Retailers and services are failing customers a Government survey has revealed.

The poll of 400 consumers found anger over high prices and customer care with Cable/TV and radio companies being particularly to blame.

Community Affairs and Sport Minister Randy Horton said Government had met with the worst companies to pass on information.

He said: “This month there were fewer complaints than we have been having.”

More than one third of the shoppers have complained in the last year with the major complaint being poor service, according to the survey.

Consumer Affairs Education Officer Rhonda Daniels said higher prices were expected given the high cost of living.

But she added: “In areas where providers of goods and services have complete control (giving quality service and having staff with knowledge of the products sold) they receive low marks.”

She said it suggested a lack of staff training but she said department stores fared better on the service front.

She added: “Goods and service providers seem to miss an opportunity to win customers over when things go wrong.

“Again customer expectations were not met when they had a complaint - except when they expect nothing.”

Under the Consumer Protection Act, which came into force in October 2000, Government can investigate complaints and seek redress for consumers.

Those found guilty of unfair business practices can face fines of up to $10,000 and six months in jail if they don't comply but Mr. Horton said Government was seeking to educate businesses before getting heavy.

Government will use the poll to shape policy. Mr. Horton said the survey would be repeated at least once every two years.

Other shopping gripes included limited choice and rude staff.

Shoppers prefer to spend in Hamilton according to the poll, with more than 80 percent buying in the capital compared to one percent in Somerset and less than one percent in Dockyard and St. George's.

And more than nine in ten shoppers shop overseas, including 44 percent who go online and more than one third who shop by catalogue.

Another quarter get their relatives and friends to send them things. Clothing and Footwear was highest on the shopping list.

The poll also found:

Nearly half of women buy goods only when needed and try to get them in sales while men are more likely to buy what they wanted regardless of sales.

28 percent of people shop overseas three to five times a year.

Internet shoppers spend and average of $756 a year.