Consumers are being encouraged to check the price of their shopping at the till after the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (OFT) identified a number of issues during recent inspections.
Trading Standards staff recently inspected 31 food retailers across the Island to ensure customers were charged the prices advertised and that special offers were honoured.
More than half were issued with advisory enforcement notices for issues such as:
- Prices paid differing from those displayed on shelves or products
- Expired promotions still advertised when full price was charged
- Poor or misleading labelling
Around a third of the premises have been re-inspected and all but two had made the necessary changes to meet the required standards.
Tim Glover MHK, Chairman of the OFT, said:
'It is disappointing that so many problems were identified, and our team will continue visits. However, it isn't possible to monitor all retailers at all times, so it’s important that the public contact the OFT when they encounter pricing errors or regularly mispriced goods.'
Businesses are legally required to communicate prices clearly, including VAT where appropriate, to prevent misleading indications such as false reductions or hidden charges.
Mr Glover added:
'Shops are not legally required to sell goods at an incorrect price due to genuine mistakes. However, misleading price indications are an offence. The OFT works with retailers to prevent this, with enforcement action for repeat offenders'
Shoppers can report incorrect or misleading prices, confusing offers, or false advertising by calling +44 1624 686500 or emailing general.fairtrading@gov.im
Reports can be made anonymously.
