They also set out how suppliers can comply with the law and minimise potential disputes with consumers.
CCCS chief executive Sia Aik Kor said:"The guidelines help to build a credible marketplace... Consumers can make informed choices and shop confidently. Suppliers also stand to gain as fair trading practices can go a long way in building a solid reputation as a trusted trader."This is where prices advertised omit mandatory fees, or pre-selected add-ons.
Where such fees cannot be calculated in advance, their existence should be clearly shown with the advertised price.This is where a price is advertised as having an advantage over a competitor when it does not. Suppliers should compare only prices of goods or services accepted to be similar or equivalent by consumers or trade norms, update reference prices regularly and keep records to prove the comparisons made are not misleading.
Consumers who encounter unfair practices can approach Case for help. CCCS will work with relevant partners, including Case and trade associations, to reach out to suppliers."Case will not hesitate to take the necessary action to refer egregious retailers who engage in persistent unfair practices to CCCS for investigation and enforcement," he added.