Tips on buying your PC

Q. Issay B. Castillo, a high school student of Quezon City writes: "Why does the DTI go to the markets all the time? Newspapers often have stories of DTI officials going to markets and looking at prices. What does the DTI check/inspect in a product?

A. DTI’s regional and provincial offices conduct the monitoring of products in various market establishments for prices, labeling, and markings such as the Philippine Standard or PS mark and the Import Commodity Clearance or ICC mark.

DTI has placed 88 products in the list of mandatory product certification by the Philippine National Standards. These products are subjected to tests and inspections based on specified PNS or international standards, prior to distribution and selling.

Included in this list are electrical appliances, electronic devices, construction and building materials, consumer products, and chemical products, which considerably affect life, health, and the safety of consumers.

Product monitoring is conducted to safeguard the welfare of the buying public from certain manufacturers that do not consistently follow the requirements of particular product standards. In its monitoring activities, the DTI inspects the product in the market and conducts basic quality tests. If a product fails to conform to the basic requirements of the standard, it is brought to the DTI-Bureau of Product Standards Testing center or to any DTI-accredited testing center for further confirmatory tests. Thus, the quality of products in the market is verified and necessary action is taken.

We also perform on-the-spot market inspections when complaints on substandard products are submitted from concerned consumers.

As the opening of classes draws near, you may consider buying a new PC for your child or your college teen. Here are some tips to consider before purchasing of a new equipment and spending quite a bit of money in the process. It is worth knowing what precautions to take as well as what your rights are as a consumer to avoid potential problems. It is also best to know your options if something does go wrong.

• Before making the decision to buy, ask yourself these questions. Can I afford it? How will I pay for it–check, cash, credit card or through a loan?

• Shop around to compare prices or after-sales service deals. Ask if the supplier is prepared to add anything to your purchase, such as free servicing or CD package.

• Don’t buy based on a spur-of-the-moment decision. Don’t buy a more complex PC than you need. Think of what you may want to do with it in the future. This saves time and money.

• Look for PC magazines or surf the internet for the different models and prices. Make a checklist before shopping for your PC. You can buy a PC directly from a manufacturer or supplier, or from retail outlets found in malls.

• Talk to sellers and explain how the computer will be used in your home and by whom. That way, the seller will have a better perspective of your needs and can recommend a suitable model for you.

• If you already have an old computer, look for terms and conditions if you want to upgrade and be sure that the components are compatible. Carry a list of your old computer’s specifications to compare with the products that you wish to buy. Not all new software are compatible with old systems.

• Negotiate on the price you’re offered. Make sure you’ve taken account of extra costs like printer cartridges or servicing.

• Enrolling in a computer course may give you a better understanding when you purchase your PC. Ask friends and family for tips and experiences with PCs.

• If you’re unhappy with the service or the PC you’ve bought, bring it to the attention of your seller or supplier.

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