Always try on a new bra before buying

Q. Someone who requests anonymity writes: "I was denied replacement for a defective leather bag I bought from a tiangge store inside a shopping mall. According to the seller, the item I bought cannot be replaced because I did not have a receipt. On hindsight though, I recall not bothering to ask for one when I bought the bag. Besides, I didn’t even know if they issue receipts. Suffice it to say I got stuck with a bag I wasn’t able to use.

What can DTI advice buyers and customers when we buy in these tiangges? What about those stall owners who do not issue receipts? How can we protect ourselves from them?"

A. Customers have the right to demand a receipt for items purchased. Consumers should be vigilant in the exercise of this right. A word of caution when buying in tiangges. More often than not, the stall owners do not readily issue receipts or other proof of purchase documents. Demand a receipt.

In the case of the letter sender, the customer can still demand for a replacement because the item was defective. However, it may be necessary to prove, in the absence of an official receipt, that the item was actually from that particular store. This can be done by identifying the sales lady who actually facilitated the purchase.

Customers may also file a complaint regarding defective items with the DTI. Concerns regarding the non-issuance of official receipts may be channeled to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Q. A direct seller (name withheld upon request) writes: "I sell cosmetics, intimate apparel and other consumer products. Upon joining the direct selling company, I was interviewed by the branch manager who briefed me on profits, rebates, credit schemes, etc. I paid for a registration fee of P400 and, in exchange, received a kit with cosmetics, a pair of panties and a brassiere. I gave my size (34 inches, cup B) to get the appropriate bra for myself. One of the staff invoiced the contents of my kit. After it was printed and given to me, I requested that I be allowed to fit the bra. I was allowed to, upon which I found out that it did not fit me. So, I asked for a replacement. However, I was asked to pay an additional P10 since the invoice was already printed. Is this a correct policy? Isn’t this a violation of the Consumer Act?

A. This is similar to the "no return, no exchange" policy. Both are against the Consumer Act. You should not have been charged P10 for the cost of the new invoice or for whatever reason they have cited.

The Bureau of Product Standard says there is no Philippine National Standard (PNS) for brassiere sizes. The sizing of these items varies, depending on the manufacturer’s standards. When trying on a new brand, it’s always a good idea to try it on as the brand size may have a different fit from what you are used to.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. Call us at our consumer hotlines at 896-5740 or 890-4938 or e-mail us at www.e-reklamo.net.ph)