Customers at Sim Lim Square mall will soon be able to file cases against retailers engaged in unfair business practices via a kiosk located on the ground floor, Mr. Seah Seng Choon told Coconuts Singapore.
The executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) said they've been extremely concerned about the extremes some errant retailers have gone to to mislead their customers, and are reviewing all the complaints so they can take necessary measures, including inviting them to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement. "We've had complaints involving Sim Lim Square retailers for a number of years, but they were not as drastic as the recent ones. Tactics such as refunding the consumer in coins and being violent or giving out threats to the consumers are new," he said.
Mr. Seah revealed that CASE has already been working with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Sim Lim Square management to put up Consumer Complaints Alert lists around the mall, but this has proven not to be completely effective as shops with high complaint volume merely close down and set up again under a different name.
The mall management has also experienced difficulty interfering as Sim Lim Square is a Strata Title building, which means tenants communicate directly with the landlords. As long as they don't breach the rental contract, they're apparently free to conduct their business there.
In addition to setting up a kiosk on the ground floor of the mall so complaints can be expedited more efficiently, CASE also advises all consumers to conduct due dilligence when buying items at the mall. "Always remember to ensure all items are properly listed on the invoice, have a copy of said invoice and confirm the total cost before proceeding with the transaction. Cross off all blank lines and columns in the invoice to prevent items from being added in."
Mr. Seah also urges customers to be careful about terms and conditions, especially when it comes to warranty: "Don't allow the retailer to put in a warranty formula, like "36 x 12". Always insist that the calculated sum is disclosed. Ask questions about warranty and unlocking fees. Read the terms and conditions of the sales agreement before signing your name on the dotted line or giving away your money." "And when in doubt, walk out of the shop," he advised.
For updates on business practices in malls such as Sim Lim Square and the People's Park Complex, which is also known for its high complaint volume, visit the CASE website or Facebook page.
Photos: Ilyas Sholihyn
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Customers at Sim Lim Square mall will soon be able to file cases against retailers engaged in unfair business practices via a kiosk located on the ground floor, Mr. Seah Seng Choon told Coconuts Singapore.
The executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) said they've been extremely concerned about the extremes some errant retailers have gone to to mislead their customers, and are reviewing all the complaints so they can take necessary measures, including inviting them to sign a Voluntary Compliance Agreement. "We've had complaints involving Sim Lim Square retailers for a number of years, but they were not as drastic as the recent ones. Tactics such as refunding the consumer in coins and being violent or giving out threats to the consumers are new," he said.
Mr. Seah revealed that CASE has already been working with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Sim Lim Square management to put up Consumer Complaints Alert lists around the mall, but this has proven not to be completely effective as shops with high complaint volume merely close down and set up again under a different name.
The mall management has also experienced difficulty interfering as Sim Lim Square is a Strata Title building, which means tenants communicate directly with the landlords. As long as they don't breach the rental contract, they're apparently free to conduct their business there.
In addition to setting up a kiosk on the ground floor of the mall so complaints can be expedited more efficiently, CASE also advises all consumers to conduct due dilligence when buying items at the mall. "Always remember to ensure all items are properly listed on the invoice, have a copy of said invoice and confirm the total cost before proceeding with the transaction. Cross off all blank lines and columns in the invoice to prevent items from being added in."
Mr. Seah also urges customers to be careful about terms and conditions, especially when it comes to warranty: "Don't allow the retailer to put in a warranty formula, like "36 x 12". Always insist that the calculated sum is disclosed. Ask questions about warranty and unlocking fees. Read the terms and conditions of the sales agreement before signing your name on the dotted line or giving away your money." "And when in doubt, walk out of the shop," he advised.
For updates on business practices in malls such as Sim Lim Square and the People's Park Complex, which is also known for its high complaint volume, visit the CASE website or Facebook page.
Photos: Ilyas Sholihyn
Read Also:
News, shops to avoid: Everything we know so far about SCAM LIM SQUARE
Shady businesses keep coming back under different names: CASE