Ushaka going against the CPA?

[DJ...]

Blatant errors are still binding until the vendor has complied with the requirements of the CPA, in S. 23 (9). What need to be done to comply with that section is as yet undecided.

Yes, without checking the act, it states something along the lines that the advertiser must correct the prices as soon as possible and inform the public by placing a sign stating as such, with an attached list of corrected prices at the store entrance and attached to the goods in question...

 

[Drunkard #1]

Yes, without checking the act, it states something along the lines that the advertiser must correct the prices as soon as possible and inform the public by placing a sign stating as such, with an attached list of corrected prices at the store entrance and attached to the goods in question...

It's not that clearly defined, which is why you need to check the act.

If S.23 applies, and the act says it applies to "catalogue, brochure, circular or similar form of publication available to that consumer, or to the public generally", not adverts, the retailer has to "tak[e] reasonable steps in the circumstances to inform consumers to whom the erroneous price may have been displayed of the error and the correct price."

Now that to me sound like a lot more than "putting a sign up at the front of the shop". That sounds to me more like "taking out full page adverts in regional/national newspapers".

Take a game leaflet, for example: Who are the consumers "to whom the erroneous price may have been displayed"? Everyone in the "catalogue's" distribution area. What steps need to be taken to inform them of the error (and the new price)? I'd say a similar sized campaign, with equally large distribution. The Act mentions "reasonable" in the sense of "will likely reach most affected consumers", and not in the sense of "do as little as possible". It's meant to protect vendors who have made an effort, not otherwise.

Anyway, my opinion. Courts must decide.

 

[LazyLion]

Long story short, took the family to Ushaka for the day. 2 adults and 1 child. I could not get hold of them on the phone before we went, and got an automated response on prices. According to the automated response, the day to visit the aquarium for us would be R305. So went for the day, and got to the ticket stand. The lady tells me, they having an easter special, where you get both aquarium and water park for reduced rate. So i said, no thanks, we only want to see the aquarium side. They refused to give me normal prices, as the "buy one for 2" was the only option for me. In short, the entrance was now R405 for us 3. As far as i can tell, they can't force me to buy a higher price for the easter special, and more so because i didn't want to visit the water park. It was a hundred rand more, but that could have been lunch for us three. I am taking it up with them, but want to test my logic.

If that was the price they displayed on their website or over the phone then that is the price they should honour.
You are correct in assuming they are trying to pull one over on you.
Companies should honour the prices they advertise.

Please ignore the idiots in this thread who have no concept of business sense.

 

[Milk]

You guys are being quite harsh.

firstly uShaka shows on their website that they do allow access to the aquarium and to the water park seperately. If they want to do a group deal special and allow access to both at a reduced rate then fair enough. But how is it a special price if you know you are not going to use the water park and have to spend an extra 100 rand for a service you did not want or ask for. If it was the only option they had and mentioned it in their pricing on the phone or on the website then they are doing what they advertise.

Yes some people do go overboard with the CPA but in this case what they advertise and display (see their website) and what they were offering at the door were two different things and not in favour of the consumer.

Ummm ... actually, uShaka states quite clearly that there are only combo prices available on their website - so, no misleading info on the Rates and Times page? I checked about a week ago as i was wanting to book for their Easter event.

 

[DJ...]

Ummm ... actually, uShaka states quite clearly that there are only combo prices available on their website - so, no misleading info on the Rates and Times page? I checked about a week ago as i was wanting to book for their Easter event.

That does appear to be the case...