On December 10th, 2025, the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division held a meeting with cellphone repair technicians to raise awareness about the new Consumer Protection Act 2025. The session, held at the Inland Revenue Department’s Conference Room, was led by Orrin Steele, Director of Prices and Consumer Affairs.
During the meeting, over 20 technicians in attendance shared their views and experiences on how requirements under the new Act would impact their operations. Some of the major changes include displaying price of goods and services, misleading trade descriptions, disclosure of reconditioned goods, implied warranties as to quality and fitness, return of defective goods, approval for services and recording keeping.
Under the new Act, a supplier who offers repair services to a consumer shall keep a record including the name, address and telephone number of the consumer, an accurate description of the goods to be repaired, an estimate of the replacement value of the goods in its present state, an estimate of the labor and other costs to be paid by the consumer and the date on which the goods are received for repair and will be ready for delivery.
Cell phone repair technicians will now be required to give such a record to consumers for each repair service offered. This record shall be prepared in writing and presented to the consumer in either printed or electronic format for the consumer’s signature and approval.
While the technicians noted that the new measure could increase operational costs, they noted that it would assist in tracking customers, repair services, business activities, and dispute resolution.
The requirement to display prices for goods and services was another challenging topic discussed. The technicians explained that while prices for goods are quite easy to display, setting specific prices for some services, for example, unlocking services, could be difficult as such prices often change based on the market.
The technicians were advised to provide consumers with a price range for such services that reflects these changes, to ensure compliance.
Regarding sales of non-genuine parts, Steele explained that before selling them to consumers, the technicians must inform the consumer that the part (or good) is not authentic, and this must be stated on the receipt. Steele added that selling non-genuine parts as original can result in a fine of up to $5,000 ECD or prison time for misleading consumer
Another important concern for the technicians was the time allowed to keep a cellphone after repairs were completed. Some technicians said they still have phones from as far back as 2019. Although the new Act does not make provision for this aspect, the Division recommended that 90 days is sufficient time to keep a phone after repairs are completed.
However, Steele noted that this 90-day limit should be clearly written in the contract that customers sign before the job begins, and an active effort should be made to reach the consumer during this period.
The requirement to notify consumers and receive approval before any additional repair work is carried out was welcomed by the technicians. This, technicians said, would help alleviate some potential conflicts with consumers. Should a technician make extra repairs without the consumer’s consent, the consumer is not required to pay for those repairs.
Technicians also raised concerns about consumers purchasing cellphone parts, then returning them for a refund after finding the items cheaper elsewhere. Steele explained that once the parts are not defective, consumers are not entitled to a refund.
The discussion then moved to the topic of layaway. Technicians were informed that, should a consumer cancel a layaway agreement before paying in full for the goods, a cancellation fee may be charged.
A cancellation fee could also be charged with the balance refund should the consumer fail to complete the payment within sixty [60] business days after the anticipated date of completion, or the technician may regard the consumer as having ended the agreement.
However, in no case should a cancellation fee be charged unless the supplier informed the consumer of details of the cancellation fee before the consumer entered into the lay-away agreement.
Productive discussion with Mr. Orrin Steele and Phone Technicians
Director of the prices and consumer affairs addressing technicians during the meeting.
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They need to have one with landlords
About time cause most of these technicians rip off consumers. ThAnkhs
Landlords asking for 2months rents inadvance plus the rent itself so its 3 months rent they want before you can move in. Its ridiculous. Fit a wooden , tiny bedrooms house n shared yard at that
@fed up. The law should be the standard 1st and last months rent up front. 3 months is ridiculous. After all, if you had 3 months, you might as well buy a house.
As a licensed Realtor and Landlord in Canada, before I moved back. I have a suggestion for the landlords. Making your long term rentals reasonably priced and even a little below market Value, the data shows you will be ahead of the game. I learned this first hand. I’ve lived in 2 awesome rentals both down town Ottawa/Canada. Just so happend that both landlords were German. Lol. I was the envy of all, as to how I got so lucky with both of these rentals. They were highly desired and located in the middle of the city on the water and the rent was more than amazing. The first, I lived in for 5 years and the other 6, which I only went to because it was unbelievably beautiful not mention the view and proximity to the heart of the city. Literally 2 blocks away.
So long story short. When you ease off the high rent your tenants dont bother you. They are so appreciative that they maintain the place because they are so greatful.
I did this with my first rental and the result was excellent, and this practice I followed for my next 3. It creates a relationship and respect for not only the landlord but more importantly the space they rent. They fix things themselves, rent is on time, they will always ask first before doing anything, and most impotent, they sometimes add value with improvements at their expense. Long term means long term. Also, the yearly 2.5% increase every year doesnt bother them.
Antiguans need to stop being so greedy. It is killing us. You got to look long term not just to Saturday Night. Guess what, the journey thier is fuck..n sweet, and has way less headaches alo g the way.