Palma school start: fast-loan warning for families

Families in Palma, Mallorca, are being urged to leave fast loans out of their school-start shopping plans. On 3 September, the Directorate-General for Benefits, Pharmacy and Consumer Affairs said households should work out what they genuinely need before spending on books, clothes and other school items. Its message is simple: set a budget that fits the household, compare prices and buy only what is needed.

The directorate also warns against impulse purchases and says shopping can be spread out where possible. A tempting offer is not a saving if it leads to buying something that was never needed in the first place.

Reuse before buying new

A new school year does not mean everything has to be replaced. Families should first check which supplies from last year remain in good condition, the directorate said.

That applies to textbooks, clothes, shoes and uniforms. Books can be kept for another year, bought second-hand, swapped with other families or obtained through lending schemes. Households can also ask about available help with school materials.

Fast loans should be avoided when paying for these costs because of their high interest rates, the directorate said. Credit cards should be used carefully. For clothes and uniforms, it also advises checking labels, composition and washing instructions, and choosing quality items that can last longer.

Keep receipts and check contracts

Before buying, shoppers should know each shop's rules on exchanges and returns. A retailer does not have to take back an item in perfect condition unless it has advertised that it will do so.

Receipts or invoices should be kept for guarantees, exchanges, returns and complaints. Shoppers should also make sure the price at the till matches the advertised price, and retain adverts because they bind the business that published them.

Online purchases can generally be returned within 14 days without giving a reason. Before signing up for language academies, sports activities or other after-school services, families should check what is included in the price and how cancellation works. Contracts and adverts for those activities should be retained. Consumer queries can be made free of charge on 900166000.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com