In Costa Rica, more than 20 companies have complained that performance of the Ministry of Finance's electronic receipt system is very poor and that it collapses when companies such as telephone companies process receipts on a large scale at the beginning of the month.
In response to the complaints made by companies using the system, the Ministry of Finance defended itself stating that the system has no problems and, worse, that they are concerned that "... complaints [are being made] with data and figures whose origin is unclear"
Starting from March 1, law firms, notaries and legal advisors, as well as other professionals and legal services must be ready to use the new electronic receipt system.
"...Representatives from the Costa Rican Association of Public Accountants, suppliers and the business association GS-1 point out that the system's initial difficulties have been overcome.However they still advise that both the taxpayers in the legal sector and those who need to start using the electronic invoice in April and May, should prepare themselves in order to avoid inconveniences due to the saturation that occurs at the moment of registering in the Virtual Tax Administration system (ATV)."
Despite the arrival of large supermarket chains in Costa Rica, visits by consumers to small local stores seems to be increasing.
This was revealed by a survey of 230 people drawn from all over the country by the Asociacion GS Uno. Of those interviewed at the exits of the major supermarket chain stores, 60% said they make purchases in small stores and 45% admit to doing so daily.
Distribution and logistics are booming areas in businesses, who need to invest more in process automation and improving delivery times.
The international consulting firm Miebach, from Germany, has conducted for the first time a regional study on distribution and logistics among Central American companies, with the participation of 238 companies, 80 of them in Costa Rica (39% of the total).