Consumers: 4 Tips To Handle A Product Recall

From contaminated vegetables to mislabeled medication, product recalls are all too common in today’s retail environment. But most people don’t know what to do if something they’ve purchased has been recalled.

First, don’t panic. Most recalls are handled quickly.
So what is a recall? According to www.Investopedia.com, “A product recall is the process of retrieving defective and/or potentially unsafe goods from consumers while providing those consumers with compensation. Recalls often occur as a result of safety concerns over a manufacturing defect in a product that may harm its user.”

Start at Recalls.gov, a website loaded with information from government agencies whose purpose is to monitor recalls from every consumer industry.

Get the facts.

Recalls are issued by manufacturers through many different channels. You might learn of a recall because of a postcard or letter that comes in your postal mail. Other recalls are issued through the news media and still more are sent out over social media. Often, manufacturers will use all of these channels at once to inform the public of a problem so as to reach as many people at once as possible.

One of the best resources it the manufacturer’s website. If a recall is issued, this is the first and most accurate source of information on the problem and what to do next. Granted, some companies are not as good at updating websites, but most handle this kind of announcement through a media page or news section of their website.

Follow recall instructions exactly.

Generally, manufacturers provide a list of criteria for dealing with the recall. For example, a car maker might have you bring your vehicle to a local dealership for repairs, or contaminated food should be returned to the grocer where it was purchased. Whatever the steps, take them exactly as prescribed. Don’t delay and follow their instructions to the letter. You want to make sure you and your family are safe and the recall is taken care of as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Focus on safety.

When some people hear the word “recall” it makes them think they’re going to get something for free because of some company’s screw up. But that’s not exactly how it works. Compensation for various recalls will depend on the product and the specific circumstances surrounding its problem. Instead of worrying about how much money you’re going to get back, try to stay focused on the purpose of the recall – safety. Get everything handled, particularly in cases of toys, automotive repairs, and food. Compensation should be the last thing on your mind.

For Businesses Who Have or Will Issued A Recall

If your company needs to issue a recall or has already done so, there may be some public relations fires to put out. Contact us right away to help you with either the issuance of the recall or following up on the announcement in the media and with your customers. Email gdeer@gldenterprises.net or call 937-902-4857.