CPC warns against profiteering entities during festive season

Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has called on consumers to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution during the festive season and not fall prey to Ministry of Industry and Commerce businesses on a profiteering drive.

Holidays especially the festive season are usually characterised by unjustifiable price increases of goods and services as profiteering businesses capitalise on maximising their returns.

In an interview, CPC chairman Dr Mthokozisi Tafadzwa Nkosi cautioned consumers not to fall prey to such businesses.
“This is that time of the year when most businesses want to maximise their returns by any means necessary. Deceptive promotional campaigns are rampant and we urge consumers to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution,” said Dr Nkosi.

He said there was life after the holidays and consumers must try and avoid impulse buying.
Dr Nkosi said where consumers felt it was absolutely necessary to make a purchase, they should shop around, bargain, exercise care and demand their rights.

“They should not blindly accept the words of businesses. We expect them to insist on getting full disclosure, information and education on product quality, usage, utility, price and other things,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commission has been on a country-wide tour consulting the public and stakeholders on regulations designed to ensure that service providers comply with the new law, the Consumer Protection Policy and Legislation.

“The process is done and through our parent Ministry of Industry and Commerce, we have since sent them to the Attorney-General’s office. We will advise on progress in due course,” said Dr Nkosi.

He said the Consumer Protection Policy and Legislation will augment the Consumer Protection Act and was being developed for the purposes of safeguarding consumers against unfair practices in the market place.

Of late several consumers have indicated that they are not only being short-changed by providers of goods and services, but also exposed to health risks among others.

In some cases, products have gone beyond expiry dates, but they are still on the shelves.