PEOPLE usually shop much more at Christmastime than at any other time during the year; and as obtained this time last year, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has stepped up its activities to ensure that consumers get value for their money in every business transaction in which they choose to get involved.Mr. Clifford Zammett, CCAC’s Consumer Affairs Officer, recently disclosed that some commercial entities are skittish about the provisions of the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA), even saying that it is biased against businesses. He said: “We are, however, trying to convince them that this is not the case, that we are concerned with a level playing field for the activities of both shoppers and buyers.”

He stressed, too: “All and sundry have to recognize and accept that the law exists, and that that law has to be adhered to.”

He disclosed that the CCAC is currently distributing excerpts of the CAA to commercial entities in Georgetown, so that they can be guided, among other things, for example, on how to respond to customers’ complaints or to customers’ desiring to return or exchange articles, or get refunds for articles returned.

A major point being stressed is that no business place is allowed to display signs indicating that goods bought cannot be returned or exchanged. The CCA, he said, prohibits the display of such signs. Section 24 (1) of the Act says, “A supplier shall not post notices stating that goods are not returnable [or] that no refunds will be given for goods returned.”

Customers wishing to have goods returned and/or exchanged, or moneys refunded for goods purchased and returned, will have to be accommodated. He said: “Section 21 (1) of the Act states, ‘A consumer may return goods if the purpose for which the goods were bought or intended to be used have changed or ceased to exist immediately after goods were bought”. He said: “In this case, the goods should be returned within seven days from the date of purchase; it must not have been used, tampered with, or treated in a manner to cause damage, and (must be) be returned in its original package”.

Having returned the item, it is stated in the Act, the consumer may elect to make a purchase of other goods of similar value in lieu of a refund. However, in event the consumer requests a refund rather than an exchange, the business is obliged to accommodate the consumer.

“The law does not compel a consumer to take another product in exchange,” he explained.

If the consumer prefers a refund, the business entity is allowed to deduct ten per cent of the cost of the item to go towards restocking fees.

Zammett urged shoppers to be very careful in buying items. “Examine your goods thoroughly before handing over payments. The law is there to protect you, but prevention is always better than cure,” he advised.

He disclosed that the CCAC, now two years old, has been promoting awareness of the provisions of the CCA, mainly through print media and television; but is on the ground this year for the first time, distributing excerpts for the education of the commercial sector.

The CCAC’s main awareness campaign targets businesses in the Regent Street area. The CCAC is hoping that members can eventually take such campaigns to major shopping areas outside of Georgetown.

Zammett said: “We are hoping that the commercial entities recognize the seriousness of the Act, and understand that it will be of benefit to their business if they comply and treat customers fairly at all times.” (END).
Written By Clifford Stanley