Quality Requirements

For consumers, The Exchange defines quality in terms of fitness for use. If an item is not fit for use (that is, has an adverse impact on appearance, serviceability or sale ability), then it is not of acceptable quality. Fitness for use is determined by those features of the product which the user can recognize as beneficial, e.g., fit and appearance of a clothing item, clear reception of a station on a radio and TV, no missing parts in an item requiring an assembly, etc. This concept also relates well to ANSI / ASQ definition of quality, i.e. the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs. For an organization which neither manufactures nor buys using its own specifications and from the consumers’ point of view, it makes sense to define quality in terms of fitness for use. Needless to say, safety is an integral aspect of fitness for use. If an item is not safe, it is not fit for use, therefore, it is not acceptable.

In addition to being "fit for use", products purchased by The Exchange must meet requirements of applicable standards and state and / or federal regulations. All electrical and gas fired items must carry a third party safety certification. Here is the listing of products and requirements they must meet to be considered for procurement by The Exchange.

* Agencies

• American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or its Equivalent
• Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Federally Regulated Products