The sale of computers as well as hardware and accessories at uniform rates all over the country has not begun as yet, though in some areas, a uniformed rate was noticed.
Relevant people say that the rule cannot be applied since there are plenty of brands and products in the market.
The Bangladesh Computer Society, BCS, has taken the initiative to ensure similar rates all over the country though specialists feel this will take time.
The importers and sellers are mainly worried about how the unsold items will be brought under the rule of a uniformed price list.
From 22 July last, the MRP and Warranty policy 2018 were implemented over computer and computer parts. Once implemented, this will ensure quality of computer items and benefit users and computer traders.
Before this rule, prices varied and, often, the rates were quite high outside Dhaka.
Now all items have prices plastered to the body.
BCS president, Subrata Sarkar, says; “as a result of the rule, buyers won’t be deceived; however, it will take some time for the whole rule to be implemented.”
A trader told Bangla Tribune: “this step has been taken to preserve the rights of buyers and sellers. Once implemented, this will ensure a transparent environment.”
But buyers are worried about parts that are brought in illegally and are sold in what is called the ‘grey’ market, or the market which cannot be regulated.
The rule is to have grey items without any sticker, so a buyer will understand that this is an item bought without following the formal procedures.
A trader in Jashore says: “before making the declaration for a uniformed price, more research was necessary.”
The ‘grey’ market items may create a headache later on, he feared.