The Christmas and New Year festive season is fast approaching. It is a period marked by increased commercial activity and spending which may be accompanied by widespread violation of consumer rights. The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), therefore, wishes to advise consumers to be vigilant and assert their rights during this period. CFTC is also warning all traders against engaging in unfair trading practices with the intention to exploit consumers.
CFTC wishes to urge all consumers to be cautious and be aware of their rights as follows:
- Demand a receipt: Always insist on a valid receipt for every purchase. This is your most vital piece of evidence if a dispute arises.
- Check for expiry dates: Carefully examine the expiry dates on all perishable goods, especially food and beverages bought for holiday gatherings. Do not just rush to buy.
- Beware of misleading pricing: Be critical of ‘sale’ prices. Compare the displayed price with the price charged at the till.
- Demand redress: If a product is defective or a service is substandard, you have a right to a refund, replacement, or repair. Do not accept a ‘no refund on sale items’ policy if the goods are faulty.
- Verify online shopping platforms: For online purchases, verify the reputation of the seller and understand the return and refund policy before making a payment.
CFTC also reminds all traders of their obligations under the Competition and Fair Trading Act. Non-compliance will result in severe penalties, including hefty monetary penalties.
Prohibited Unfair Trading Practices Include:
- Excessive pricing: Do not take advantage of high demand during the holidays to charge excessively high prices for goods or services. Prices must be justifiable and reflect legitimate production costs.
- False or misleading advertising: Do not make false claims about the quality, standard, price, or origin of your products.
- Sale of substandard or unsafe Products: Do not sell goods that are expired, defective, or do not meet health, safety, and quality standards.
CFTC is actively monitoring the market and will not hesitate to take decisive action against businesses engaging in any malpractices.
For further information regarding this press release, please, contact CFTC through Innocent Helema, the Public Relations Officer, on phone number +265 880 725 075 or email innocent.helema@cftc.mw.
Lloyds Vincent Nkhoma
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER