Consumers Association warns against fake bargains ahead of summer sales period
THE CONSUMERS’ Association yesterday warned shoppers not to be duped into purchasing would-be sales items whose price was no different to their original price.
“Sales prices should be lower than what the products’ price has been over the past three months,” said a statement issued by the association ahead of next week’s summer sales period.
The warning statement aims to try and protect consumers from falling for misleading sales claims as much as possible.
Commerce Minister George Lillikas yesterday announced the official summer sales period would be from July 12 until August 28.
According to the press release, consumers should know sales items only include clothing, footwear, household equipment and furniture.
It said consumers should be advised to spend time investigating the market, comparing the quality and price of products, before and during the sales period, making note of how much a product’s price has been discounted.
Shoppers should also be on the lookout for misleading prices that had been altered several days before the sales began, said the association.
“Prices are increased days before the sales begin and then reduced back to their normal price,” therefore duping customers into believing they are buying products at sales prices, when in fact they are not.
Consumers should also not fall for the line “giveaway prices” and buy products which may prove useless and then cannot be returned. During the sales period a shop is only obliged to exchange or refund when a product is faulty. “Normally shops do not accept the return of sales items, so consumers should verify the shop’s policy on sales item returns, if they have intentions of taking it back,” the statement said.
Other things to watch out for are: products that are from last year’s stock or even older; faulty goods; ensuring the products they are buying is the right size and colour, etc; and to look out for a price tag which clearly marks the before and after sales price – including VAT. Consumers should note that as of May 1, VAT is now also included on children’s clothing and footwear.
As far as household equipment and furniture is concerned, the consumers’ association recommends people confirm the shop in question offers a repairs service in case of breakage after purchase, as well as the availability of spare parts from the company in future, said the press release. Consumers should also ask for a written two-year guarantee or keep the receipt of purchase or bill to prove the date of purchase.
Finally consumers with any complaints or have noticed any irregularities in their purchases should not hesitate to contact the association.
