Consumer Alerts - January 2009:

Consumers should beware of "short-weight" issues (Published in C@sebites Issue 122, 21 January 2009)

As the Chinese New Year approaches, this is when consumers should be extra careful when it comes to buying dried products or goodies by weight. 

CASE is of the view that many consumers are still unaware of such a situation in Singapore. It is not easy for consumers to detect that there is a shortweight, especially if the shortweight is a small amount. Unfortunately, many consumers do not check  the product whether the readings on the weighing scale are correct or ask the vendors to weigh before buying. We would urge consumers to exercise caution and request the vendor to weigh the products in their presence before making the purchase.

We would provide the following tips to consumers:

• Check that the display on the weighing scale reads ‘zero’ before the products are weighed.

• Check that you are only charged for the net weight of the product that does not include the packaging, wrapper or tag.

• If you are unable to read the readings on the weighing scale, request the seller to re-weigh or reject carrying out the transaction.

• If you doubt the weight of the products, clarify with the seller.

• If you suspect that the seller weighs the packaging with the product and overcharges you, report the matter to SPRING Singapore.

We would also advise consumers to look out for the Accuracy Label on the weighing scale, and consumers can report any suspected cases of tampering with the weighting machine to SPRING Singapore or to CASE.