Place large signs near lifts, escalators to warn consumers

I refer to the report “Permanent injunction granted against wholesaler in Sim Lim Square” (Nov 4), regarding bad business practices by shops in Sim Lim Square.

My friends from the Philippines faced the same issue last year. They bought iPads at a Singapore Expo sale but were told to go to Sim Lim Square for collection and were made to pay a hefty sum for “warranties”.

I do not know if action was taken, but they made a complaint to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The authorities must put a stop to these practices.

Firstly, they should put up large signs near lifts and escalators telling customers of their rights: That all costs must be made clear before any payment, that shops should not charge extra for warranties — after all, this is included when we buy electronic goods — and that customers have the right to return goods upon producing the receipt within a week.

Secondly, the Consumers Association of Singapore and the STB should work together with foreigners, so that when they try to buy items from these shops, officers are nearby and can move in if there is any misconduct by the proprietors or the staff.

Finally, these proprietors should be charged with cheating, and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority should ban them from registering any business.

Their behaviour taints Singapore’s image as a shopping destination and must not be tolerated.