Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
THE CONSUMER Affairs Commission (CAC) said Tuesday it has been unable to investigate some claims of price gouging because persons have mislaid receipts or bought products from individuals and organisations which do not issue receipts.
Two weeks ago, the CAC said reports of price gouging had surfaced amid preparations for the hurricane season, especially prior to hurricanes Dennis and Emily, which affected the island on July 7 and July 16 respectively.
Raymond Pryce, CAC director of information, research and communication, said the commission received and probed reports that prices for some basic goods such as kerosene oil, batteries and candles had skyrocketed. Mr. Pryce said the CAC also received reports that persons were being charged General Consumption Tax (GCT) on kerosene oil. GCT should not be charged on kerosene oil.
UNABLE TO MOVE FORWARD
While the CAC is still investigating the claims about the GCT, Mr. Pryce said on Tuesday that the CAC had not been able to move forward on some cases because persons bought their goods from street salespersons or places which issue no receipts, or improper receipts.
The CAC is urging persons to ensure that they get and keep receipts when they make purchases, even if it is a friend, family member or someone they have known a long time. This can save them thousands of dollars, the CAC said.
"Once there is no receipt, it is difficult ... We grow up with the idea that your word is your bond but we have to get beyond that," said Pash Fuller, the CAC's director for the western region.
"Even if it is someone you have known for a long time, you must get something to show that you paid," he said.
INFORMAL RECEIPTS
Mr. Fuller added that persons can create informal receipts and have those they do business with sign them.
Two weeks ago, the CAC said it would increase its monitoring of the marketplace this hurricane season. The commission said it would be doing surveys on goods and prices every two weeks and that those surveys would be published.
Mr. Pryce also said the CAC would not be able to conduct some surveys because of its focus on price surveying during the hurricane season. He said the commission would, however, put out the annual textbook survey. The first part of that survey was done in June. A second survey will be carried out on August 8 and the results of the annual textbook survey should be available by August 22, 2005.
A proper receipt should contain the following:
- the date
- A proper description of what was purchased (Give identifying details such as a 14 kt gold ring, diamond encrusted, 2 tins of Grace Corn beef weighing 1kg)
- Information about the salesperson and establishment (name, address, telephone/fax, cell phone numbers, GCT registration number etc)
- Payment method used and any other agreements/charges made (downpayment, balance on payment or final payment)
- How the consumer is to get the item e.g. (Must be delivered in five days)
