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Issue 48: 23 December 2004
: BUDGET
airlines: We want
your views!
:: NEW
ASAS clauses to come into effect from 1st Jan 2005
::: CaseTrust
expels member for the
first time
:::: Top
10 complaints for
2004
:::::
Tales
from CASE
:Budget airlines: We want your views!
Singaporeans certainly seemed to be spoilt for choice with the addition of budget airlines to the travel industry this year. From AirAsia to Jetstar Asia to Tiger Airways to Valuair, much publicity was given to the airlines with their attractive offers of affordable air tickets, making travel seemingly much more accessible.
Are budget airlines really what they make themselves out to be? Or are there underlying terms and conditions that consumers have yet to find out?
We want your views! Participate in our poll here.
::New ASAS clauses to come into effect from 1st Jan 2005
In view of the increasing number of claims pertaining to health, beauty and medical related advertising, the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS) has added three new clauses to the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice (SCAP) as of 26 October 2004.
However, ASAS recognises that current advertisement campaigns may require time to complete their run, and advertisements in the works may need to be re-done. Hence, all advertisements are expected to comply with these clauses from 1 January 2005.
The SCAP can be purchased from CASE. Find out more about the SCAP and the new clauses here.
:::CaseTrust expels member for the first time
CASE would like to inform the public that with immediate effect Legal Employment Services is no longer a CaseTrust member, nor a licensed employment agency under MOM. Legal Employment Services is located at 170 Bukit Timah Road, #03-41, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Singapore 588179.
Legal Employment Services Pte Ltd, which became a CaseTrust member in October 2002, has breached the principles of good business practices.
An expelled CaseTrusted company has to stop publicising itself as a CaseTrusted business. The company must immediately cease all use of the CaseTrust logo, remove the CaseTrust decal from all stores, and do all such other acts and things that execute all such documents as CASE shall require in relation to the CaseTrust logo.
Want to be sure? Do check out the list of CaseTrusted businesses here.
::::Top 10 complaints for 2004
Consumers continue to seek CASE's advice for timeshare matters the most,
according to CASE complaint statistics for 2004 (up to the month of
November). The motorcars and electronic goods industries are the second
and third most commonly complained about, and the 3 industries have
witnessed a sharp increase in complaints as compared to 2003. Here are the
top 10 complaint types according to CASE statistics (January to November
2004), sorted by industry.
| ::::: TOP TEN COMPLAINT TYPES BY INDUSTRY :::: | |||
| S/N | Industry | TOTAL 2004 (Jan to Nov) | TOTAL 2003 |
| 1 | Timeshare | 2472 | 1518 |
| 2 | Motorcars | 1507 | 1041 |
| 3 | Electronic goods | 1074 | 767 |
| 4 | Contractors | 971 | 935 |
| 5 | Insurance | 729 | 2145 |
| 6 | Furniture | 617 | 662 |
| 7 | Education | 559 | 486 |
| 8 | Travel | 522 | 645 |
| 9 | Beauty | 497 | 330 |
| 10 | Real Estate | 410 | 447 |
Mdm Ang (not her real name) was approached at her home by a salesperson looking to introduce home electrical appliances to her. After a lengthy demonstration, during which the salesperson persistently tried to get her to buy the product, Mdm Ang finally relented and signed the purchase agreement. The item, a vacuum cleaner, cost S$1,698.
Mdm Ang placed a deposit of S$1,698 and was told that she could trade-in her old vacuum cleaner to offset the total cost. However, after the salesman left and she had time to herself to think clearly, she realised she had signed the purchase agreement under duress.
She came to CASE for advice and realised that she was unaware of the full extent of terms and conditions because the salesman had failed to explain them to her properly. More importantly, he had not brought to her attention the fact that there is a cooling-off period for the transaction she had just entered into.
With CASE's help, she was able to claim her S$268 deposit, get back her traded-in vacuum cleaner, and nullify the purchase agreement.
Asia Pets 2004, 17th - 19th Dec
It was a Pet & Consumer Trade Show like no other - were you there?
The Pet Traders Association (PETAS) held a 3-Day mega pets exhibition at Suntec Convention Hall 601 from the 17th to the 19th of December. Thanks to the range of participants and activities that PETAS lined up for pet-lovers and owners alike, the event was a huge success.
Crowds mingled with pets ranging from rabbits and guinea pigs to puppies and fishes, and had the opportunity to take part in activities like pet photo and drawing competitions and even a hamster race. Event exhibitors and veterinarians themselves dispensed useful tips on responsible pet care, pet ownership and pet health. The latest pet products were also available for browsing and purchase, while puppies were up for adoption.
The event aimed to promote a better understanding between pet retailers and consumers. Guest of Honour to the opening ceremony of Asia Pets 2004 was CASE Vice President Ms Penny Low, who noted in her speech that the pet industry is perfectly positioned to continue growing and developing. She reminded pet traders and retailers of their responsibility to educate consumers to avoid them from buying pets on impulse. She also commended PETAS for their years of effort in encouraging the theme of love and proper treatment towards animals, and the spirit of enterprise, through their various activities and initiatives. She encouraged the pet businesses to get CaseTrusted to gain consumers' confidence.
WE ARE HIRING!
The landscape in which Consumerism in Singapore operates and functions will transform with the dawning of the Consumer Protection Fair Trading Act in 2004.
Be part of the team that stretches the hard-earned dollars of our fellow citizens, as well as that who helps preserve the competitiveness of our economy so that there are jobs out there for them.
If you think you would like to join us, more details can be found here.
CASE would like to wish all consumers a merry holiday season and happy festivities ahead!
We will be closing early on Friday, the 24th of December, Christmas Eve, at 12 noon. We will be closed on Saturday, the 25th of December, Christmas Day.
We look forward to serving you again on Monday, the 27th of December.
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©Copyright Consumers Association of Singapore