Jamaica's rich tradition of extensive home improvements during the Christmas season is under threat by an unfriendly marketplace for consumers. Small businessmen pose a high risk while large business enterprises have high fees bordering on extortion.

A prime example occurred a few months ago when I tried to purchase a bookshelf from a furniture maker, who was highly recommended by a dear friend of mine. He wanted the fees up front, but I decided to make a 50 per cent down payment, and upon receipt of the finished item I would pay him the rest. This transaction took place in September, and to date I have not received the book shelf. Despite several attempts to renegotiate over the phone, my efforts have proved fruitless.

Flip side

The flip side to the story is that large furniture enterprises with their massive advertisement campaigns are no viable alternative. First, their transactions are tedious, involving the acquisition of two references, a valid ID, a current utility bill, a letter from your employer and a host of lengthy bureaucratic procedures and processes.

Second, their selling prices are almost twice the marked price after exorbitant installation fees, interest rates and other ridiculous service charges are taken into account. And finally, they add cheap, tacky 'free gifts' that you don't need in the package, and sure enough, they charge you for it somewhere there in the mix.

The end result is that consumers are left hanging in the balance trying to choose between two evils in a marketplace that is very consumer-unfriendly.

I am, etc.,

JESAYNA SCALE

jesanya19@hotmail.com