Product samples not on display

Q: I went to two shops to buy a printer to use with my newly-acquired computer and, in both cases, was unable to look at the actual printer and touch it.

I could only look at the box in which the printer was packed. I could see a picture of the printer and read its specifications, measurements and other information, but the actual printer was sealed and beyond my reach.

This is not done overseas. If the store has six types of printers, one is surely open, and the printer is there on a shelf for customers to have a look at and examine.

According to 'How much it costs?' (The Sunday Times, February 15), this is what should happen in Malta as well. Can you confirm this?

A: The article in question refers to Price Indication Regulations, which specifically regulate samples on display only in relation to price indication.

According to the Consumer Affairs Act, traders are obliged to deliver goods which 'comply with the description given by the trader and possess the characteristics, features and qualites of the goods promised by the trader or otherwise held out to the consumer as a sample or model'.

In other words, what is obligatory by law is that the goods sold match the description and specifications promised by the trader.

The trader is to deliver what he promises. If this is not the case, the consumer is entitled to one of the remedies provided by law, that is, repair or replacement, or part or full refund.