Saudi buyers take to Twitter over Alshaya refund rules

Posted by: faheem pudussery Saturday, 17 December 2011 12:58 PM[UAE] - uae

Al Shaya is a typical GCC example of monopoly. they have lot of business all franchises they dont have anything their own. they dont care about customer service because most of the people in the countries they operate is expats. as long as the competition in GCC is less they will operate like this. Brands like Debnahms and H&M should stop collaborating with these big business monopolies.

Posted by: Mona Thursday, 22 December 2011 11:23 AM[UAE] - UAE

Well Done Faheem pudussery :) i like your comment!

Posted by: Ozimandius Monday, 12 December 2011 12:50 PM[UAE] - UAE

This isn't new. IKEA and Home Center follow this policy too. It's a really silly policy though.

Posted by: Mona Friday, 16 December 2011 10:48 PM[UAE] - UAE

also Home Center police -Website
"Return Policy
� At Home Centre, we are committed to your satisfaction. If a product doesn?t meet your expectations, we will offer an exchange or refund its value provided it is returned within 14 days of the date of purchase, unused, in its original condition and accompanied by an original payment receipt.
�Returns will not be accepted on unwrapped bed linen and mattresses which have been removed from their original packaging.
�In the case of damaged or defective items, an exchange or refund will be offered only when a repair is not possible. If you open a package and discover that an item is damaged, please contact customer care immediately. Products damaged while being used do not qualify for repair, exchange or refunds."

Posted by: Mona Friday, 16 December 2011 10:35 PM[UAE] - UAE

IKEA !!! No They not (this is the Refund policy- IKEA website)
"It's ok to change your mind
If you?ve changed your mind and are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, simply return the unopened items with the receipt within 30 days for an exchange or refund. Refunds will be issued in the same method of payment as the original payment (e.g. credit card purchases will be credited to the original credit card account). Please note that we do not accept returns on used bedding (i.e. all bed linens, duvets, pillows and pillow tops), any mattress or stuffed/upholstered products without a law label, cut fabrics, made-to measure items, (i.e. custom countertops), any product that has been modified/altered/washed, AS-IS products and IKEA gift cards"

Posted by: Expat Woman Wednesday, 7 December 2011 7:20 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

The point is that in Saudi Arabia fitting rooms are illegal, so it is impossible to try on before you buy. You have to pay for the item, take it home or to the washroom in the mall, and if it doesn't fit get back to the store within 3 days. This alone is a logistical nightmare as women are not allowed to drive and thus reliant on drivers/husbands. The opening hours of the stores make this harder still. Most stores are open for less than two hours in the morning, and then not again until late afternoon when there are too many family responsibilities to get out to return clothing. Shopping for clothing in Saudi is a complete pain. If Al Shaya has no regard for its customers then I hope women will shop elsewhere.

Posted by: Habeeb Tuesday, 6 December 2011 2:04 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

In case of difference between the 'returned items' and purchased item, the store gives customer 'Credit Slip', they don't even return partial amount. Example: Item worth SAR 250 is returned and another item worth 225 is purchased, the difference of 25 is not paid back, instead a 'Credit', which is similar to 'Printed receipt'

Also, the 'Credit' has 'expiry date'.

It means customerwon't be able to use the credit after certain date....surprisingly losing the amount without getting anything in return .

Moreover one has to keep this 'Credit Receipt' safe treating it as a QAR/ SAR/ AED / BD Bill that would be en-cashed only at given retail shop, not even at the group outlet.

Posted by: Jmm Tuesday, 6 December 2011 2:01 PM[UAE] - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Maybe they can consider changing some policies and installing fitting rooms in clothing stores.. if you can try before you buy there would be less need for returns. Many stores also don't allow you to return and refund items less than 3 days after purchase. It's all very annoying..