THE number of complaints regarding prepaid consumption in Shenzhen reached nearly 20,000 last year, according to information released by Shenzhen Consumer Council (SCC). Prepaid consumption, which entails buying a prepaid card from stores to get some benefits such as discounts or gifts that are redeemable at a later date, has become a popular business model for the service industries, including education, hairdressing and fitness. However, this has resulted in dishonest business practices like closing stores without notice and defaulting on refunds, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday. A consumer named Zhao Lin told the Daily that she spent more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,490) on a prepaid card at a beauty salon in Longgang District last year. “However, the store closed March 3 this year without notifying its customers,” said Zhao, adding that she and other customers of the store could not reach the business owner, who might have fled. Another consumer, Huang Xiaoli, said that she paid for English courses for her daughter at the Qiaoxiang outlet of Tomson Kids English in Futian District last year. Later, she was informed that her daughter had been suspended from the class because she kept interrupting other students during lessons. Huang applied for a refund. However, Tomson declined to give Huang a full refund, even though they had promised Huang a full refund if her child could not fit in, according to Huang. “Many parents are cajoled into buying lessons for their children. However, oral promises aren’t useful,” Huang added. A lawyer named Luo Yan advised consumers be rational while shopping and check the conditions of a store before purchasing a prepaid card. Staff at Shenzhen Consumer Council said that the prepaid-card model is riddled with pitfalls. Consumers can call 12315 to make a complaint, and the council will send a list of enterprises that have exhibited these dishonest behaviors to szcredit.com. Additionally, staff at the council urged the legislation of relevant laws to regulate business operators. (Wang Jingli) | 