Goods displayed on sale must be properly indicated with a price.
The displayed price must be clear and unambiguous for the consumer to read. Consumers have the right to be informed about the price of goods for sale without the need to ask for assistance. Furthermore, the indicated price must be the final selling price, including VAT and any other taxes or charges.
While sellers are obliged to properly mark the price of all goods for sale, prices do not necessarily have to be placed on each individual good.
If there is more than one item of the same kind, size, type or brand, it is considered sufficient to show the price on just one of these items.
Prices can also be displayed on notices nearby, as long as it is easy for the consumer to see which items the price applies to. Goods displayed in shop windows must also display the final selling price.
Two prices should be indicated on products that are sold by unit weight or volume. One of the prices should indicate the actual price, being the price for a given quantity of the item being sold.
The second price must indicate the unit price, which should be the price for one kilo, one litre or one metre of the goods.
As to pre-packaged solid products preserved in a liquid medium, the price per unit needs to refer to the weight of the solid good without the liquid in which it is contained. The unit price may be indicated in a smaller font than the actual selling price, but it must still be clearly legible.
Unit pricing is beneficial to consumers because it makes it easier to compare prices in different sizes and from different brands. In this way, costs for a kilo or a litre of similar products can be compared.
Products shown in adverts do not have to include a selling price, unless the advert is inviting consumers to buy goods through a distance sale, such as internet, phone or mail order.
The Price Indication Regulations also do not apply to the sale of works of art or antiques and to goods supplied with services, such as those offered by a hairdresser or a beautician.
Goods for reselling or to be sold at an auction are also exempt from these regulations. When it comes to services, the service provider is not legally obliged to display a price list.
However, to avoid unnecessary complaints and disputes, consumers should be properly informed of the total cost of the service, including taxes, before the service is carried out by the trader. Even consumers have the responsibility to request a quotation before purchasing a service to avoid unpleasant surprises.
When prices are not properly displayed, consumers may report defaulters to the Enforcement Directorate within the Office for Consumer Affairs so that the necessary legal action is taken.
Violation of the Price Indication Regulations amounts to an offence and, if found guilty, traders are fined.
odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt
Odette Vella is senior information officer, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.