University of Virginia Library

Consumer Bulletin Initiated

By Mike Gartlan
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Local shoppers may soon find those
bargains and services they have been
looking for, if, that is, they read
"Consumer Comment," a
student-published consumer information
bulletin.

"Consumer Comment" is the product
of four University law school students
who feel that "an informed consumer is
the most vital factor in any campaign to
insure honesty and reliability in the
market place."

Their efforts to improve the consumer
position in Charlottesville began this fall when
James Season, Larry Beck, Walter Diercks and
Richard Scholes formed a non-profit
corporation called Consumer Clearinghouse,
Inc. Its purpose, according to Mr. Beck, is "to
pass on pertinent consumer information to
those interested.'

The information contained in the bi-weekly
publication can be of real help to both student
and housewife. The February 5 edition contains
several price comparisons for products ranging
from gasoline to disposable diapers. In these
comparisons, area-wide listings of the
mercantile establishments offering the product
are given as well as pertinent comments
concerning customer services offered by the
stores.

Consumer Clearinghouse also operates a
complaint service. Volunteer operators take
calls at 295-3665, Monday and Wednesday
evenings from 7-9 p.m. for those who have
grievances that can be documented. Upon
receipt of these complaints, staff members will
investigate the complaint and will attempt to
both correct and clarify the situation.

The whole project is an "experiment,"
according to Mr. Beck. "We are trying to see if
a consumer information service can pay for
itself with just information." Mr. Beck added
that there is no advertising in the bulletin and
that the entire staff is made up of volunteers.

"Consumer Comment has no affiliation with
the University, the Law School or any
business," Mr. Beck added. There is, however, a
section devoted to the statement and discussion
of "an item of public law useful to consumers."