The Consumer
Stores that charge higher for credit-card purchases should be reported
By Linda B. BolidoPhilippine Daily Inquirer
Director Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba of the Department of Trade and Industries’ Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection did not disappoint.
After reading the piece (Feb. 13) on how establishments have “forgotten” the DTI Department Administrative Order compelling them to have the same price for cash and credit-card purchases, he wrote to say his office was sending reminder letters to everyone covered by the regulation.
Those who have complaints about different prices for cash and credit-card purchases, or have other concerns, can call DTI hotline 7513330, send a text message to 0917-8343330; or e-mail dtincrlegal@yahoo.com.
Promo prices
Related to this story, F. A. Gonzales says one computer store has a cash and a charge/credit card price. “It is labeled as ‘promo prices’ and applicable only on cash sales. Prices go up by 10 percent for credit-card purchases. Appliance stores, on the other hand, give cash buyers discount but you have to ask for it,” he adds.
Aida Laurena says her husband bought a mobile phone, which was on sale. He was charged an additional 4 percent for using his credit card. She says that although the amount involved was small, she is bothered by the violation of the DTI order on cash/credit card prices.
Missing price tags
Julie Marie J. Aguihap says, “As a working mom I agree with you 100 percent (missing price tags, Feb. 20)… Every week when I do my groceries, I spend minutes looking for the right tag—such a waste of time. It takes me hours to finish. Often the price tag I’m looking for is missing. I cannot help but think it is intentional; you either end up buying the wrong stuff or not buying at all for fear that you might get surprised when you pay for it at the counter. Hopefully DTI will do something about it.”
Flexible plan
Globe says its Tattoo Consumable Plans have “the flexibility of prepaid and the convenience of postpaid.”
Like prepaid, there is no lock-in period, no financial documents required. It is supposedly affordable, too.
But, as with postpaid plans, subscribers will not have the hassle of constant reloading. There are two Tattoo Consumable Plans to choose from, P299 and P499.
Globe also says the plans will have the lowest regular browsing rate of P2.50 per 15 minutes and the capability to register to promos that allow users up to 292 browsing hours.
But subscribers will have to pay P999 for the Tattoo stick.
Visit tattoo.globe.com.ph or any Globe store for more information.
PH orchids on show
The Philippine Orchid Society Inc. shines the spotlight on indigenous orchids on its 67th Annual Orchid and Garden Show on Feb. 28-Mar. 11 at Quezon Memorial Circle, Hardin ng mga Bulaklak Area, in Quezon City.
Those who get so impressed by the orchids of other countries should find time to go to the show. They will be surprised at the wide variety of blooms the Philippines has. Some of the other countries’ pride and joy even came from us.
Theme of the show is Philippine Orchid Species Revisited. There will be floral and plant displays, competitions and lectures. Best of all, there is a commercial section where those who are looking for new plants for their gardens or want to replace those that have died can buy different species, not just orchids.
The commercial section also sells materials and tools needed for gardening such as pots, fertilizers and potting medium.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail lbolido@inquirer.com.ph
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Tags: Bureau of Trade Regulation , Consumer Issues , Credit card , credit-card purchases , Department of Trade and Industries , Globe Tattoo , Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba
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