What is Consumer Information?
We are all consumers! A consumer is someone who uses economic services or commodities.
It can be hard to know which products are the best to buy or which businesses the best to use, but there are organizations out there that are dedicated to helping the consumer decide between products and services.
This guide will help you find information to help you be a more informed consumer.
Web sites
- Better Business BureauBrowse or search the Alerts & News or Business Report Databases to check on the reputation of businesses. There is also a Charity Reports and Standards for charities, and instructions how to file a complaint.
- Consumer SearchStarting place for consumers researching top-rated products in 13 categories including Photo & Video, Health & Fitness, Computers, Automotive, and Sports & Leisure. Employs over 50 researchers who identify and rank product reviews based on their currency, credibility, testing methodology, and the reviewer's qualifications.
- GallupContains a wealth of information for researchers on opinion polls and trends. Special features include a guest scholar poll review each month, an informational FAQ section that explains the Gallup poll's history and techniques, and special historical reports
- KidshealthThis site has sections for parents, for kids, and for teens. It won the 2005 Webby Award for Best Family/Parenting Website.
- MayoClinicA health education site for the general public. With an RSS feed, blogs, newsletters, and ASK a Specialist - this is an interactive resource for consumer health information.
- HealthData.govDesigned for consumers, this website provides information and data regarding a variety of health topics. Topics include: environmental health, medical devices, Medicare & Medicaid, social services, community health, mental health, and substance abuse.
Automobiles
- Fuel EconomyThis site from the Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, gives information of mpg ratings, air pollution ratings, and safety ratings for vehicles. It allows a side-by-side comparison of cars
- EdmundsProvides easy access to safety information, road tests, advice, and evaluative information on buying a new or used vehicle via yellow quick link buttons and clearly designed sections throughout the home page. The True Market Value (TMV) Pricing Tools are the highlight of this online resource.