ECONOMIC PRESSURE:

"Where you shop says a lot!"

Businesses exist to make a profit. Therefore, the consumer reigns! Customers need to realize the power of their consumer clout. Women transact the majority of all retail sales in this country... and businesses will respond to any economic persuasion and pressure this segment of their market will bring to bear.

When you discover a business is selling or renting (in the case of videos) pornography, it is vital that you approach the business in the proper manner to be effective. The management of these businesses are first of all, people. Many times, they do not realize the gravity of the harm done to individuals and the community by the material they are selling/renting.

• Investigate thoroughly and be sure that pornography is, in fact, currently available in the business to which you intend to issue a complaint.

• Communicate to the management your displeasure with the pornography they are carrying. Tell them that you would like to continue to do business with them, but you feel you cannot do so if they continue to carry pornography, It is best to talk to them personally, taking someone with you if you can. However, your initial contact can be by letter if you desire.

• First of all, appeal to their sense of community responsibility. Tell them of the harm that pornography does to individuals and the community. Assume they are unaware of this harm. Give them accurate information and its source, to prove your point. Stress the harm to children and that this is a community health and safety issue.

• Take as many protest letters from customers with you, as possible. While it would be good to have only one or two other customers accompany you on your first visit, later, if necessary, take a larger number for greater impact. Keeping your receipts or checks from business transactions with the establishment and taking them along can be very effective.

• Be creative in communicating your concern to the management. Telephone calls are an acceptable way to communicate concern for those who are unable to physically visit the establishment with you.

• Formally organize a boycott of a business ONLY when all else fails... and then be quite sure that you are organized enough to be effective. A weak and failed attempt could work against an ultimate victory.

If you are successful, be sure the media is made aware of your successful consumer pressure brought against the sale or rental of pornography, It may influence other businesses who sell pornography to remove it, to avoid future trouble which could threaten their reputations and business.