The Consumer Council of Fiji has reported an influx of complaints from consumers, totaling 31, primarily concerning product quality and service delivery. Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlighted the issues faced by shoppers, noting that many are dissatisfied with receiving incorrect items or products of inferior quality, while some do not receive their orders at all.
Shandil expressed concerns over “fly-by-night” traders who vanish after transactions, complicating efforts to resolve disputes. She emphasized the challenge in communicating with online traders, stating that establishing contact can lead to potential resolutions for dissatisfied consumers. Shandil proposed that stronger regulations could mitigate these problems, emphasizing the Council’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to revise and improve current legislation aimed at protecting consumers in the digital marketplace.
This recent surge in complaints is consistent with earlier reports indicating growing consumer dissatisfaction, particularly surrounding online shopping and other sectors. For instance, the Council noted a 75% increase in complaints related to food and beverage items earlier this year as consumers engaged more frequently in shopping sprees.
With the Consumer Council actively working to enhance consumer protections and regulations, there remains a hopeful outlook for improving the shopping experience for Fijians. By taking proactive measures, there is potential for a marketplace that prioritizes consumer rights and enhances trust in transactions, especially during busy shopping seasons.
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