Jamaican consumers urged to exercise caution while holiday shopping

Jamaican consumers are being urged to take caution when shopping this festive season, particularly from unknown sources. 

The advice comes from the Director of Communications at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), Latoya Halstead, who recently shared her insights at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank held in Kingston.

Beware of itinerant vendors

Highlighting the prevalence of itinerant vendors during the festive season, Halstead emphasized the need for shoppers to exercise discernment when encountering such sellers. 

Itinerant vendors are individuals who travel from one location to another, offering various goods for sale. Halstead urged consumers to consider the consequences of purchasing items from these transient sellers.

No guarantee of redress

Halstead shared that when purchasing from such sources, there is no guarantee that the seller will be available to address any issues that may arise with the purchased item. As a result, she stressed the importance of opting for reputable sources for holiday shopping.

The importance of obtaining a receipt

Another critical piece of advice from Halstead centered around the importance of obtaining a receipt for every transaction made in the marketplace. 

She outlined the essential information that a receipt should contain, including the amount paid by the consumer, the date of purchase, a detailed description of the goods or services, and, where applicable, professional fees or other relevant information.