The Consumer's role in the economy

It takes little effort to be a consumer. The simple act of buying a good or service is the only requirement for entering the club of consumerism, for in the free-market economy the consumer is a special person. Unlike other economic systems, the free-market economy, in particular the free-market economy of the United States, caters to the consumer, appealing to his wants and attempting to satisfy his desires.

Each individual consumer, consciously or unconsciously, determines the fate of. the goods and services on the market each time he chooses one product instead of another. Each penny that is spent on any one product is the equivalent of an economic vote in favor of that particular product and against its competitors.