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Discuss this article (11 Comments)Dubai retailers urged to accept returned goods
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Thursday, 01 October 2009
RETURNED GOODS: A new campaign has been launched to encourage Dubai retailers to accept and exchange returned goods. (Getty Images)
Dubai officials have launched a new campaign targeting retailers in the city who do not accept or exchange returned goods.
The initiative by the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division at the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) aims to change the stance of some retailers who refuse to take back or change products previously sold to customers.
Officials say their stance does not comply with Federal Law No 24 of 2006 in respect of protection of consumers, Article (5).
“Dubai has positioned itself as the shopping capital of the region and is recognised as the major shopping destination for high quality products and global brands. Hence, it is important to ensure that customers receive the best possible service in order to ensure satisfaction and loyalty,” said Mohammed Hilal Al Muroushedi, CEO, Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division, DED.
“The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division at DED is keen to support consumers’ rights and make sure that stores are abiding by the rules and regulations in that matter.”
Article (5), he said, stipulates that the supplier is required to return or exchange the goods in the event of any defect discovered by the consumer.
But some retailers refuse to deal with customers on sold items, a statement from DED said, and these will be targeted by inspectors as part of a campaign to also ensure that retailers display prices clearly and in the local currency.
He said: “We are now targeting salons to guarantee their commitment to display the prices. Our campaign has already covered 1,000 salons out of 2,700.”
READERS' COMMENTS
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Yeah.....Home Centre
Posted by Mick, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 6 October 2009 at 15:47 UAE time
Yeah, it was Home Centre.....I didnt want to mention the name but after one more week of trying to deal with them, they left me high and dry again after the third promise to come and fix the faulty product that I paid 1,000 bucks for just 4 months ago.
They are absolutely useless and don't care about their customer.
I sat across from a representative in his office at the MoE and he says tonight someone will come and fix your bed and if not tonight then 7pm next Saturday....noone came either time.
Then a couple of months later, I finally got someone to come.....3 hours late because "he was having lunch"....he says he will talk to the management and see if they can replace the footboard that is faulty....a week later.....no word and I can't reach anyone.
Thanks Home Centre.....shining example of unusefulness in retail.
Shame.....you set back customer care by decades. Thanks for nothing.
Posted by Mick, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 6 October 2009 at 15:47 UAE time
Yeah, it was Home Centre.....I didnt want to mention the name but after one more week of trying to deal with them, they left me high and dry again after the third promise to come and fix the faulty product that I paid 1,000 bucks for just 4 months ago.
They are absolutely useless and don't care about their customer.
I sat across from a representative in his office at the MoE and he says tonight someone will come and fix your bed and if not tonight then 7pm next Saturday....noone came either time.
Then a couple of months later, I finally got someone to come.....3 hours late because "he was having lunch"....he says he will talk to the management and see if they can replace the footboard that is faulty....a week later.....no word and I can't reach anyone.
Thanks Home Centre.....shining example of unusefulness in retail.
Shame.....you set back customer care by decades. Thanks for nothing.
what customer service??
Posted by Cust Omer on Monday 5 October 2009 at 10:21 UAE time
It does not exist in this part of the world...I had to return a vaccum cleaner some 45 minutes after I bought it from a well known outlet because the hose snapped. When I tried to explain this they simply said that I "broke it".... surely did not have any of this and did not leave the store until I got my full refund.
Posted by Cust Omer on Monday 5 October 2009 at 10:21 UAE time
It does not exist in this part of the world...I had to return a vaccum cleaner some 45 minutes after I bought it from a well known outlet because the hose snapped. When I tried to explain this they simply said that I "broke it".... surely did not have any of this and did not leave the store until I got my full refund.
Buy online!!
Posted by Frank, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 4 October 2009 at 08:53 UAE time
Consumer Protection in UAE or Gulf region??? You are joking...there is no such a thing here. I personally buy most of my electronic goods from well known online stores i Europe or US, because in most cases after you receive the goods you have 25 days to decide whether to return the goods for exchange or to get your money credited or fully refunded...after 25 days the standard warranty policy comes to effect...and here I am talking about online purchase...I have purchased online DVD Player, Camera, Camcorder, Notebook and Mobile Phones...and customer service, return policy & consumer protection is superb!!!All those above are non existence in this region.
Posted by Frank, Dubai, UAE on Sunday 4 October 2009 at 08:53 UAE time
Consumer Protection in UAE or Gulf region??? You are joking...there is no such a thing here. I personally buy most of my electronic goods from well known online stores i Europe or US, because in most cases after you receive the goods you have 25 days to decide whether to return the goods for exchange or to get your money credited or fully refunded...after 25 days the standard warranty policy comes to effect...and here I am talking about online purchase...I have purchased online DVD Player, Camera, Camcorder, Notebook and Mobile Phones...and customer service, return policy & consumer protection is superb!!!All those above are non existence in this region.
Don't Get ripped off
Posted by Glen, Dubai, U.A.E. on Saturday 3 October 2009 at 09:43 UAE time
My Grandson received a gift of a well known brand play station purchased from a well know Dubai chain of Electronic Goods Retailer. The Playstation malfunctioned and when returned for service it was refused due to the fact that he did not have the invoive. No amount of discussion or persuassion could resolve the matter here in Dubai.
Connor went on holiday to the UK with his parents and they phoned a local retail outlet in the UK, told them of the problem with the unit, immediately they were requested to provide, NO NOT THE INVOICE NUMBER, the serial number. They were asked to hold the line and within less than a minute the voice on the other end was asking for their address details, availability at the address and forewarned to have the defective playstation ready to be exchanged with a new replacement which would be delivered to theit home as they can clearly see on the system that it is a 2009 model.
After a two day wait at 9.00am the the doorbell rang the package with a replacement was delivered, the defective unit handed over and returned with the delivery man. Now that sounds great dosen't it.
The answer is no, the best is yet to come, my grandson opens the package and to his amazement and great joy the Playstaion has been replaced with a brand new upgradeded latest addition model. Just goes to show that the marketer of the brand does not belive in greatness but excellence which this Dubai retailer is unable to deliver.
This is called service, unlike the empty promises made by the Dubai retailer who never fulfils once he has taken your money.
Now even a ten year old will never forget, not to go back to the store where you Do Get ripped off.
Posted by Glen, Dubai, U.A.E. on Saturday 3 October 2009 at 09:43 UAE time
My Grandson received a gift of a well known brand play station purchased from a well know Dubai chain of Electronic Goods Retailer. The Playstation malfunctioned and when returned for service it was refused due to the fact that he did not have the invoive. No amount of discussion or persuassion could resolve the matter here in Dubai.
Connor went on holiday to the UK with his parents and they phoned a local retail outlet in the UK, told them of the problem with the unit, immediately they were requested to provide, NO NOT THE INVOICE NUMBER, the serial number. They were asked to hold the line and within less than a minute the voice on the other end was asking for their address details, availability at the address and forewarned to have the defective playstation ready to be exchanged with a new replacement which would be delivered to theit home as they can clearly see on the system that it is a 2009 model.
After a two day wait at 9.00am the the doorbell rang the package with a replacement was delivered, the defective unit handed over and returned with the delivery man. Now that sounds great dosen't it.
The answer is no, the best is yet to come, my grandson opens the package and to his amazement and great joy the Playstaion has been replaced with a brand new upgradeded latest addition model. Just goes to show that the marketer of the brand does not belive in greatness but excellence which this Dubai retailer is unable to deliver.
This is called service, unlike the empty promises made by the Dubai retailer who never fulfils once he has taken your money.
Now even a ten year old will never forget, not to go back to the store where you Do Get ripped off.
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