Editorial | Another valuable lesson for Hong Kong consumers
- The sudden closure of the Brilliant Education tutoring firm has left clients and employees out of pocket, a reminder that prepayments should be made with care and that authorities should always be vigilant with such businesses
The sudden closure of a commercial outlet brings more than inconvenience to customers. More often than not, it may also highlight inadequacies in consumer protection and supervision issues involving the authorities.
It is important that the rights of those affected are taken care of. Officials should also follow up any malpractices according to the law and avoid a recurrence of similar incidents by strengthening enforcement and protection for consumers.
Parents and children were understandably outraged after Brilliant Education announced its closure without explanation over the weekend. Established in 1996, the private group ran six centres offering tutoring and other learning activities.
The abrupt shutdown not just inconvenienced many who had signed up for summer and regular courses. It once again put the spotlight on the common practice in which customers are often lured to make hefty advance payments in return for discounts.
According to the guidelines, tuition fees for schools with non-formal curriculum should only be collected monthly.
