Christmas shoppers told to know rights

As the holiday shopping continues, the Competitions and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is urging shoppers to be on guard and not be duped by store owners.

Allison Parker, Communications Officer of the CCAC said this is the season when persons will go overboard with shopping but she warned that consumers must be on alert especially when signing documents.

“We want you to sign after you would have read every aspect of the terms and conditions of that contract, because we don’t want to see you in January complaining about something you would have already signed off on and we have no leg to stand on so we can’t do anything for you,” Parker told News Room in an interview.

She said customers should demand enough time to read documents and not be forced into signing.

The Commission has been receiving complaints about return and refunds.

As such, Feyona Austin-Paul, Head of the Consumer Affairs Unit, said companies that continue to give out receipts that have a ‘no refund notice’ are breaking the law.

“A receipt should not have those details on it. You’re intended to a refund less 10% restocking fee. If an item is defective that does not apply.”

Consumers were advised to check items on sale to ensure they are in good working condition.

The Commission continues to do inspections to ensure that all store owners are complying with the Consumer’s Affairs Act.

The Consumer Affairs Act seeks to promote and protect consumer interests in relation to the supply of goods and services and for related purposes.

This Act covers a number of areas relating to the rights of the consumer including Duties of Suppliers, Unfair Trade Practices, Unfair Contracts, Electronic Sale, etc. (Colwyn Abrams)