Feature Articles 2019

How many consumers can honestly say that they have considered how high an interest rate is before signing a credit document? And not just to know what the interest rate is but to also consider how it will impact their repayments? The truth is that there are instances where this is rarely taken into consideration by consumers when taking loans, finally leading them to financial distress.

When entering into a tenancy agreement, consumers have certain responsibilities that they must abide by. These responsibilities range from paying rent on time, thoroughly inspecting the property and noting any defects and generally abiding by all terms of the agreed to tenancy agreement.

A credit union is a type of financial cooperative that provides traditional banking services. They range in size from small, volunteer-only operations to large entities with thousands of participants spanning the country.

Mobile phones have become a necessity for millions of people around the world. Everyday consumers utilise phones in different ways with its uses only limited by the imagination of consumers and developers. However, as mobile phone markets grow, counterfeit mobile phones are posing increasing problems for Governments and consumers around the world. Concerns for the safety of components, the safety of information as well as the durability of counterfeit phones have the potential to severely impact consumers.

Picture this. “You’ve purchased a refrigerator on Hire Purchase for a term of 36 months. You’ve been cautious with your payments and have managed to pay off the item completely in 12 months. There is a sense of accomplishment with now owning the good outright and you look at perhaps purchasing another item now that you no longer have payments. However, did you know that early repayments entitle you to rebate.”

Purchasing goods online can sometimes feel like playing Russian roulette as you can never be 100 percent sure of what you are getting. Many people will be familiar with at least one horror story associated with online shopping, from goods not being received, goods being misrepresented and misleading advertising. While many online retailers will work to be completely honest with you, there are others who may not place a similar value on customer satisfaction.

Consumers have high expectations from hair and beauty salons because they believe they are dealing with professionals. However, disappointment and frustration sets in for many consumers when the desired look and effect is not achieved after the hair or beauty treatments. Many times, a visit to these beauty and hair salons can cost an arm and a leg.

The consumption landscape now operates in a dynamic changing environment. The use of smart phones and laptops/desktops has resulted in the spread of E-commerce. As more consumers shift their lives online, the demand for trade facilitation over the internet increases. More consumers opt for convenience and choose to shop from a monitor at a remote location than having to be physically present at a shop.

Mobile phones have in many ways become a convenient tool for many consumers. The devices not only help people communicate but enable people to access many other functions like gaming, interacting with other people through the internet, listening to the radio, taking pictures – an all in one tool.

So you have gone through the process of applying for a Debit Card and have finally been issued with one. This new card offers many advantages for consumers and gives them the opportunity to shop online, giving them more choice than ever before. But while you may be eager to test out the new markets that this shiny piece of plastic opens up, it is important that you understand the fees and charges associated with it.

With just a week left until Easter Celebrations many consumers will be looking to take advantage of deals being offered by traders. The extended Easter holidays offer a chance for families to get together and this year will be no different.

When your bank offers you a choice between a Debit or Credit Card, there are a few questions that go through your mind. For most consumers, being offered this choice for the first time can be overwhelming. Debit or Credit? An extra line of spending or a debt free option? Making a decision about which card to opt for should not be taken lightly. Each offers certain advantages and choosing wisely can be the difference between either saving or losing money.

When individuals choose a mobile network, there are a multitude of aspects they consider. Cost of calls, data costs, connectivity and network speed are just some of the sticking point s that consumers base their decisions around.

Visit any Fijian supermarket and butcher around the country and you will be met with countless advertisements and freezer displays full of meat for sale. From all manner of beef, poultry, lamb cuts and various seafood selections, consumers in Fiji are spoiled for choice when it comes to satisfying their meat cravings.

Thousands of Fijians use courier services as a way to send and receive parcels to and from their loved ones.

Car mechanics provide a vital service for thousands of consumers. Each day Fijians utilise the services of mechanics who either work in car dealerships or run independent businesses. Consumers spend large amounts of money to buy the car of their dreams and because of this investment, finding a good car mechanic is important.

More consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their need for privacy and safety while engaging online. As such, decisions on the products they purchase, whether a vehicle, a gadget or necessities for a connected home are based on trust.

The internet has changed consumers’ lives dramatically and we have undoubtedly benefited from technology. As more people gain greater online accessibility and connectivity, smart products will become more of a day-to-day reality for consumers everywhere, marking a major change in the way many consumers interact with products and services.

In a world driven by impulse buying and irresistible advertising campaigns coupled by the need to have the best in life, staying out of debt can be a mammoth task.

How often would you have heard the term Loan Protection Insurance (LPI)? Many consumers may have either heard about it when signing a loan document or some may perhaps not know of it at all.