Chinanews Client Beijing, March 15th (Xie Yiguan) On the 15th, the China Consumers Association released data showing that from January 20th to February 29th, there were 180,972 consumer complaints related to the epidemic, with price issues accounting for 45.08%, of which Some operators use masks, alcohol, disinfectant and other protective products to tying other items at high prices to restrict consumer choice.

Many home appliance platforms show that appointments to buy masks are sold out. Screenshot of an e-commerce platform

More than 180,000 consumer complaints related to the epidemic, the highest price problem

From January 20 to February 29, 2020, the National Consumers Association received a total of 180,972 complaints from consumers involved in the epidemic.

Among them, according to the nature of the complaints: 81,581 cases involving price issues, accounting for 45.08%, 35,260 contracts, accounting for 19.48%, 21,136 quality issues, accounting for 11.68%, 10,521 after-sales services, accounting for 5.81%, and counterfeiting issues, 6412 Pieces, accounting for 3.54%.

By product and service category: 79,368 complaints involving masks, accounting for 43.86%; 1,039 complaints on vegetables, grains and oils, accounting for 8.31%; 13,829 complaints on catering services, accounting for 7.64%; 10,139 complaints on online shopping, It accounted for 5.60%; there were 9067 complaints about travel services, accounting for 5.01%.

Some operators take advantage of the "epidemic" to raise prices and make huge profits

According to the China Consumers Association, affected by the epidemic, complaints about the price of epidemic prevention supplies such as masks, alcohol, disinfectant and consumer goods such as vegetables, grains and oils have become hot spots.

Due to the epidemic situation over the Spring Festival holiday, the cost of logistics, raw materials, labor and other costs increased, causing some prices to rise normally, but at the same time, some businesses took advantage of the "epidemic" price hikes to make huge profits, disrupt market order, and damage consumer rights.

The main problems of price complaints are: first, some illegal businesses purchase low prices and sell at high prices, soaring prices, and even the same batch of products, the price continues to rise in the short term; second, some operators use masks, alcohol, disinfectant and other protective supplies at high prices Compulsory tying of other items to restrict consumer choices. Third, some operators do not implement clear-listed prices, and sell vegetables and meat in pairs. They only list the total price, without detailed product names, unit prices, quantities, weights, etc.

For example, on January 26, 2020, the Consumer Association of Yuqing County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province received a complaint that a local pharmacy sold the masks for 2.5 yuan a pack to 40 yuan a pack, and the quality was not guaranteed. Make money with conscience. After receiving the complaint, the local consumer association informed the market supervision and management department of the situation in time and participated in the investigation of the working group. After that, the pharmacy refunded 40 yuan to the consumer and paid an apology.

Counterfeit and inferior products rise through "epidemic"

Product quality is related to consumer health and safety.

According to the China Consumers Association, the main problems of consumer complaints are: First, the quality of epidemic prevention products such as masks and alcohol is uneven, such as mask opening, expired products, etc .; Take epidemic prevention as a gimmick, exaggerate or falsely publicize the protective effects of ordinary masks, or use ordinary disposable masks to pretend to be medical masks. Fourth, sell fake brand masks, imported masks, etc.

For example, at the end of January 2020, the Consumer Council of Jiangbei District, Chongqing City received a complaint from consumer Hu, reflecting that a large pharmacy spent a total of 1350 yuan for three purchases of 68 3MKN95 masks, an average of 20 yuan, and then online Query related information, think that the 3M, KN95 masks sold in this store are counterfeit products; and the model on the outer and inner packaging of the mask is KN90, and the model on the internal mask is KN95. Consumers demand full price refunds on masks and dispose of businesses in accordance with law. After investigation and mediation, the drugstore returned a consumer-related fee of 1,300 yuan. The counterfeiting problem reported to consumers was transferred to the local market supervision department. (Finish)