Label-free products a threat to consumers

Your Money, Your Call

Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba

ACROSS Zimbabwe, a troubling trend is taking shape — products are flooding the market without company names, contact details or any form of accountability.

These no-name “brands” have created an environment where consumers are left without recourse, unable to demand better quality or seek redress for defective goods.

While businesses involved in these practices reap the benefits of a system that allows them to operate in obscurity, ordinary Zimbabweans are bearing the cost of this unchecked exploitation.

This issue was brought into sharp focus when a local consumer purchased dried kapenta from a tuck shop, expecting a flavourful traditional meal. Upon cooking the kapenta, the consumer was confronted with an unexpected problem — it was full of sand.

Determined to ensure thorough cleaning, the customer tried again a week later, taking extra steps by soaking the fish in hot water multiple times. Despite these efforts, the sand remained. Frustrated, the customer inspected the packaging for any company details to lodge a complaint, but there was nothing — no name, no contact information, no way to hold anyone accountable.

This experience reflects a larger problem in the local consumer market.

Unregulated suppliers are freely distributing products of questionable quality, leaving customers trapped in a situation where they purchase goods with no assurance of standards or accountability.

Without company details, complaints go unheard, refunds are impossible and consumer confidence continues to be eroded.

Consumer advocacy groups, including the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and Consumerizim, are expected to be the voice of the public in these matters.

They should be exposing these anonymous “brands”, calling for stricter regulations and ensuring businesses comply with consumer protection laws.

Unfortunately, their response has been lacklustre. While these groups provide education and process complaints, they have seemingly done little to address the rise in nameless “brands” infiltrating the market.

This has left some wondering if they are doing enough to protect Zimbabwean consumers or have become mere observers.

Zimbabwe’s Consumer Protection Act of 2019 explicitly states that businesses must provide clear labelling, company details and product information.

But enforcement has been weak, allowing companies to operate in anonymity without consequence. If the authorities fail to take action, this problem will only deepen, leaving consumers vulnerable to substandard goods while rogue businesses continue to rake in profits.

Those selling no-name “brands” must be investigated and prosecuted for deceptive trade practices. Businesses must also take responsibility by refusing to purchase from suppliers that fail to provide proper branding and contact details.

Shops and wholesalers must ensure they only stock products from verified, reputable sources. It is time for decisive action.

The authorities must step up enforcement, advocacy groups must push for stronger protection measures and consumers must demand transparency.

If left unchecked, nameless “brands” will continue to erode market standards, turning Zimbabwe’s consumer landscape into a free-for-all, where quality and accountability are nothing more than an afterthought.

Consumers deserve better.

Businesses must be held accountable. And those who remain silent in the face of exploitation must recognise that their inaction is allowing an unfair system to flourish.

Cresencia Marjorie Chiremba is a marketing consultant for customer service/experience. Contact details: [email protected] or +263712979461, 0719978335, 0772978335, www.customersuccess.co.zw