DTI Reminds Biz Establishment Against “No Return, No Exchange” Signage

Baguio City (PIA) – – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds business establishments that posting of the “No return, no exchange policy” signage is prohibited by law.

Atty. Samuel Gallardo, DTI Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division Head, in a kapihan media forum in observance of Consumer Welfare Month, explained that posting of such signage gives consumers the impression that even if the product they bought is defective, they will not be given a relief or remedy.

As long as it is within the warranty period, the consumer who bought a product with inherent defect can go to the establishment to ask for a relief or remedy, he said.

“Under Article 11 of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, manufacturers, distributors or sellers of a product are mandated to offer services such as repair of the defect, replacement, refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for use, and payment for any reasonable damages caused to the consumer by the product”, Gallardo said.

Establishments have to make an effort to really look at the Consumer Act of the Philippines and other trade and industry laws and apply them. They have to learn these laws and if they have any concerns regarding the regulations provided, they can always come to DTI, he added.

DTI also urged consumers to go to the agency for inquiry or to file complaint if there is no Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) in the establishment where they purchased a defective product.

Gallardo also advised the public to be wise in choosing what products to buy.

“Choose wisely – research on the product that you want to buy and establish a budget for yourself. Aside from that, rather than being conscious about the brand, look more into the quality and affordability of the product”, he said.

Consumer Welfare Month is being celebrated every October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 1098.It aims to increase awareness on consumer rights and welfare. For this year, the Department of Energy takes the lead for the celebration, which adopts the theme, “Sapat na Impormasyon, Susi sa Tamang Paggamit ng Enerhiya ”. (JDP/CCD – Jemi Calinog/PIA -UB Intern)