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
PUBLICATIONS
| Special Interest |
| Consumer Tips |
Fact sheets to help consumers avoid problems with businesses, know their rights, and resolve complaints.
| Consumer Bulletins |
A look at the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) programs, issues, and priorities from the consumer's perspective.
| Consumer Affairs Guides for Business |
These guides for small and medium-sized businesses recommend responsible business approaches to consumer needs. The publications' objectives are to define and encourage exemplary standards of business conduct and to heighten business sensitivity to consumer needs and preferences.
To order, indicate stock number and send check in the amount noted or provide a VISA or MasterCard number and expiration date to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 37194, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; phone (202) 512-1800; fax (202) 512-2250.
Credit and Financial Issues reviews major consumer credit legislation and sources for more complete and personalized information and guidance. Recommends policy and actions that businesses can undertake that build upon the progress already made to further protect consumers and generate trust and goodwill between the borrower and lender. (21 pages, 1995, SN-003-000-00679-4, $2.25)
Consumer Product Safety informs businesses of ways to help protect consumers from injury and minimize company exposure to liability. The guide explains legal obligations and recommends business tools that are part of an effective safety assurance program. Helpful checklists and resources are included. (24 pages, 1992, SN-003-000-00669-7, $2.25)
Managing Consumer Complaints discusses why it is in business' interest to give a high priority to complaint management. Recommendations focus on management commitment, style, staffing, procedures and recordkeeping. Practical procedures are highlighted for reviewing and resolving consumer complaints and for using them as management and marketing tools. (16 pages, 1995, SN-003-000-00671-9, $1.75)
Product Warranties and Servicing are as important to consumers as the quality of the goods and services they buy. This guide describes the different types of warranties and the legal obligations of warrantors under Federal warranty law. It recommends exemplary warranty and servicing policies and practices and discusses manufacturers' and retailers' responsibilities in preparing, advertising, and disclosing warranties. (31 pages, 1992, SN-003-000-00670-1, $2.50)
| Special Report |
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): What it means for U.S. consumers? This brochure describes the key goals of the NAFTA and explains its importance to consumers. Published by the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) and prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Consumer Affairs and International Trade Administration's Office of NAFTA. Copyrighted by the DSEF 1998.
Resource Guide of Distance Selling Codes of Conduct/Ethics in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Nations. This report was undertaken by the U.S. delegation to the Committee on Consumer Policy of the OECD. It examines voluntary direct marketing and selling codes of conduct/ethics from 16 countries in the OECD and three international organizations. (1995)
Mini-Conference on Consumer Issues. This report describes the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism Mini-Conference on Consumer Issues, held on July 10, 1995. It was cosponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Consumers League, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), and the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs.
| Monthly Reports |
In cooperation with the DOC Consumer Council, each month the OCA prepares a report about consumer-related activities at the DOC. Monthly Reports.
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