Valentine’s Day: recommendations to buy safely

Indecopi, in its capacity as the National Authority for Consumer Protection, has developed some recommendations so that users can make safe purchases today, February 14.

First of all, When making purchases, be aware of your budget and avoid getting into debt. Preferably use physical or virtual establishments that are formal and do not forget to demand proof of payment. This will allow you to identify the supplier in case you require, later, the attention of any query or claim related to the purchase.

If you buy online, do it from websites or other e-commerce platforms that are secure. To identify a secure web page, verify that it has the security lock and the name of the store in its URL.

Before making a purchase, check customer service channels such as email, telephone, etc., for any subsequent query or claim. In addition, every commercial establishment or virtual store must have a Complaints Book and its respective notice in order to record claims or complaints.

Remember that suppliers must comply with the health protocols established by the Government, the permitted capacities, as well as the standards of care in the care, transport and delivery of the products or services purchased, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In case you go to a restaurant, bar or hotel, keep in mind the following:

Establishments that sell food and beverages, as well as lodging services, are required to post their price lists (including VAT and other surcharges) outside their premises or in a visible and easily accessible place for consumers before entering to the establishment.

Discrimination is prohibited. It is not allowed to deny entry or condition the service in any establishment open to the general public, without objective reasons, such as the security of the establishment or of the clients.

Will you buy a gift?

Suppliers of breakfasts, flower arrangements, gifts or other home services must comply with the delivery or provision in accordance with the contracted terms and conditions. Also, they must respect the delivery schedule agreed with the consumer.

Verify that product labels contain information about their main characteristics, in Spanish. The user manual or the recommendations for use or conservation contained on the labels should also be reviewed.

attention to promotions

Suppliers must not promote false or fictitious offers. The discounts must represent a real economic advantage for consumers, therefore, the discounts offered must be calculated on the standard or ordinary price of the product or service.

Likewise, the applicable conditions and restrictions must be informed in the announcements or publicity, for example, the duration of the promotion, the number of units available, among other aspects.

Payment methods

The price of the products or services must be fully disclosed (including applicable taxes, commissions and charges). When paying, verify that the price you are canceling matches the advertised price or has the percentage discount offered.

If the price is announced in dollars, it must also be stated in soles, in the same characters and with the same conditions. This does not apply when products are offered from abroad. When the establishment, physical or virtual, establishes differences in the price based on the means of payment used (for example, payment by credit card), it must inform it in a prominent and visible manner, through notices or posters. This information must be communicated to the consumer before he makes the payment.

In the event of any non-compliance, they can make a claim with their supplier. If the problem persists, you can contact Indecopi.