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 […]

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. But what happens if a consumer wishes to switch networks, but cannot because their phone is Subscriber Identity […]

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.  With this expanded […]

Thousands of Fijians use courier services as a way to send and receive parcels to and from their loved ones. Courier service by road, air and sea was developed as a means to provide customers with an alternative way to send mails and portable goods. These services are typically more expensive than traditional mail and postal […]

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. Many consumers […]

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.  Many of the data breach cases reported across the world are either borne from a lack […]

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.  This emergence of smart products brings […]

This contribution is a two part series educating consumers on types of debt and how the Consumer Council of Fiji can assist with managing debt  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. LPI is, as the name suggests, an insurance protection for unsecured loans offered by financial institutions. As disclosed to the […]

WASHING machines are nothing less than a miracle when one tries to escape a pile of dirty laundry. These machines are advanced bits of modern technology with a lot of moving parts involved in making life easier for people, hence is viewed by many as a necessity to have in the home. Consumers mull over […]

As it often happens, there may come a time during a tenancy when a dispute arises. These disputes can pop up over many different issues including lease agreements, tenant rights, responsibility for repairs to the property, rent, eviction and more. Landlord and tenancy issues consistently rank on the list of top ten complaints made to […]

Renovation and refurbishment of an existing home is becoming more and more important these days as space and resources are often limited, especially in urban areas.  There are many reasons for renovation, with the enhancement of the living comfort and indoor climate being the most important.  Undertaking a renovation is a time consuming, costly and […]

Valentine’s Day is a complex event for many people buying gifts, especially young    consumers.  What traditionally began as an expression of love centuries ago is now a highly commercialized, modern-day consumerist splurge called Valentine’s Day. Buying gifts is one way many of us show affection on Valentine’s Day. Despite the romantic spirit of the […]

Increased economic growth and development locally have resulted in an influx of new products and technology into the Fijian market place. Fijian consumers are benefitting in this regard. Especially with the different brands of vehicles and that are now available to Fijian consumers. There are vehicles being sold now that fit the individual needs and […]

Thousands of Fijian households rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic cooking on a daily basis for economic reasons.  LPG, propane and butane or simply cooking gas is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as a fuel in heating appliances, cooking stoves and cars.  Consumers here keep close tabs on LPG price fluctuations every […]