LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — With Christmas just around the corner, sellers typically offer sales and discounts to attract consumers to buy from them. However, with the wide variety of products available, it can be difficult for buyers to choose the best option in terms of quality, safety, and affordability.
To help consumers make the most out of their hard-earned money, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Albay has provided wise shopping tips.
The Department of Trade and Industry released the suggested retail price of commonly used Noche Buena products as buying guide for consumers.
Choose wisely
Speaking in the Ugnayan sa PIA Albay radio program, DTI Albay senior industry specialist Malou Pasobillo reminded consumers to be “wais” or wise when facing tempting promotions and discount offers.
“During the Christmas season, they said people have money so there are many promotions to encourage us to buy, but we have to be aware if we were really able to save. Don’t just believe in sales,” Pasobillo said.
Buyers must always check the label of the products, especially the expiry date and ensure that the price label is the same as the price tag.
“Always check the label and price tag of the product. There are times when the tag is different from the price on the counter. We are also calling on establishments to ensure that the stock-keeping unit or scannable barcode is the same as the shelf price tag to avoid confusion,” she said.
Shopping list
To avoid impulse buying, set a clear budget and prepare a shopping list.
”A shopping list of what we really need is a must. It’s hard to be an impulsive buyer and eventually your budget will be affected,” she said.
To help the buyers exercise their right to choose and responsibility to be critically aware by comparing the goods they purchase, the DTI has released the “noche buena” price guide for commonly used products.
“We have to canvas first to check and compare the stores that offer the same or even lower prices based on the guide. From our weekly monitoring, there are stores that offer cheaper prices,” she said.
Safety and quality
The DTI reminded consumers to choose Christmas lights, electric outlets and other decorations with the Philippine Standard (PS) quality or safety mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers to avoid any fire-related incidents that stem from uncertified and substandard products.
“With the PS marks or ICC stickers, we are assured that the products passed the safety quality standard to ensure that it can be safely used,” Pasobillo said.
The DTI Albay urges consumers to buy Christmas lights and decorations with PS marks and ICC stickers to ensure safe and quality products.
Consumers can scan the code or use a verification app to check if the mark or stickers are fake or authentic, she said.
Pasobillo urged consumers to look beyond the price and consider the quality and durability of the product.
To help consumers make the most out of their hard-earned money this Christmas season, DTI Albay senior industry specialist Malou Pasobillo shared wise shopping tips in the Albay Consumer Network edition of the Ugnayan sa PIA Albay radio program hosted by Information Center Manager Sally Altea.
“We usually look at the price. It may be cheaper but you have to spend more for replacements and repairs. The more expensive products, on the other hand, come with better quality and an assurance that it can be used longer,” she said.
Online shopping
In buying online, make sure to transact with a legitimate and DTI-registered seller.
“Consumers have the right to redress. In case of defective products, they can request for a replacement, refund or repair,” she said. “The DTI can facilitate that if the seller information is legit or DTI-registered.”
Pasobillo cautioned the public against social media ads that offer much cheaper products.
“We may be easily enticed by Facebook ads and online pop-ups. Online shopping may be more convenient since buyers can do away with crowded, long lines but make sure that the store or seller can be easily traced in case of defective products,” she added.
Consumers with queries or complaints are advised to visit the DTI office at the DBP Building, Quezon Avenue, Legazpi City or correspond with the office via email ([email protected]. ) or telephone call (hotline 052-201-0488 ).
The Ugnayan sa PIA Albay radio program is aired over DWZR-828 Khz every Friday from 10:00AM to 12:00 noon and streamed at the Facebook page of the Philippine Information Agency – Albay. (With reports from Cyryl Montales/PIA5-Albay)
