8 Things You Should Know about Your Rights as a Consumer in Singapore

Singapore is widely considered to be one of the great shopping capitals of Asia. Each year, millions of tourists head to the city-state to buy electronics, jewellery, speciality food products, luxury bags, haute couture items, and much more. With the lifting of most COVID restrictions, the value of tourism retail is expected to hit over SGD 14 billion in 2024 and is set to completely outdo pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

The city-state has managed to become a preeminent shopping centre thanks to two reasons. First, its geographic position in the Singapore Straits makes it a logistics hub for a large proportion of the world’s goods, with mass-market consumer products often being unloaded and marketed here before the rest of the world has access to them. Second, Singapore has robust consumer protection laws in place to ensure fair transactions and protect consumers’ interests.

If you’re in Singapore and are planning to do some shopping, it’s essential to be aware of your rights as a consumer. Here are several important points to know about your consumer rights when shopping in the city-state.

Pricing and Recommended Retail Price (RRP)

Distributors in Singapore are not obliged to adhere to each product’s recommended retail price (RRP). This means that the actual selling price in stores may vary from the listed RRP.

This is often beneficial for consumers. For instance, corporate procurement managers and tech tourists can purchase cheap mobile phones in Singapore, usually for much lower than the average global RRP due to local competition as well as the efficient logistics available to domestic distributors.

However, in other instances, sellers might tack on an additional premium to the price of certain items, particularly luxury goods, thanks to the extremely high local demand. With no obligation to follow an RRP, they can sell highly desirable items for as much as they want. With this in mind, it’s advisable to compare prices and shop around to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Sales Policies

If you’re from a country that offers generous return policies, you may be in for a shock. In Singapore, most sales are considered final. This means that it’s crucial to carefully inspect anything you want to buy, preferably in person. Always check for any defects and clarify the store’s return and exchange policies before making a purchase. Keep in mind that some stores may have limited or no return policies at all for certain items such as electronics or sale items.

International Warranties

While many products come with warranties, international warranties may not necessarily apply in Singapore. If the product manufacturer does not have an authorised distributor or service centre in the city, you may be out of luck if the item you purchased turns out to be a lemon. Check with the retailer or manufacturer to determine if your desired products’ warranty is valid in Singapore or if there are any additional conditions to consider.

Finalizing the Price

When making a purchase, ensure that the price is finalized before making any payment. Some sellers may include hidden fees that might be added at the last moment, so it’s important to be clear about just how much you’re really expected to pay. Hand over your cash or card only when the price is confirmed and your purchase is ready to be handed over to you.

Receipts and Proof of Purchase

Always insist on receiving a receipt or proof of purchase for your transaction, particularly for any big-ticket items. This document is essential for any warranty claims, returns, or exchanges that you may need to make in the future. Keep your receipts safe, even in cases where you’ll have to leave Singapore, as warranties on some items may be honoured overseas.

Consumer Dispute Resolution

Tourists who have complaints about retailers or supplies should reach out to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). If you’re a citizen or resident, reach out to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE is a nonprofit that provides guidance, educational materials, and mediation services to help resolve consumer complaints and disputes. While it explicitly does not assist in disputes, the Singaporean Competition & Consumer Commission (CCCS) also offers some useful resources for consumers.

Online Shopping

These days, you’re most likely to find the best deal on online marketplaces. Unfortunately, shopping online always carries a certain level of risk, particularly if you’re dealing with an unknown seller. Exercise caution and only buy valuable items from reputable websites and sellers. Check customer reviews, compare prices, and ensure that the website is secure before making any payments. As with real-world transactions, be aware of the return policies and hidden fees for your online purchases.

Counterfeit Goods

Singapore has strict laws against the sale of counterfeit goods. Nonetheless, the market for these goods is large and there is no shortage of sellers willing to put up with the risks of getting caught.

While buying counterfeit goods for personal use is not illegal, you should avoid them anyway, even if the price seems too good to be true. These goods not only tend to have poor quality but the proceeds of their sale are often used to fund illegal activities all over the world. Additionally, you will have no legal protection should these goods fail prematurely or cause harm.

An Informed Shopper Is a Safe Shopper

Hopefully, this list will empower you to make informed decisions when shopping in Singapore. Remember to be vigilant, do your research, and assert your rights when necessary. By being an informed consumer, you’ll be more likely to enjoy a fantastic shopping experience in the Lion City.