The shortest-lasting battery

Q. Luzviminda Lobo writes: "I was tempted to buy 2AA batteries that were being sold in sets of four for only P10. I bought a set for my son’s favorite toy car and the batteries lasted for one day. Since then, I have shifted back to branded batteries. I do not ever want to take my chances with these cheap but very unreliable batteries. Do the importers of these batteries have permits from DTI? Can I demand a replacement for my substandard batteries from the dealer where I bought them?"

A. You can ask for a replacement of substandard batteries if you were able to use the product for just a day. Imported batteries should conform to standards in terms of performance.

More often than not, products being sold at extremely prices will break down easily. The batteries you bought might have suffered some damages in handling, storage or transit.

Dry cell batteries, such as AAA and AA batteries, are not included in the list of products under the mandatory certification scheme of the Bureau of Product Standards. There are, however, manufacturers who have voluntarily submitted their batteries for testing. Among these are Energizer Phils., Inc (Eveready brand); and Matsushita Electric Phils. Corp. (National brand). These brands have been tested for their quality and reliability and will live up to their claims.

Here’s a final tip. When you buy batteries, look for the Philippine Standard (PS) mark. It’s your assurance the batteries are safe, reliable and of topnotch quality.

Q. An irate consumer called the consumer hotline: "I bought an umbrella at a tiangge in one of the malls in Marikina for a bargain price of P50. Just to be sure, I opened the umbrella and inspected it before parting with my money. As I was about to leave the mall, it started to rain. So, I confidently opened my umbrella to shield myself from the downpour. Horror of horrors, it broke! Fuming mad, I went back to the stall where I bought it and demanded a replacement. The seller wouldn’t replace it because she said the umbrella was in good condition when I bought it. To avert an all-out quarrel, I just turned and left. I know it is just P50 but I still expected to use the umbrella.

A. The Consumer Act agrees with you. If a consumer buys a product, he or she must be able to use it as intended. If the merchandise cannot be used as such, the buyer has the right to ask for a replacement or a refund.

Most of the time, defects in purchased items show up only after the item has been brought home and actually used and not while it is being tested at the point of purchase. This is why the phrase, "No return, no exchange", is not allowed to be displayed in stores.

Here’s a tip for everyone. Not all bargains are good buys. Think twice about taking advantage of a bargain offer. It pays to make sure you are getting value for your money

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. DTI’s consumer hotlines are 896-5740 or 890-4932 and www.e-reklamo.net.ph)