Calinao: Countercheck

ISOLATED cases and honest mistakes may be fine and tolerable. To occasionally pay more than shopped for is however a different story.

For quite some time now, I have been receiving skeptic reports on a "distinct type" of "overpricing." Friends, relatives, and even listeners of our radio show over dzWT-540 Radyo Totoo have time and again expressed skepticism on amounts charged them for grocery and other items shopped for.

Post your reaction to the Manila hostage crisis

Most have reportedly noticed that amounts paid for exceed the total sum of prices tagged on the items purchased.

Over the weekend, I bumped into an old acquaintance who related her "wonder" on "increasing expenditures" for grocery items she regularly purchases. She claimed to have paid a "hefty" seven thousand pesos for groceries which used to cost her less than "five thou." After a "counter-check" later that day, she noted a discrepancy on the "tag-prices" of some items as compared to the amounts reflected on the receipt after "item-price-scanning."

"Why didn't you approach the management for an immediate countercheck?" I asked. Her simple retort was, "I didn't have the patience and time to do so considering the bags I was carrying, and the hectic schedule I had."

The brief encounter with my lady acquaintance reminded me of other "similar tales." Most of them claimed of alleged 10 to 30 percent price discrepancies between "tag-prices" and "receipt costs." Learning from experience and to avoid the hassle, a number of these persons opted to shop elsewhere instead of going through the mechanics of filing complaints.

A little research revealed that the "the different kind of overpricing" may not necessarily be isolated cases, honest mistakes, or due to human error all the time. No wonder certain companies have become more selective in choosing outlets for their products.

Taking the supposed "different kind of over-pricing" into account, perhaps it would be more prudent for all shoppers to immediately countercheck amounts charged them for shopped items. A pocket calculator may come in handy for this purpose. I suddenly understand rationale behind why some shoppers calculate purchased items before approaching cashiers and counters. Perhaps I should start doing the same thing myself.

In addition, it may likewise be a good idea if concerned government agencies and departments would "regularly shop" and check on the concern in order to evaluate on whether the alleged "different kind of over-pricing" are isolated and honest mistakes or not.

Furthermore, consumers may be better-off to be more vigilant and "walk the extra mile" by showing the items and receipts to the Department of Trade and Industry or other concerned offices.

We have to remember, "hard earned money is what it is...hard earned money." Unless reported incidents are proven to be mere isolated or honest mistakes, then those who "offend the hard earned money of consumers" through a seemingly devious fashion should be penalized.

The bottom line: "Always countercheck price-tags with scanned amounts for discrepancies whenever we go shopping, and report such incidents to authorities to aid them in monitoring and safeguarding the welfare of consumers."

Anonymous opinion this week:

Sent by Lola Fe: "I am a jeep commuter who regularly brings my grandchildren to school and have to endure the inconvenience of riding over crowded jeepneys whenever I commute back home. I hope the proposed city ordinance against overloading will be approved and implemented soon. I also wish to commend our local legislators for the considering the plight of us public transport passengers."

Please feel free to send your anonymous comments, opinions, or queries via email to nickprillc@yahoo.com or nickprillc@gmail.com.

You may also mail or handcarry your letters to: Nick Prill c/o "Pony Express or Bosses ng Masa," DZWR-FM/ DZWT Radyo Totoo, MPBC Building, Bonifacio Street, Baguio City.

Your identities and email-adds will be treated with utmost confidentiality.