MANY consumers may find keeping receipts irrelevant as shopping for groceries and other merchandise is a routine job.
It may seem like a waste of time and space keeping all receipts piled up.
However, this very piece of paper is most important when it comes to exercising consumer right and seeking redress just in case something goes wrong later.
Receipts contain vital information such as the items purchased, date and time of purchase, the cost of each item and the total amount paid for the products and services. It is the proof of purchase.
Receipts are also a requirement by law as the Value Added Tax Regulations (Decree) 1991 states: “Notwithstanding any other regulation, supplier shall not unless requested by the recipient be required to provide a tax invoice if the consideration in money for a supply does not exceed ten dollars or such amount as the minister may from time to time, by Legal Notice declare.”
For goods and service above $10, it is mandatory for retailers or service providers to issue receipts to consumers.
If they don’t, ask for one. You also have the right to request a receipt for anything under $10.
Even businesses require receipts to last long to prepare their accounts and for auditing purposes.
If these documents fade away then there is no form of evidence, for instance to claim VAT. All this leads to one important point — the paper, the ink and the printer used to print the receipts.
The better the quality, the longer the receipts will last or be preserved as a source of evidence.
In Fiji, the quality of receipts issued to consumers is a growing concern and remains high on the Consumer Council of Fiji’s agenda.
On several occasions, the council has noted poor quality receipts especially when consumers file their complaints for redress where the print is barely visible.
The council has also received queries from some vigilant and receipt-conscious consumers claiming that their receipts are not readable after few days.
What is the reason for the low quality receipts?
The council ran a quick check on the type of papers and ink, business houses, traders and supermarkets use to issue receipts and invoices.
* This is a regular contribution from the Consumer Council of Fiji. For queries and feedback, email: manager_cim@consumersfiji.org or mediaofficer@consumersfiji.org .
