Monday, December 18, 2006

Factory Shops Fleecing Tourists

FOREIGN visitors are paying exorbitant prices for fake and low-quality products at some factory shops, believing they are authentic international brands.

However, most of these brands are never heard of outside these retail outlets, said Nanyang Siang Pau.

In its special report, the daily said there were at least three factory shops in the Klang Valley selling a wide array of items like jewellery, watches, perfume, clothes, chocolates, batik products and pewter gifts.

According to the daily, the prices were much higher than those sold at other outlets but the quality was poor.

“Most of these shops claim they are selling international brands but, in fact, most of the brand names are never heard of,” it said.

The report said these factory shops were “well connected” to several travel agencies, which would get commissions by bringing tourists to shop there.

The article quoted a tour guide, who only wanted to be known as Lui, as saying that some travel agencies would also arrange for their clients to dine at some selected cafeterias nearby to earn more commission.

The shops mainly catered for tourists who put up at hotels that are situated away from shopping malls.

Source : STAR
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