Diwali is one of the most highly anticipated religious festivals in Trinidad and Tobago, with persons preparing long in advance for the celebrations. As the day approaches, the Consumer Affairs Division is sharing a few important tips to safeguard consumers and empower them to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
- Create a Budget & Shopping List
When shopping, it is important to distinguish between needs and wants. Attractive offers on groceries, draperies, clothes and decorations for example, may result in uncontrolled impulse buying. To avoid this, make a list of things you intend to purchase before you shop and estimate how much you are willing to spend on each item. - Avoid Purchasing Single-Use Items
Instead of buying single-use items, it is more cost effective to purchase items that are reusable or refillable e.g. decorations, lights, draperies and clothing. This can prolong the life and utility of the item and save money in the long run. - Compare Prices
Part of the Consumer Affairs Division’s mandate is to ensure fair pricing in the marketplace. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has been monitoring the prices of items at supermarkets in Trinidad and in Tobago; and a monthly Retail Price Survey is conducted of one hundred and eighteen (118) selected items across thirty – nine (39) supermarkets in twenty (20) areas in Trinidad. The Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) also conducts a similar monthly activity. You can use the prices available at here to make better informed shopping decisions. - Carefully Inspect Labels on Items
Before you make final purchases, stop and examine items properly. Look for hallmarks on gold jewelry and date of expiration on edible items. Verify the guarantee and warranty periods especially on major appliances and electronics with suppliers. - Save Receipts
Ensure you save your receipts so you can return or exchange items. Check the return policy of any store you patronize. In fact, make a photocopy of your receipt to guarantee your copy is readable.It is a breach of The Adverse Trade Practices Order 2000 to have the words ‘No Refund’, ‘No Exchange’ or ‘No Refund on Sale Items’ printed on any receipt.
- Exercise caution when using traditional& modern illumination devices
– Avoid placing deyas and decorative lights near flammable materials.– Be mindful of pets, young children, the elderly and the differently-abled being left unsupervised around lit deyas.
-For persons concerned about leaving lit deyas in their homes, electronic deyas are an effective alternative.
-Consumers are reminded that scratch bombs are illegal according to Section 99 and 100 of the Summary Offences Act.
