It is just a few days before Christmas and the truth is if someone hasn’t already asked what it is that you want, you just might have to get it yourself. When you hit the streets this year, The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is encouraging you to be diligent while you shop.
“Don’t give up your rights. You need to know them, including the right to information, redress, safety, and to be heard. Do your due diligence by checking with friends and families to see what is happening on the market before making purchases,”
shared Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolsie Allen
If anyone ever gave you the side-eye for singing along to your favourite commercial, it might just come in handy now. Mrs Allen also advises consumers to familiarise themselves with advertised discounts and deals.
“We are encouraging you to do the math yourself, so you know what exactly you are getting into. Even if you are getting a deal, still ask for your warranty before your purchase is completed; it is important that you ask for your warranty and that you get it in writing. Ensure that you know what exactly the warranty is for, especially for high-priced items such as a stove,”
she explained.
Consumers are also encouraged to check the quality of items being procured before leaving business places.
“Be vigilant by looking at the labels of the product you’re purchasing, [and] look at the quality of what you are buying, especially for food items,”
Mrs Allen emphasized.
She cited instances where establishments offering specials, may package items together in a manner that advertently conceals key information such as expiry dates.
“Sometimes [the products] are close to expiring or have expired already. So you have to look at things like these,”
the CEO outlined.
Mrs Allen said while the CAC is not suggesting that business persons are unscrupulous in this regard or otherwise, it imperative that consumers exercise the necessary safeguards.
“Ensure that you get your receipts, as [they are] your proof of purchase; and in the event that anything goes wrong, at least you have the receipt which will make it easier to seek redress,” she added.
