When a consumer finds that an item she or he bought is faulty or in some other way does not live up to the manufacturer's claims, the first step is to present the warranty, or any other records which might help, at the store of purchase. In most cases, this action will produce results. However, if it does not, there are various means the consumer may use to gain satisfaction. A simple and common method used by many consumers is to complain directly to the store manager. In general, the “higher up” his or her complaint, the faster he or she can expect it to be settled. In such a case, it is usually settled in the consumer's favor, assuming he or she has a just claim.
Consumers should complain in person whenever possible, but if they cannot get to the place of purchase, it is acceptable to phone or write the complaint in a letter.
Complaining is usually most effective when it is done politely but firmly, and especially when the consumer can demonstrate what is wrong with the item in question. If this cannot be done, the consumer will succeed best by presenting specific information as to what is wrong, rather than by making general statements. For example, “The left speaker does not work at all and the sound coming out of the right one is unclear” is better than “This stereo does not work”. The store manager may advice the consumer to write to the manufacturer. If so, the consumer should do this, stating the complaint as politely and firmly as possible. If a polite complaint does not achieve the desired result, the consumer can go to a step further. She or he can threaten to take the seller to court or report the seller to a private or public organization responsible for protecting consumer's rights.
1. When a consumer finds that his or her in it, the first thing he or she should do is to ____.
A) complain personally to the manager
B) threaten to take the matter to court
C) write a firm letter of complaint to the store of purchase
D) show some written proof of the purchase to the store
2. How can a consumer make his or her complaint more effective, according to the passage?
A) Explain exactly what is wrong with the item.
B) Threaten to take the seller to court.
C) Make polite and general statements about the problem.
D) Avoid having direct contact with the store manager.
3. According to the passage, which of the following is suggested as the last alternative that consumers may turn to?
A) Complain to the store manager in person.
B) Complain to the manufacturer.
C) Write a complaint letter to the manager.
D) Turn to the Consumers’ Rights Protection Organization for help.
4. The phrase “live up to” in this context means ____.
A) meet the standard of
B) realize the purpose of
C) fulfill the demands of
D) keep the promise of
5.The passage tells us ____.
A) how to settle a consumer’s complaint about a faulty item
B) how to make an effective complaint about a faulty item
C) how to avoid buying a faulty item
D) how to deal with complaints from customers
