Odette Vella
What is the price?
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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Odette Vella
Dec 23rd 2008, 10:14
During Sales retailers should still show the final retail price. Therefore if a price of a product is reduced by 50% the new price should be exhibited too. With regards to notices announcing 50% discount, if this notice is between shelves and there is no other indication showing otherwise, then that discount should apply to both shelves.
If there are shops or hawkers who are not abiding by the price indication regulations one should report them to the Consumer and Competition Division on Freephone 80074400 or tel no 22100425/6. Our inspectors carry out spot checks on a regular basis but they cannot be everywhere at the same time. Therefore the collaboration of the general public in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Henry Galea
Dec 21st 2008, 20:14
Dear Odette, I/we thank you for the article " What is the price" Pls can you inform us about shops marking on shop window 50 % sale, and then one finds that items are with the origenal price marked, and customers have to calculate the difference them selves. Also a notice saying 50% discount, fixed between two shelves, If I choose the item on the above shelve the salesgirl will the discount applies to items below, and vice versa. This is happening in Valletta. Do you consider these as tricks of the trade?
A.Dalli
Dec 21st 2008, 16:52
"Showing the price of a product for sale is not optional"
Yeah right, go visit the mobile phone shops around Malta and see if the price on each mobile phone is displayed. Once I brought this to the attention of the shop keeper who insisted it is not law that he displays the price of the product. When I inisisted he asked me if I was some kind of policeman. Gross!
If we do have inspectors who are checking if prices are displayed for consumers or not, all they should do is visit the mobile phone shops and they would have a field day!
Edward Sant
Dec 21st 2008, 10:57
This does not happen with fruit and vegetable sellers.