Bula vinaka shoppers, in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing economic environment, it’s more important than ever for consumers to be assertive and informed.
Every dollar we spend should reflect value — not just in the product we buy, but in the quality, service, and fairness of the transaction.
When we, as shoppers, stay silent or passive, it leaves the door open for unscrupulous players in the marketplace to take advantage of us shoppers, often boosting their profits at our expense.
This is why the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF) continually reminds us of our role as responsible consumers — not just to know our rights, but to act on them when we feel cheated.
Speaking up matters!
So, how can we exercise our responsibility in the marketplace? By making our voices heard. If a product or service falls short, we must raise a complaint — either directly to the business or through the CCF.
According to the Council, a complaint usually signals a broken promise, a dysfunctional product, or a failed service — all of which deserve redress. From August 2024 to July 2025, the CCF received 4,126 consumer complaints.
That’s a high number!
While this figure is high, the Council believes it is merely the tip of the iceberg, as many consumers remain silent — often due to lack of awareness or confidence in the system.
Some key complaint areas were in the food & beverages sector which received 473 complaints. Issues ranged from expired and poorly stored items to misleading “specials” where prices were inflated before being discounted. Spoiled food sold as “fresh” and improper labelling were common complaints.
For large home appliances there were 165 complaints. Consumers faced problems when products like refrigerators or washing machines stopped working a little after being bought.
Despite valid warranties, some retailers refused support or delayed resolution, often passing the blame to the seller or manufacturer.
Tip: Always ask about return policies, test the product if possible, and keep receipts and warranties.
There were 145 complaints against misleading advertising. From false “buy one get one free” deals to products that were never in stock and deceptive marketing remains a major concern.
Tip: Read the fine print. If a deal feels too good to be true — ask questions before committing and paying for anything. For poor customer service the Council received 110 complaints. Many shoppers were frustrated by rude staff, lack of empathy, or delays in addressing problems.
For electronics & computer services there were 110 complaints. Common issues included data loss during repairs, hidden fees, and poor service standards.
In the area of mobile phones & accessories there were 103 complaints. This involved second-hand or counterfeit products sold as new, especially by informal sellers.
For online shopping there were 103 complaints. Consumers were victims of online scams, including no delivery, fake reviews, or goods arriving in damaged condition.
Tip: Shop in reputable platforms, avoid paying personal bank accounts, and verify return/refund policies.
Final advice: Know your rights, use your voice. The Council encourages shoppers to inspect food packaging carefully, check expiry dates, and question anything suspicious — whether it’s a foul smell, odd taste, or misleading label. For electronics and appliances, always test before accepting delivery, clarify after-sales service, and ask for warranty documents.
And above all — be assertive. If you’ve been misled, overcharged, or sold a faulty product, report it. Start with the business, but don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to the CCF.
That is your right as a consumer. At the end of the day, the CCF is here to protect and empower us — but the first step starts with you.
So next time you shop, be bold, be smart, and remember — your money, your voice, your power.