Shoppers in Beijing can now name and shame companies they feel use unfair practices and policies as part of a campaign to highlight consumer rights.

The drive, which runs until May 1, urges disgruntled customers to get even by collecting evidence on stores and other businesses that refuse to pay refunds or exchange goods.

A bulletin released by the Beijing Consumers' Association state that all calls and e-mails will be reviewed by a team of experts and officials. Enforcement officers from the capital's commerce and industry bureau will also investigate complaints and impose penalties on offending firms.

Practices that infringe on consumer rights are most common among monopolized industries and public service sectors, such as in insurance and telecommunication, according to the bulletin, which warns that these dictatorial ways will not disappeared on their own.

Feng Tian, 31, who works at a Beijing design company, said despite the fact many shops promise to refund or exchange goods, she has actually witnessed many occasions when various "clauses" have prevented shoppers from doing so.

"I once bought an alarm clock at a home products store in Raffles shopping center," she recalled. "The clock failed to wake me up several times, I don't know why.

"Yet, when I took it to the shop to exchange it, the shop assistant tested it three times and it worked well. So he refused to change the clock for me.

"I felt so angry, as if the assistant was calling me a liar, pretending there was something wrong just to get another one," said Feng, who never did get a new clock. "Consumers should be treated with trust and respect."

At the popular 798 Art Zone last week, one shop selling artworks displayed a sign that read: "Sacrifice sale. Once sold, no change."

The owner, a man in his 40s surnamed Liang, said he had his own "reasons", before explaining: "My business is not good and I want to end it and embark on something else. That's why I'm getting rid of everything in the shop with cheap bargains. If everyone comes back to change things, I'm never going to be to close the shop."

Most shoppers told METRO that they support the Beijing Consumers' Association campaign.

"These are important rights that concern everyone," said Liu Zhongguo, 66, as he browsed the aisles at Walmart's Wangjing store. He said he will be keeping his eyes peeled for rogue practices, and adding: "I'll definitely make a call to the hotline to report what I see."