FCCC Warns Traders against Conditional Selling

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is warning traders who are engaged in conditional selling to immediately put a stop to it, especially considering the

current circumstances.

“Taking advantage of Fijians in this manner is unacceptable, especially with the uncertain times we are facing because of COVID-19,” said FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham.

“FCCC would like to issue a stern warning to businesses who are trying to profiteer off of the fear of COVID-19.”

Conditional selling is when a trader only allows a consumer to purchase an item or service on the condition that other goods or services are also purchased from them and is a clear violation of the FCCC Act 2010, Section 87E (1).

Abraham said that during their monitoring, some supermarkets were found not allowing consumers from purchasing sugar in 2kg or 4kg amounts unless they purchased other

goods or spent $50 worth of groceries.

FCCC is staying vigilant in the wake of the new precautionary measures being taken in Fiji as a response to COVID-19 and ensuring that traders do not mislead or cheat Fijians.

Teams are also monitoring supermarkets around the clock to ensure that there is ample stock of essential items available for all Fijians.

“FCCC’s special response team is working hard, 24/7, to make sure that Fijian consumers are not being taken advantage of during this time of emergency. We are on the ground monitoring for traders who may do so, and we want to make it clear that we will take strong action against traders engaging in such unfair trading practices.”