Most Singapore retailers have fair business practices,
but there are a small number of shops and restaurants
that might make your shopping experience less than
ideal. Here are some smart shopping tips to ensure that
your retail experience is a pleasant one.
1. Price Research and Comparison
Prices may vary widely between shops because
distributors are not obliged to abide by each product’s
Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Nonetheless, almost all
local major departmental stores will display prices of
goods clearly.
Look out for the price tag on the item. If you have
agreed on a price with the retailer, request to have it
written on the invoice before making payment.
Research on information such as product model and
features, accessories as well as product warranty
(including the extent of geographical coverage)
beforehand. Try to compare prices of the product or
service between shops before purchasing.
2. Note that purchases made
are usually final
In Singapore, retailers may enforce strict policies
of return, exchange and/or refund the moment payment is
made. Always ask your retailer about their store’s
policies before making payment for your purchase.
You can also request that the retailer indicate their
return, exchange and/or refund policy on their invoice.
3. Check receipts or
invoices for accuracy
It is always handy to obtain and keep your purchase
receipt in the event you require an exchange or refund
on your items. Check that prices and item descriptions
on the receipt or invoice are correct to ensure that you
do not pay more than what is required.
Make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase
to ensure that they operate as they should. Check that
the promised accessories, peripherals and free gifts, if
any, are included in the package. It is good practice to
pay only when the price is finalized and your purchase
is ready to be handed to you.
In circumstances where price of goods are quoted by
weight, such as seafood and fruits, request for the
final price and weight to be confirmed in writing before
finalizing an order or purchase. This greatly reduces
the chances of miscommunication that may result in a
bill that is larger than expected.
4. Verify what your
‘international warranty’ covers
International warranties are not standardized, and
you should always ask and verify that your warranty is
valid in your home country. Ensure that both your
invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and
signature. In the case of electronic goods, note down
the product’s serial number as well.
- Also note that there are no international warranties
on the purchase of mobile phones.
- A “worldwide local warranty” means that the warranty
is available only in the country of purchase–“worldwide”
here refers to the availability of the product, not the
warranty.
- Parallel imported items have no warranty, and
retailers usually do not entertain returns, exchanges
and/or refunds.
For additional assistance or to flag inappropriate
retailer behavior, call Tourist line at 1800 736 2000
(toll-free in Singapore), or (65) 6736 2000 (from
overseas). You may also submit your feedback
here.
*Operating hours for Tourist line is Monday to Friday
(excluding Public Holidays), 9am to 6pm
