The National Conference on Weights and Measures published an article written by Ivan Hankins, Chairman of the NCWM. The main point I took away from that article is that one of the fundamental principles of weights and measures, equity in the marketplace is being lost for the sake of convenience.
Instead of selling and buying products using established standard units of measure like pounds, gallons, etc., industry is being allowed to sell by the bucket or the fill. One might say who cares if the consumer doesn’t care?
On the surface this is a valid point, but beneath the surface it is damaging not only to the consumer, but to industry as well.
Using standard units of measurement not only protects the consumer, but it also ensures a level playing field among competing industries. One package sold by weight and the other sold by some marketing measurement may appear to be similar and of the same value, but just a small difference can amount to a lot.
The consumer may unknowingly pay just a few cents more for the product sold by the marketing standard and individually not suffer a great harm. But the business selling by that method may gain a great competitive advantage.
The Chairman also mentioned conducting surveys to determine if problems exist and if they do to what extent. Many years ago, I participated in a survey of the catsup industry. Yes, not very interesting I know, but important, nonetheless.
The survey identified a manufacturer whose bottles we consistently short by a small, but noncompliant amount, about a quarter of a tablespoon. Seemingly not a big deal to the average consumer, but a violation of weights and measures laws and it put other competitors at a disadvantage as that small amount, based on my calculations of the number of bottles sold each year and the price of catsup could have amounted to $3 million dollars.
That is a lot of unearned profit.
I look forward to seeing the results of the surveys that Chairman Hankins is proposing and everyone from consumers to industry should pay attention. Receiving what you have paid for is always important, but more so in these tough economic times.
The Chairman's article as well as the rest of the NCWM Newsletter can be found here.