::Refund for cancelled shows

CASE thinks that cancellation of shows in the entertainment industry is sometimes unavoidable, in view of unexpected circumstances like Sars. To ensure patrons'  confidence in the quality of their services, show organizers are expected to put in place a clear refund policy. In the case of M2, it has fallen short of patrons' expectations of full and prompt refunds. The foot-dragging by M2 has given the industry a bad image, as patrons'  confidence in show organizers is eroding. We urge M2 to give its patrons their refunds immediately.

CASE is monitoring this issue closely. We welcome affected consumers to contact us for assistance. Meanwhile, we also advise consumers to make detailed checks on a service-provider's refund policy before making a purchase.

:::CASE has signed mediation MOUs with 15 trade associations

CASE Mediation Centre was set up in 1999 as an easy and painless way to resolve disputes between consumers and traders. We are pleased to announce that we have so far signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with business groups to provide mediation services to the industries.

For more information on CASE mediation service, please click HERE.

BG George Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry, witnessed the MOU signing between CASE President Mr Yeo Guat Kwang and representatives of: the Federation of Merchants Association, Optical Traders Association, Singapore Jewellers Association, Natural Stone Association, and Pets Enterprises and Traders Association; on 7 Feb 2004 during the CPFTA Carnival.

:::: CPFTA forum jointly organised by CASE and SHA

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and Singapore Hotel Association (SHA)  organized a seminar on the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act for SHA members on 4 March 2004. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and SPRING Singapore, this forum was open to SHA members. More than 80 hotel businesses attended the forum.

This forum focused on various issues related to the CPFTA. For instance: How to prepare for the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, the impact of the CPFTA on businesses, and the definition of unfair practices.

Meanwhile CASE and SHA signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the seminar. This MOU records the understanding between CASE and SHA to allow SHA to use CASE's Mediation Service, as a form of settling disputes between members of SHA and the consumers. If any member of SHA has a dispute with consumers related to consumer goods and services, and the dispute cannot be resolved by the parties themselves, the SHA member may refer the dispute to CASE for Mediation by its panel of independent Mediators.

CASE and SHA will also collaborate on the CaseTrust Accreditation Scheme. SHA will work with CASE to help publicise CaseTrust to SHA members and will encourage SHA members to CaseTrust their Businesses with CASE.

:::::What are the complaints received by CASE for the month of Feb 2004?

Starting from this issue, CASE will highlight the top five most common complaints received by us on a monthly basis. The following are the five industries which received the most complaints for the month of February, 2004.

::::::"Fair Trading & You" Guide Book

CASE has produced a concise legislation guide titled "Fair Trading & You" on how the CPFTA affects both consumers and traders. To enhance readability and the understanding of the Act, this guide is specially designed in a question and answers format. Its main attraction is the comics that illustrate the different aspects of the Act.

Know your rights today! Purchase the "Fair Trading & You" booklet at $2.00 (exclusive of GST) per copy.  Popular Bookstores & NTUC Fairprice outlets carry them. Rebates are available for bulk purchases.

:::::::The Consumer Protection Fair Trading Act is not retrospective, what should I do if I have a problem with traders before 1st of March 2004?

If your problem is related to the quality of the product, this would be covered under the Sales of Goods Act. If the product is defective, you can terminate the contract under the Sales of Goods Act or get a replacement for the product.

The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act is not retrospective and does not apply to the contract if you purchased the product before 1^st March 2004.

For more information about the Act, please refer to our guide book  "Fair Trading & You" produced by CASE on how the CPFTA affects both consumers and traders.  The public can purchase the "Fair Trading & You" booklet at $2.00 (exclusive of GST) per copy from CASE office.

We welcome affected consumers to contact us for assistance.

::::::COMPLAINTS ON TOP 5 UNFAIR PRACTICES

There are 20 unfair practices covered by the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. CASE lists down below the top 5 unfair practices we received in 2003.