Expensive ‘free’ items

Q.Marielle Quintin of Quezon City writes: "Last month, while shopping at a department store, a respectable-looking man approached and congratulated me because I was wearing a blue shirt, "the color of the day", thus entitling me to scratch a coupon to win a "free" item.

"The coupon revealed that I had won a kitchen showcase worth P35,000. However, before I can claim the prize, the man said I had to buy an air cooler worth P50,000.

Then, a gaggle of sales people hovered around me, speaking simultaneously and congratulating me for being such a lucky woman.

"I was overwhelmed by my luck but I didn’t have enough cash on me to pay for such an enormous amount. The sales personnel suggested I pay on credit under an 18-month deferred payment plan. So, I made the purchase.

"A day after, I visited an appliance store and saw a prestigious brand of air cooler priced much lower than the one I purchased the previous day. I realized that the value of the air cooler, including the free items that I won, did not even add up to P50,000! In effect, I bought every item at ridiculous prices. What’s worse, I received my credit card billing yesterday and they charged me straight for the item.

"Since I signed the sales contract, I’m aware that I have no choice but to pay for the transaction. How can I protect myself from being a victim next time?"

A.Indeed, signing a sales contract is a strong proof that you know the terms when you entered the transaction. Your best protection against these kinds of "marketing strategy" is awareness.

• "Free" items should be given without compelling you to purchase the products the establishment carries.

• Beware of two or more people ganging up on you, which can confuse you and deprive you of ample time to decide whether or not to enter into the sales transaction.

• To save yourself from actually paying for the "free" items, compare prices with other stores before purchasing a product accompanied with unusually tempting "free" items.

• Ask the sales personnel to explain the contents of the sales contract, particularly the terms and conditions before signing any agreement.

• Most of all, do not trust anyone with your credit card and never use it as identification. Some unscrupulous sales personnel may swipe it without your knowledge and charge you with a purchase you did not freely make.

(You may call the Department of Trade and Industry hotline number 8977-DTI for complaints and free consultations on consumer welfare issues. You may also text DTI<space> comment and sent to 2920 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Log on to www.I-reklamo.ph.or www.dti.gov.ph.)