Print shops accused of overcharging

THE Jing’an District market watchdog is investigating claims that print shops located near the US consulate are overcharging customers.

According to the Shanghai Morning Post, a woman was recently charged 50 yuan (US$7.5) for two photocopies in a small print shop near the US Consulate General in Shanghai’s office along Nanjing Road W. At many such shops, photocopies cost just one yuan per page.

Though the price was clearly stated at the shop, woman said she still felt ripped off.

“The shopkeeper said other printing shops in the surrounding areas charge the same prices. As I had to rush back to the consulate to submit copies and take an interview, I paid him,” she was quoted as saying. “I felt it was so stupid to spend 50 yuan on two copies. Local printing shops just taking advantage of our weakness... to raise the price.”

According to the newspaper, it’s no secret that these print shops often charge 20 to 50 yuan per page. Shop owners say their prices are in line with market demands.

After the Post tipped off Jing’an’s market supervision bureau about the possible overcharging, officials investigated the matter on Wednesday but found only one such shop in business. The rest had apparently closed their doors.

Many of the shops in question operate in small alleyways and shared spaces, where they turn a brisk trade from photocopying and printing visa application materials.

Investigations are reportedly still underway on whether these shops have infringed upon consumer rights.

Market regulators are also stepping up efforts to ensure fair market order in the area, according to the bureau.