Advertisement
Consumer protection in Hong Kong
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Beware of unethical sales tactics in Hong Kong self-improvement classes, watchdog warns

Consumer Council notes case of local man paying three times tuition amount he intended after intense pressure from tutors

2-MIN READ2-MIN
The Consumer Council urged caution when selecting self-improvement courses. Photo: K. Y. Cheng
Louise Moon

A Hong Kong man who enrolled in a tuition class was forced to pay HK$18,500 – nearly three times the amount he intended – in an unethical sales case highlighted by a city watchdog.

The Consumer Council warned of a city filled with unaccredited self-improvement classes focusing on personal growth and well-being while attracting clients through “undesirable sales tactics” and questions raised over instructors’ qualifications.

Store portable chargers, Hong Kong watchdog urges, after safety tests reveal failures

Consumers are reminded that currently in Hong Kong there exists no single accreditation organisation on the quality of these tutorial courses,” said council chairman of publicity and community relations Professor Michael Hui King-man.
Advertisement

The content of such classes was abstract, he added, noting people would find it difficult to evaluate their usefulness and the instructors’ level of professional knowledge.

There exists no single accreditation organisation on the quality of these tutorial courses
Professor Michael Hui, Consumer Council

As this victim discovered, the experience can lead to huge monetary loss.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x