7 Tips for Consumers When Buying School Supplies

28 warnings to outlets and stationery stores in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi DED carried out 11 inspection campaigns on stores, which included visiting 278 establishments.

Photography: Najeeb Mohammed

The Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi issued 28 warnings to major sales outlets in the emirate, in addition to commercial establishments practicing stationery, library supplies and school supplies, during intensive inspection campaigns it carried out, during the past two weeks, to mark the start of returning to schools.

The Consumer Protection Department at the Abu Dhabi Economy explained to “Emirates Today” that the warnings came because the price of goods was not clearly set to the consumer, in addition to these facilities and outlets conducting liquidations and discounts without obtaining a permit from the department, indicating that discounts should be made. With permission so that it can be monitored, and to verify its compliance with consumer protection laws.

It revealed that it carried out 11 inspection campaigns, which included Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, which included visits to 278 commercial establishments, including 230 facilities in Abu Dhabi, 33 facilities in Al Ain and 15 facilities in Al Dhafra.

She added that the inspection campaigns aim to ensure that the facilities adhere to correct commercial practices, adhere to the prices of stationery products and school supplies, as well as adhere to quality specifications, and the absence of violations, while educating sales outlets and commercial establishments and calling for them to deal transparently with consumers.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Economy has identified seven tips for consumers when purchasing school supplies, calling on consumers to adhere to the preventive precautionary and safety measures when visiting commercial establishments, in addition to preparing the purchase list before heading to the library or market so that the requirements can be remembered.

At the same time, she stressed the importance of not filling the cart with items that may be unnecessary.

The department also called on consumers not to purchase supplies that exceed the needs of children, while verifying the purchase of useful supplies, and not to consider only aesthetic appearance as a basis for purchase.

The department indicated that there are some school supplies that the teachers specify, so children should not rush to purchase them until the teacher determines them for them.

The department also stressed the importance of accompanying and supervising children during the purchase of stationery and school supplies, while encouraging them to make the appropriate decision and choice, so that they are satisfied with what has been purchased.

Abu Dhabi Economy pointed out that it continues its monitoring campaigns on the markets to find out any violations that violate the Consumer Protection Law and provide the best services to it, while adhering to the preventive measures within the controls and regulations set by the department.

The 7 tips

Adherence to the preventive precautionary measures and safety measures.

Prepare the purchase list before heading to the market.

Do not fill the shopping cart with unnecessary items.

- Not to buy supplies that exceed the needs of children.

Not looking at the aesthetic appearance as a basis for purchase.

- Do not rush to buy some supplies until the school determines them.

Accompany and supervise your children while purchasing stationery.

• The warnings came due to the failure to set the price clearly, and to conduct sales without permission.

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