With back-to-school shopping peaking, the Emirates Consumer Protection Association (ECPA) has called upon commercial establishments and private schools to commit to providing accurate and transparent information about products and services.
In a statement to the media, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ECPA, Mohammed Khalifa Al Muhairi, stressed the need for commercial institutions and schools to ensure support for families by offering multiple options for supplies at reasonable prices. The aim is to prevent exploitation through inflated prices or monopolization of high-demand goods.
Purchasing school supplies requires research and awareness before making a purchase. Al Muhairi emphasized the importance of planning to accurately assess real needs and to avoid purchasing goods through deceptive offers or at exaggerated prices.
Furthermore, Al Muhairi highlighted the rights of consumers to file complaints and seek compensation in case of exploitation or commercial fraud under Article 24 of Federal Law No. 15 of 2020, which addresses fraud charges.
In order to avoid overspending, here’s what parents can do:
- Create a detailed list of basic needs and allocate sufficient time for purchases to compare prices at different outlets.
- Set a budget in advance and stick to it to avoid overspending for a safe and fair shopping experience.
- Avoid impulsive purchases, compare prices, and refrain from overspending.
Additionally, parents are advised to report any violations encountered during their school shopping, such as product quality or pricing issues.
The Emirates Consumer Protection Authority is committed to following up on these complaints and ensuring that the competent authorities take necessary action to protect consumer rights.
