Tips from DTI Keep back-to-school spending in check

CEBU, Philippines -  As the vacation period nears to a close, students and parents alike are now facing challenges as they prepare themselves back into the school-day routine.

At the same time, the annual back-to-school shopping season has already begun as retailers are now displaying their school supplies.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry advised families to rein in spending and be frugal for the back-to-school season.

Zaide Bation, DTI region 7’s chief on Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division, shared to The FREEMAN some reminders consumers must know when buying things for school and some back-to-school economizing tips.

With another school year just around the bend, parents need to strategize or observe ways for a budget-friendly shopping with their children.

Bation said people should do a survey this early as to where they can buy the cheapest school products without sacrificing the quality.

And as much as possible, they should look for retailers who are offering more bargains to take advantage of buying more out of the fixed budget.

“Consumers have the right to choose,” she adds, “so mangita sila asa sila makapangita og barato kay mao man na makapadaghan sa imong mga palaliton.”

There’s nothing wrong with shopping at the mall, however the DTI official said bargain hunters should go for stores that offer the best deals and good quality, adding, “You can buy either sa mall or sa tiangge but make sure to compare prices. So you have to canvass samtang sayo pa.”

To better handle the budget, she reminds parents to plan ahead and list the things to be bought at the store, especially those school essentials such as ballpen, paper, pencil, notebook, etc.

In addition, the Trade Department further advised consumers to have control on their expenses. They should already have an idea on how much they should spend for what is actually needed so as not to overspend.

Before buying a product, check the quality and check if the product is safe especially now that some coloring materials may contain toxic ingredients.

“You have the right nga moreklamo gyod kung naay defect ang product,” Bation said, “and you have the right to choose at the same time. But most importantly, as a consumer be vigilant also.”

While some students are encouraged to go back to school with new uniforms and bags, parents are reminded to consider first whether items used during the past school year are still usable: “Ang importante man nga tarong ug presentable pa tan-awon ang uniform unya kung kapahimuslan pa.”

Prices lower this year

A Suggested Retail Price  list from DTI revealed that some prices of school supplies have decreased compared to last year’s prevailing costs, while most just remain the same.

For instance, the SRP of an 80-leave intermediate pad paper this year is at P14 - P22.50 (same last year), depending on the brand and the type of paper. Three pieces of Mongol pencil sells at P17.75 while a spiral notebook can now be bought at P12.75 from P14.75 last year.

“Comparing the SRP sa 2013 ug 2014, we can see nga dunay gamay nga difference,” Bation said, adding that every year the Trade Deparment meets with school supply manufacturers to discuss the prices that should prevail in the market.

She said, “Our mandate really is to give at least lower price to the consumers without sacrificing also the profit of these companies.”

To see if the retailers adhere to the SRPs set by DTI, department staff personally visits stores to see for themselves the prevailing price tags.

For instance, just last week the DTI monitored six establishments, and so far, nobody violated the imposed prices of school supplies, the consumer welfare chief said.  (FREEMAN)