Keep prices the same for card payments, DTI warns retailers

The price of a product should remain the same whether a customer pays for it in cash or using a card, the Department of Trade and Industry reminded retailers in a statement Monday. The Department said that sellers should follow its Department Administrative Order (DAO) number 10 series of 2006, which states that consumers who pay using debit or credit cards “shall only pay the price indicated in the price tag.” “The credit/ATM/debit card holders must be protected from sellers/retailers who impose surcharges or additional amount over and above the price tag on the goods and services in the use of credit cards in payment thereof,” said the order. “The department stands firm against retailers that take unfair advantage of consumers and reminds them that having separate prices for cash and credit card payment is strictly prohibited,” the DTI said. Stores that offer a discount for cash payment must obtain a sales promotion permit and should have a visible, readable notice so that customers will be aware of the policy. Retailers found to be in violation of DAO 10 “shall be subject to a fine of up to P5,000 and/or imprisonment from one month to six months.” Repeat violators will see the revocation of their business permits. — BM, GMA News