With the arrival of the Christmas season and the accompanying onslaught of advertisements, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has issued a reminder to shoppers to spend wisely.
According to a GNBS press release, consumers should consider several aspects, such as quality, durability, performance, usefulness, alternatives and price when they are shopping. In fact, the release said, at this time of the year, more than any other, consumers are bombarded everyday with paid adverts from manufacturers and distributors through televisions, radios, billboards, newspapers and the internet promoting various products and services. Despite this, GNBS said, it is possible for consumers to shop smart this Christmas.
Consumers are urged to shop for quality products after a careful comparison of prices and avoid shopping in a hurry or confusion. Quality products, GNBS said, are produced according to national and international standards, tested and carry marks such as UL, CE, CSA, NOM and CCC as proof of quality. However, some locally manufactured products such as PVC pipes and gold jewellery would carry the GNBS mark in a double wall circle.
Shopping smart, according to GNBS, requires time, skill and practice and is equivalent to getting a fair share in the market place. A fair share in the market place, the GNBS said, can be had easily through the five c’s and one t:
* Think before you buy! Do you really need the item?
* Check it out! Research the product thoroughly before buying.
*Consider the facts! How important they are the product facts?
Compare! Visit, call and compare before buying.
Choose! Think about what you are getting for your money.
Check the expiry dates and bar codes! Sale items are usually close to expiry.
GNBS encouraged consumers to shop smart this season by planning and buying only quality products.
