BEING A HEALTH
LITERATE CONSUMER
HIDDEN ADVERTISING
MESSAGES
1.Bandwagon- group of people using
product or service. EX. Everyone is
using it, you should too.
2.Image Appeal- product displayed
in expensive home. EX. You’ll feel
rich and famous.
3.Free Gifts- redeem merchandise or
coupons with purchase. EX. Deal is
too good to pass up.
HIDDEN MESSAGES CONTIUED
4. Great Outdoors- scenes of nature.
EX. If it has to do with nature, it
must be healthy.
5. Good Times- people smiling and
laughing. EX. This product will add
fun to your life.
6. Testimonial- people say good
things about the product. EX.
Works for them it will work for you.
HIDDEN MESSAGES CONTINUED
7. Scientific Evidence Appeal- uses
information or statistics to make you
feel confident that you are making a
responsible consumer choice. EX. 9
out of 10 people recommend…
8. Brand Loyalty Appeal- suggests
that one brand is better than the rest.
EX- Teens buying clothes with designer
logos or labels.
EVALUATING PRODUCTS
1. Product Labelsgives important
information about
the product.
-Product name, intended
use, directions,
warnings, other
information, and amount
in product.
-Products (food mostly)
ingredients will be listed
as well. Ingredients are
listed from highest-toleast amount.
COMPARISON SHOPPING
1. Cost and Quality- generic products
may work the same as name brand.
Compare the quality of lower cost
items to see if they meet your needs.
2. Features- figure out which product
features are most important to you so
you don’t waste money on features
you don’t want.
COMPARISON SHOPPING
CONT.
3. Warranty- ask about warranties on
more expensive products.
4. Safety- when evaluating sports,
recreation, and home-safety
products, look for logos from wellknown, reputable organizations that
show the product has been tested
for safety.
COMPARISON SHOPPING
CONT.
5. Recommendations- listen to the
opinions from people who you trust
who have used the product or
service that you are considering.
PURCHASING INFLUENCES
1. FAMILY
2. PEERS
3. CULTURE
4. TASTES
5. SALESPEOPLE
QUACKERY
-Consumer fraud or deception that
involves promoting and selling useless
products.
SPOTTING A QUACK
1. Promises quick cures, miracles, or secret
formulas.
2. Testimonials from celebrities.
3. Have medical evidence.
4. Have no labeled ingredients, warnings, or
instructions.
SPOTTING A QUACK CONT.
5. Appeals to fears or emotions.
6. Use scientific words.
7. Shows credentials not recognized
by responsible scientists.