Links

Consumers in Singapore have many avenues to learn about consumer issues, and also how to resolve consumer disputes. Below is a list of them.

Consumers Association of Singapore
http://www.case.org.sg/

Small Claims Tribunals
http://www.smallclaims.gov.sg/

Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre
http://www.fidrec.com.sg/website/index.html

Monetary Authority of Singapore - Consumer page
http://www.mas.gov.sg/masmcm/bin/pt1Consumer_Portal_Latest_News.htm

Life Insurance Association - Consumer page
http://asp.lia.org.sg/GuideToLife.asp

National Association of Travel Agents Singapore
http://www.natas.org.sg/

Renovation and Decoration Advisory Centre
http://www.radac.org.sg/

Buyer Beware - 21st July 2006

Buyer Beware

A weekly look at what to watch out for in the world of consumers. Figures, case study and tips come from the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).

The world of cars

116 No. of cases filed
(January to December 2005)

Top complaint

1. Misrepresentation

CASE STUDY

A car buyer paid a deposit on a new car and was assured by the sales staff verbally that a hire-purchase loan would definitely be approved. However, the loan application was rejected.

The vendor then told the buyer that he had to top up with cash or the transaction would be cancelled and he would lose his deposit. The buyer went to Case to get back his deposit.

OUTCOME

Case wrote to the car vendor without success. Case then proposed mediation which was successful.

CONSUMER TIPS

1. Put down important terms in writing to prevent potential disputes.

2. Know the latest laws applicable. Hire-purchase loans taken after Nov1, 2004, are subject to the amended Hire-Purchase Act. Check out the Ministry of Trade and Industry web-page of frequently asked questions at http://app.mti.gov.sg/default.asp?id =566.

3. The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) has a publications webpage, including a guide to car financing (http://www.abs.org.sg/publications.htm).

Timeshare

The top consumer complaint in Singapore over the years have been about timeshare.

Timeshare is defined as "any living accommodation, in Singapore or elsewhere, used or intended to be used (wholly or partly) for leisure purposes by a class of persons all of whom have rights to use, or participate in arrangements under which they may use, that accommodation or accommodation within a pool of accommodation to which that accommodation belongs" according to the definition in the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, also known as the CPFTA.

Under the CPFTA, consumers can cancel time share and direct sales contracts within a 3-day cooling off period (excluding Sat, Sun and public holidays). The Ministry of Trade and Industry has a FAQ on the CPFTA.

More information on the cancellation procedures can be found on this PDF file of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) (Cancellation of Contracts) Regulations.

Complaining Effectively

consumer watchdog singapore is currently finishing a guide to resolving consumer disputes in Singapore. In the meantime, consumers can refer to these 2 webpages (Consumers' Association of Canada, and Australian Consumers' Association) for a rough guide on how to complain effectively. Watch this space for the article for Singaporean consumers, coming up soon.