Background on Profeco and its Relevance
The Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) is Mexico’s consumer protection agency, responsible for ensuring that businesses adhere to fair trade practices and consumer rights. As the country’s 15th annual Buen Fin shopping event approaches, Profeco is gearing up to safeguard the interests of millions of consumers nationwide.
Buen Fin Campaign Details
The Buen Fin campaign, which takes place from November 13 to 17, is Mexico’s largest annual shopping event. To protect consumers during this period, Profeco will deploy a nationwide operation involving 1,196 public servants from both central offices and the 38 regional Offices of Consumer Defense (ODECOs).
Operational Setup
- 169 attention modules will be set up at strategic and high-traffic locations across the country.
- Active presence will be maintained in 337 shopping centers through mobile brigades to ensure compliance with advertised offers and promotions.
Consumer Advice from Profeco
Profeco encourages consumers to reflect on their purchases and consider whether they genuinely need a product or service. Here are some tips to help consumers make informed decisions:
- Budget allocation: Set a budget and create a list of necessary items to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Price comparison: Utilize tools like Quién es Quién en los Precios (QQP) to compare prices of over 3,000 products across various providers. Visit https://elbuenfin.profeco.gob.mx/ for more information.
- Online shopping monitoring: Check if digital commerce providers comply with the Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor through the Monitoreo de Tiendas Virtuales. Visit https://burocomercial.profeco.gob.mx/tiendasvirtuales/ for details.
- Review offers and terms: Examine promotional offers, such as interest-free months, cash payment bonuses, or specific bank card discounts. Also, scrutinize product guarantees, change policies, and return conditions.
- Keep receipts: Always preserve payment receipts for any clarification, modification, or return processes.
Consumer Support from Profeco
Should any discrepancies arise between a consumer and a provider, Profeco offers support through the Telcon (Consumer Helpline) available at 55 5568 8722 for Mexico City and surrounding areas, or toll-free at 800 962 8000 for the interior of the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Buen Fin campaign? The Buen Fin campaign is Mexico’s largest annual shopping event, taking place from November 13 to 17.
- How many public servants will Profeco deploy during Buen Fin? Profeco will deploy 1,196 public servants during the Buen Fin campaign.
- What tools does Profeco provide for consumers? Profeco offers Quién es Quién en los Precios (QQP) for price comparisons and Monitoreo de Tiendas Virtuales to ensure online shopping compliance.
- What should consumers do before making a purchase? Consumers should allocate a budget, create a needs list, and compare prices before purchasing.
- What should consumers do after making a purchase? Consumers must keep their payment receipts and review product guarantees, change policies, and return conditions.
- How can consumers seek assistance if there’s a dispute with a provider? Consumers can contact Profeco through the Telcon (Consumer Helpline) at 55 5568 8722 (Mexico City and surrounding areas) or toll-free at 800 962 8000 for the interior of the country.
