• The Consumer Council has started monitoring and grading ‘Online Certified Shop’ awardees this year (Photo Courtesy of Consumer Council)

Consumer Council Launches ‘Online Certified Shops’ Mechanism

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The Macao SAR Government Consumer Council will extend its monitoring of 'Certified Shops' to 'Online Certified Shops' this year, in order to protect the rights of consumers shopping online. All current 'Certified Shops' which also operate online business can receive the title of 'Online Certified Shops' upon application and approval by the Council.

The basic requirements for becoming an 'Online Certified Shop' include elements such as online transaction region must include Macao, a separate website or app is set up, clear details of payment and transaction are available. Also, the shop is responsible for securing the safety of the transaction and the privacy of consumers' personal details. Those passing Consumer Council evaluation will be awarded the title of 'Online Certified Shop'.

One of the highlights of the mechanism is that consumers are able to review and question as well as leave comments on the 'Online Certified Shops' area on the Council website (www.consumer.gov.mo), with the involved business required to respond within 72 hours upon receiving the message. The Council will monitor the whole process and evaluate the performance of the shop. The interactive platform serves to exchange information and to build a trusting relationship between businesses and consumers, with the business involved able to make improvements and provide better services to consumers.

Shops entitled to the 'Online Certified Shop' emblem pledge to resolve all consumer disputes; the Council also states that 'Online Certified Shops' will be monitored for a period of time to ensure the effectiveness of the mechanism.

In addition, about 1000 'Adherents' passed 2017 assessment to be awarded the 2018 'Certified Shop' emblem, with 750 shops graded B or above, 11 of which were graded 'Class A Certified Shops'.