Dabawenyos urged to pick legit online sellers for own protection

The Davao City Business Bureau has advised Dabawenyos to check products offered in various on-line platforms for their protection and safety.

Online selling of goods has been the ‘new normal’ and preferred by more and more people than going out to shop during the coronavirus pandemic.

Business Bureau Officer-in-Charge Maribel Paguican on Tuesday said that while online platforms make things convenient for consumers it is still best to check the legitimacy of the business before getting the items for their safety.

“Ang kaning pamaagi sa marketing nga stratehiya sa mga negosyo, swak kaayo ni siya sa atong panahon karon, kaya lang as consumers, we should be careful. Tan-awon nato kung ang atoa bang ginakuha sa online maayo ba sila nga produkto, safe ba (This business marketing strategy is timely given the current situation but as consumers, we should be careful. We should check if these products we are getting on-line are good and safe),” she said in an interview with the city government-run Davao City Disaster Radio.

Paguican added that the legitimacy of the business operation should assure buyers that the products are safe for consumption and use because these undergo inspections by the city government. It is also easier to locate the sellers if they have complaints about the product since they are regulated.

“Kung wala na narehistro, kita [nga mga consumer] man gihapon ang luoy kay asa man nato siya gukuron so it’s very safe kung nagiging careful sad ta sa pagdetermine kung atoa bang gina-orderan, legit ba nga operation. Wala tay mabalikan kung dili nato sila malocate kay wala sila naregister sa LGU (It is difficult for the consumers to go after them (online sellers) if they are not registered. So, it is safer if we are careful and see to it that the operation is legitimate. We cannot go after them if we cannot locate them because they are not registered with the LGU.)”

Paguican also urged online sellers to register their business to the LGU to help the city generate revenue, for the security of their business and avoid inconveniences such as fines and penalties. She cited Section 94 of Davao City’s Revenue Code, that “it is unlawful for any person or entity to conduct or engage in any business, trade or occupation in the City of Davao without securing mayor’s permit”.

“Naa pud tay mga makuha nga benefit. Siyempre ilahang operations legit, so dili pud sila mapahawa dira, dili sila basta-basta masita (We can also get benefits. Of course, if their operations are legitimate, they will not be expelled or reprimanded.),” she said.

The bureau chief also clarified that the Certificate of Business Name Registration from the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) is not enough to conduct business in the city since the certificate only registers the name of their business and not a permit to sell products.

For those who would like to register their businesses, they may contact the Business Bureau for the requirements at 241-1000 loc 381 or email at busbureau@davaocity.gov.ph. CIO