September comes loaded with deals of up to 50% or more on merchandise that can be enjoyed by consumers with the start of the “fiscal year*” month.
September is also a close out month for many retailers in Costa Rica to make room for arriving Christmas merchandise.
Either way consumers benefit and the sales start thi weekend.
According to Francisco Llobet, president of the Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (Chamber of Commerce) says September offers consumers a great opportunity to make purchases at discounts.
However, Llobet warns that consumers should not neglect their family’s economy since, unlike December when workers get their “aguinaldo” (annual bonus by law), there is no additional income in September. And borrowing to take advantage of promotions could turn out to be a bad deal in the end.
The September promotions also coincide with the Dia del Niño (Children’s Day) that is celebrated in Costa Rica on September 9. Children’s Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world, to honorr children globally. It was first proclaimed by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925 and then established universally in 1954 to protect an “appropriate” day.
Consumer Rights
In Costa Rica consumers have rights. Among the main rights of every consumer, Erick Ulate of Consumidores de Costa Rica, highlights the top three:
1. ALL items new, used or rebuilt must have a 30 day warrantee, this in accordance with Article 43 of Ley 7472,
2. Retailers must indicate the benefit to the consumer of any special pricing, that it is it must show the before sale and current price.
3. Under no circumstances should a retailer not provide an invoice or sales receipt
For any consumer questions you can call the Comisión Nacional del Consumidor of the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio (MEIC) at 2549 1400 ext. 888 or visit the MEIC website.
* The fiscal year in Costa Rica runs from October 1st to September 30th The Fiscal year in Costa Rican ends on September 30. All Costa Rican tax returns are due by December 15.
