With families budgeting for Diwali and looking for special offers, businesses are being urged to ensure advertised products are available at the stated locations throughout the promotional period.
The warning comes from the Consumer Council of Fiji following consumer complaints and market surveillance findings that identified instances of advertised products being unavailable during promotions.
The Council says shoppers may waste time and incur unnecessary travel costs when they visit stores specifically for advertised offers, only to find that the products are unavailable.
In one case, a supermarket advertised discounted food items as available at all its stores throughout the promotion.
However, a customer who visited a store on the second day was told that one item was out of stock, while another advertised item had been unavailable since the first day.
Staff advised the customer that fresh stock would arrive later that week.
In another case, Council officers visited a selected branch during an advertised promotion to check a heavily discounted nebuliser offer.
However, they were told that the nebuliser, along with other advertised products, was still on its way.
The Council says advertising special offers that shoppers cannot access can mislead consumers and raise serious concerns about bait advertising.
Council CEO Seema Shandil says consumers are entitled to expect that a product advertised at a special price is actually available in the stores and during the period stated in the advertisement.
Shandil says advertising a discount to draw customers in, when the product is not available in reasonable quantities or not available at all, is misleading.
Shandil says misleading advertisements disadvantage honest businesses, stressing that busineses must be truthful and diligent in their marketing practices.
She says if a product is no longer available, or out of stock, the advertisement should be removed promptly or proper disclosures should be given beforehand.
She adds that consumers should not have to chase a special that is no longer there.
Meanwhile, shoppers are being encouraged to call stores before travelling to confirm whether advertised products are in stock.
They also advised consumers to keep a copy or screenshot of the advertisement, note the date, store and what they were told, and retain their receipt where a purchase was made.
If an advertised product is unavailable, people should ask the business whether stock will be replenished and when, and whether an alternative or substitute can be offered at the advertised price.
The Council says it will continue monitoring promotions, including during the festive season, and will refer matters to relevant authorities where warranted.
People who come across unavailable advertised products, misleading promotions or other unfair trading practices can contact the Consumer Council of Fiji on the National Consumer Helpline 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org.
People are encouraged to provide details of the advertisement, store and date when making a complaint.
