Electronics the leading category of complaints – Consumer Affairs Commission

…lauds company for 1-year warranty, other consumer-friendly policies

With electronics and home appliances accounting for the most complaints flowing into the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), businesses that sell their products under fair and reasonable terms are being commended.

One of these businesses is Bpi Guyana Incorporated, which has teamed up with the Whirlpool Corporation to become the sole authorised distributor of Whirlpool products locally. At the launch of this partnership, acting CCAC Executive Director Anil Sukdeo spoke of the importance of the one-year warranty being provided for Bpi products.
“You mentioned that your products come with a one-year warranty. That is very commendable… compliance with (international standards) gives your business a competitive edge and ensures that consumers have value for their money. That checks both of our boxes at CCAC. One, we have consumer rights and two, we have competition in the markets.
“Every year we conduct analysis of the complaints we receive. And the leading category of complaints is usually consumer electronics and home appliances. So, we’re, therefore, pleased that we have a brand that places high standards on its products, manufacturer, and after-sales service,” Sukdeo said.
Expressing hope that Bpi’s after-sales warranty and service would eliminate the need for customers to file complaints, Sukdeo noted that the CCAC’s presence at the event augurs well for future relations with the business.
“Our presence as a representative of the agency is a symbolic victory for consumers. And it definitely augurs well for them, since it immediately demonstrates your recognition and readiness to comply with the rights of consumers to access products which are compliant with the highest standards and quality and after-sale services,” he said.
It was reported in September that the CCAC received 269 complaints from consumers for the first half of 2021, according to newly-released data. The sale of defective goods accounts for 50 per cent of the complaints received by the agency.
Between January and June 2021, the CCAC received 269 complaints valued at $119,942,369 from consumers. This reflects a 180 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year. According to data from the CCAC, 206 of these complaints valued at $55,570,437 were resolved.
The leading area of breach under the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) of 2011 was the sale of defective goods. In addition, complaints were received across 19 categories, the major ones being electronic appliance/electronic services, auto industry-related, and the construction industry.
For the reporting period, some 47 businesses were inspected in Georgetown and New Amsterdam, Berbice. While 12 of these businesses complied with the provisions of the Act, the remaining 35 were given one month to conform after which time the businesses would be reinspected.
The CCAC was established under the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011. Its functions include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers, and determining if there has been a contravention of the Competition and Fair-Trading Act (CFTA) of 2006 and the CAA; to take prescribed actions should there be a contravention of the law and eliminating anti-competitive agreements.
It is also responsible for providing information to consumers on their rights and to enable them to make informed choices; to advise the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister on matters as it relates to the CFTA and the CAA; to institute, participate in, and/or support proceedings before a court of law, including to bring cases where the Commission deems fit.