Complaints on Vendors Engaging in Free Gifts Marketing Techniques and Actions Taken

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Trade and Industry since July last year (a) whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore has received any complaints about vendors who engaged in free gifts marketing techniques and, if so, whether actions have been taken under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act; and (b) of these vendors who have not been censured, why not.

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah had highlighted reports of sales persons marketing "freebie" bags to senior citizens in her Parliamentary Question in July 2018. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore did not receive any consumer complaints regarding such practices.

If consumers have reason to believe that suppliers have engaged in unfair practices, such as pressure-selling or false claims, they can approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) with details of these practices for CASE to assist them in seeking redress from the suppliers. Consumers are also encouraged to take pre-emptive measures to protect themselves against unfair practices. For example, they can check the reputation of the supplier, ask questions about the products and examine the products before making the purchase.