Showing the price of a product for sale is not optional. Consumers have a legal right to this information because it gives them the freedom to select the most appropriate product according to taste and budget. Price transparency also ensures consumers have the necessary information to compare prices of different brands in a particular outlet and also with other outlets.

Legally, all products for sale must have a price. More specifically, prices must be clear, easily identifiable and legible. This also applies to products displayed in shop windows.

Traders are also obliged to exhibit products conspicuously at their business place - having a sample of every kind, size, type or brand of goods stocked - and these must be marked with a price. However, if there is more than one item of the same kind, size, type or brand, it is sufficient to show the price on just one of these items.

The price must include VAT and any other additional costs, such as taxes, delivery or other charges. The price quoted needs to be the price the consumer must pay, without any hidden 'extras'. It would be misleading if the indicated price is incorrect.

Food products sold to consumers per unit weight or volume must be clearly indicated with two prices, one showing the actual price of the product for a given quantity of the good, and the other should be the unit price, which means the final price for one kilo, one litre, one metre, one square metre or one cubic metre of the goods.

In the case of pre-packaged solid food products presented in a liquid medium, the price per unit should refer to the weight of the solid food without the liquid in which it is contained.

The only products that do not fall under these regulations include goods supplied for the purpose of re-selling, products for auction, products provided in the course of a service, or products such as works of art and antiques. Even in case of services, there is no legal obligation by the service provider to display a price list.

However, it would be beneficial to the consumer to inform him of the price being charged before the service is performed. Consumers should protect themselves from unpleasant surprises by requesting a quote of the costs involved before purchasing a service.

Ms Vella is senior information officer, Consumer and Competition Division

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