Sep 3, 2008

Consumer body draws up list of guidelinesBy Alison HealyIrishTimes.com

Ireland — A set of draft guidelines on the display of sale prices, advertising and the use of gift vouchers by retailers has been drawn up by the National Consumer Agency (NCA).

The guidelines recommend that no time limit be applied for redeeming gift vouchers, and no restrictions be placed on using them during sale times and other promotions. The guidelines say shops should be flexible in dealing with gift vouchers.

“Businesses benefit significantly from the gift voucher scheme. They have immediate use of the money paid upfront to purchase these vouchers. They also have the guarantee that consumers will have to give them their custom in order to redeem the vouchers,” the agency said.

Some stores have been criticised for setting inadequate expiry dates on vouchers and refusing to redeem them after the expiry date.

In the event of a shop closing, the guidelines state adequate notice should be given to customers to allow them to redeem vouchers. They state customers are entitled to a cash refund where a product is faulty, and it is “not acceptable” to issue a credit note or gift voucher unless the customer voluntarily accepts it.

In cases where shops advertise price reductions, the NCA recommends the goods should have been on sale at the higher price for 28 successive days in the previous three-month period.

Exceptions could be made for certain stock such as perishable goods, seasonal products and stock being cleared which had been already reduced in price.

Read complete article.