Frequently Asked Questions

Price Tag Act

1. What is the provision on Price Tag under R.A. 7394?

The provision on Price Tag, under R.A. 7394, requires that all consumer products sold in retail to the public shall bear an appropriate price tag, label, or marking indicating the price of the article. Such consumer products shall not be sold at a price higher than that stated in the price tag.

2. What is a price tag?

A price tag is a label attached to a commodity stating the price at which it is offered for sale.

3. Why is there a need for price tag?

To provide buyers with adequate information and guide to enable them to compare quality and prices of goods, and patronize stores selling quality products at low prices. To discourage and minimize haggling which is a waste of time and energy of both buyer and seller. To expedite transactions and enable both the buyer and seller to use the time and energy for more productive endeavors.

4. What are the characteristics of a Price Tag?

A price tag should: - Be clearly written; - State the price of the commodity per unit (piece, package, pair, dozen, set, kilogram, meter, liter, etc.) in pesos and centavos, Philippine currency, except when a law or regulation allows consumer products to be sold in foreign currency as in the case of duty free shops; and - Bear no erasures or alterations of any sort.

5. When are erasures or alterations in price tag allowed?

Erasures or alterations are allowed only in price reduction sales promotion campaigns.

6. Is the use of codes in price tags allowed?

Generally, prices of consumer products and services shall not be written in code. However, the following are the exceptions: - If the codes are used in addition to price tags, labels, markings, or price lists; - If the codes are used in combination with shelf pricing which when scanned will show the price. This exception shall be employed only by establishments which comply with the requirements under Department Administrative Order No. 9, Series of 2002.

7. What are the minimum terms of express warranty under the Consumer Act that shall be given by a seller or manufacturer?

The following shall be stated in an express warranty: - the terms of warranty, written in clear and readily understandable language; - the warrantor’s identity; - the party’s identity to whom the warranty is extended; - the products or parts covered; - the warrantor’s action plan in the event of a defect, malfunction or failure to conform to the written warranty; - the directive to the consumer to avail of the right which accrue to the warranty; - the period within which, after notice of defect, malfunction, or failure to conform to the warranty, the warrantor will perform any obligation under the warranty.

8. What are the requirements for establishments intending to use codes in combination with shelf pricing?

Establishments intending to use codes in combination with shelf pricing shall be allowed to use such pricing system only upon meeting the following: -         The establishment should use itemized receipt or cash register tape which states the description, size, quantity, and individual price of the consumer goods purchased. -         Each establishment shall install at least one Price Verification Counter (PVC) or similar electronic system strategically located in the establishment, provided that in case the establishment structure is multi-storey, at least one PVC shall be installed per storey.

9. When is a price list allowed?

When a consumer product is too small or the nature of which makes it impractical to place a tag thereon; and in case of consumer services.

10. What are the documents to be presented to the seller or vendor in case the consumer opts to have the defective product repaired, replaced, or refunded under an express warranty?

- The consumer should present a copy of the warranty card or documents and the official receipt of the product sold or bought.

11. Is a price tag required on samples or dummies on display?

Yes, samples or dummies of products offered for sale on retail when displayed within the retail outlets shall also bear the prices of products which they represent.

12. Is price tag required for lumber?

Yes, in the case of lumber sold, displayed or offered for sale to the public, the same shall be tagged or labeled indicating thereon the price and the corresponding official name of the wood.