The popular Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) reduction will return this Christmas season, according to the Inland Revenue Department.
Consumers will enjoy a reduction in ABST for three days, starting Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15. The reduction will apply to all types of goods sold during the period, but not to services.
Consumers are reminded that participation in the ABST reduction days is voluntary meaning a store can choose whether to participate or not.
Consumers hoping to purchase items for Christmas usually anticipate this discount period. The possibility of being able to shave a few dollars off purchase prices can be a big attraction at this time. But it is the consumer’s responsibility to check goods properly to ensure he/she is getting value for money. Also, ensure you keep your receipt. This will be needed in the event you have to return an item to the place of purchase.
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GIMMICK OR DECEPTION – CONSUMER FLEECING
Interchangeably, these words mean the same.
Among the duties of law enforcement is ‘…To protect the innocent against deception’ [Code of Ethics].
In special business transactions, they mean ‘…Consumer Fleecing.’
Know that when ‘…unscrupulous business operators’ advertise sales whether on;
(a) ‘…Holy Thursday;
(b) …Good Friday; or
(c) ‘…Black Friday,’ consumers are in many instances, paying much more for the items reportedly on sale.
When businesses advertise ‘…matching discount sales where the ‘…Government is lowering the ABST by 10% and businesses are matching it by 10%,’ see that as a ‘…Gimmick or Deception.’
Practical Example:
A consumer confided that he had purchased a particular commodity from a particular business during a ‘…Black Friday Sale.’
The marked-up price was EC$39.00. The discounted price was ‘…25%.’ The commodity was bought for ‘… EC25. 00. The consumer firmly believed that he got a ‘…reasonable sales deal.’
Two days later, the consumer reportedly visited a certain business place that had not participated in the ‘…Black Friday Sale,’ where the normal sale price was displayed at ‘…EC$22. 00.’
If it is mathematically correct, many consumers would have been ‘…deceptively fleeced of EC$3. 00.’
Consumers shall follow the concerns of ‘…Rastaman Kente’ and the timely advice of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Why is the burden on consumers.
The burden should be on business people.
Why the government do not legislate for the consumers
Why is the burden on consumers.
The burden should be on business people.
Why the government do not legislate for the consumers.
It would be easier to control the few businesses than for a population to be always on alert for dishonest dealings.
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