To give the CFCT public credibility, its first chairman Chai Sung-lin decided that the foundation had to follow a few basic principles: Consumer Report must not publish ads; the the chairman's term is two years and a new election must be held every term; and volunteers who get involved in politics must resign from the foundation. So far, CFCT members have rigorously observed these principles.
為了讓消基會成為民眾心目中具有公信力的組織，身為第一屆董事長的柴松林訂定了幾項內部原則，包括消費者報導雜誌絕不刊登商業廣告；建立兩年一任的董事長改選制度，避免「家天下」；以及義工若參與政治活動，必須退出消基會活動等，迄今仍被消基會成員奉為圭臬。