The CAC is one of the agencies responsible for maintaining the relationship between consumers and the market.

They accomplish this through market surveillance, market education and complaints resolution. 

Speaking with Kalilah Reynolds, Director of Communications at the Consumer Affairs Commission, Latoya Halstead said that the commission deals with a range of complaints on goods and services from various industries.

She noted, however, that in 2021, most complaints were about appliances. 

Halstead said that to preempt any issues with equipment is proper research. Research the item you are thinking of buying and also research the vendor you are thinking of buying it from. 

Then always make sure to have the items tested in store for any deficits. Also, become very familiar with the warranty details and timeline.

Should an issue arise, Halstead said the customer’s first point of contact should be with the vendor/merchant. 

She said that CAC and vendors are guided by the three Rs; repair, replace and refund.

She noted that if the vendor is unable to repair the appliance, the next step would be replacing or issuing a refund. 

The Director said that the commission will step in if the vendor becomes non-compliant. 

She said that in 2021, the CAC was able to secure $27 million in refunds for customers, which was a 25% jump from the year before. 

She urged customers to be vigilant in the buying process. Be aware of your rights and do the necessary research and ask the vendors questions before making the purchase.