Businesses publicly displaying “Goods not Returnable” notices illegal

Businesses publicly displaying “Goods not Returnable” notices illegal – Consumers Affairs Act

Jan 12, 2020 News

Consumer Awareness is important, since it allows buyers or consumers to be aware of the information about goods, services, and consumer’s rights.
In Guyana, numerous persons have complained about purchasing faulty goods and being unable to return them to suppliers.
According to the Consumer Affairs Act 2011, “A supplier shall refund fees in full or in part to the consumer for the cancellation or unsatisfactory performance of the goods or services for which such fees have been paid.”
Any supplier who violates this regulation is guilty of an offence, and as such, penalties can be imposed for a breach of any provision of the Act; this may range from $20,000 to $1,000,000 and up to one year imprisonment.
Further, a consumer has a maximum of seven days to return the product, not tampered with and in the original packaging. The supplier may charge a 10% restocking fee.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that a receipt for the purchase of the goods and/or service is provided, since the receipt is regarded as a significant proof of purchase. Further, the receipt is used for the purpose of obtaining a refund. Consumers must pay particular attention when purchasing goods from certain businesses, since they do not usually give receipts. The receipt is valid for a period of 12 months.
Despite these regulations, several businesses continue to display such notices. This is evident in the multiple Chinese-owned businesses along Regent Street, Georgetown.
The Commission advises consumers to first attempt to speak with the management of the respective business entity. However if both parties are unable to reach a mutually agreeable solution, then redress should be sought at the Consumer Affairs Unit.
The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission in an effort to effectively inform both consumers and business owners has since been putting out numerous circulars, more particularly a “Consumer Handbook” which seeks to present consumers with essential information that can be used while shopping.
The main function of the Consumer Affairs Act is centered on protecting consumers from being unfairly treated by businesses as it relates to the supply of goods and services and providing a legal framework by which businesses can utilize to pattern their operations.
The Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission is charged with the legal mandate of administering and enforcing the said Act.

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