Stop conditional selling

CONSUMERS in Fiji have been panicking to stock up on essentials since the first case of COVID-19 on March 19 was announced.

As a result some supermarket shelves are empty and that conditional selling has been reported to authorities. This is an important time for consumer watchdogs to keep vigilant.

Chief executive officer Seema Shandil says the Consumer Council of Fiji is warning all traders to refrain from conditional selling during this pandemic crisis.

"It has been brought to the council's attention that consumers are being disallowed from purchasing a particular food item unless they purchase other goods," she said.

"The council is now in receipt of some complaints and it's really a shame that such practices are prevailing in trying times like this. Traders are placing conditions whereby consumers are asked to purchase others goods along with the particular product they really wish to purchase. Traders need to know that this is illegal, very clearly stipulated in Section 87E (1) of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) Act 2010 that clearly states: A person must not, whether as principal or agent, refuse to sell goods or services except on the condition that other goods or services are also purchased from that person or from any other person, or attempt to impose any such condition."

Ms Shandil warned traders, not only in urban or suburban but also in isolated areas to refrain from practising this unethical behaviour.

She said consumers were urged to be alert to such unscrupulous retailers who took advantage of a crisis to deceive them and profiteer.

"The council will be making regular checks and those found engaged in such unfair trade practices will be reported to FCCC," Ms Shandil said.

"Meanwhile, the council should like to urge consumers to be proactive and report on retailers practising conditional selling. Consumers should also assert their rights under the law and inform the offending retailers that such practices are illegal. Consumers are urged to report to the council via national toll-free line 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org, should they encounter any retailer engaged in conditional selling during this period."

It's important to report these matters to keep shoppers safe during these tough financial times.

Picture: BALJEET SINGH Picture: BALJEET SINGH Picture: BALJEET SINGH People rush to do their shopping in Lautoka. Shoppers in Lautoka on Thursday (March 19). Customers crowd the cashiers at Shop N Save supermarket in Lautoka, before the coronavirus announcement.