From Our President: Your Insights Drive Change

I often get asked how CR decides what to test, what to write about, or what corporate over-reaches to investigate. Well, one way we keep our finger on the pulse of the consumer marketplace is by asking consumers. Every year we survey more than 1 million, including through our American Experiences Surveys.

The insights we gain help us put consumers first in a marketplace that too often makes it challenging for them to choose wisely. They give us a window into new trends that may be emerging, some promising and some more troublesome. For example, in one of our recent nationally representative surveys, only 35 percent of Americans said they could trust that the products and services they buy will not cause physical harm. That’s alarming. And nearly two-thirds said the federal government does too little to protect consumers today.

A way to rebuild trust is by holding companies and our government accountable, but CR’s survey found that about half of Americans believe internet service providers are “hardly ever” or “never” held accountable for unfair consumer practices. And these perceptions are reinforced by headlines about issues like toxic chemicals being found in our water, and the seemingly endless drumbeat of product recall announcements.

As we look to the year ahead, we’ll work hard to bring you the information you need to choose the best products for your home, drive the safest, most reliable cars, and make consequential decisions about your health—whether you’re looking at Medicare options or seeking ways to save money on prescription drugs.

It will take all of us to rebuild the trust we deserve in the marketplace. We look forward to amplifying your voices, working with and for you to demand a marketplace that’s fair, just, and safe for all.