9 Dec 2008

Schools given guidelines for uniform sales

7:44 am on 9 December 2008

The Commerce Commission has warned schools to take care over the sale of uniforms following complaints from parents about high costs and limited choice of suppliers.

The commission says schools have to be particularly careful when entering into arrangements that may restrict competition.

The commission's director of competition, Deborah Battell, said exclusive arrangements for uniform sales can provide benefits for schools such as rebates or gifts, it reduces parental choice and can to lead to higher prices.

Its new guidelines urge schools to conduct competitive tenders regularly and, where exclusive arrangements are in place, ensure parents are fully informed about the reasons.

Ms Battell said parents want to know they are not paying more for uniforms than they would in a fully competitive market.