As the Diwali season nears, consumers are encouraged to make thoughtful purchasing choices and remain aware of their consumer rights. The festival of lights brings joy and generosity, but it is important for shoppers to safeguard their hard-earned money, ensuring their expenditures are both savvy and significant.
Last year, the Consumer Council of Fiji reported receiving 163 complaints totaling over $15,000 during the Diwali period, which highlighted several consumer issues. Complaints ranged from missing price displays, inconsistencies between shown prices and final charges at checkout, to the sale of expired food items. Additionally, there were reports of contaminated food, including products infested with weevils.
Price gouging, particularly on high-demand products, has been noted as a common concern during Diwali. Recently, significant increases in ghee prices caught the attention of consumers, alongside ongoing complaints regarding overcharging for regulated basic food items.
Consumers should also remain mindful of frequent complaints related to hair and beauty services, including subpar treatment results. Online shopping has presented its own challenges, with numerous reports of customers not receiving clothing and other goods after making payments.
“Diwali is a time for celebration and joy, but it’s important for consumers to stay vigilant while shopping. We advise everyone to be cautious, avoid hasty purchases, and carefully inspect items before finalizing transactions,” stated Council CEO Seema Shandil. She added, “Keeping your receipts is vital, as they may be necessary for resolving any issues post-purchase.”
Being aware of potential problems, such as checkout discrepancies, overpricing on essential items, and online shopping risks, can help create a more enjoyable and stress-free festive season. Shandil emphasized that the risks related to online shopping are particularly pronounced during this time, urging consumers to be cautious, verify website legitimacy, and confirm the authenticity of products before completing any purchases.