Online gadget buyers in UAE are protected: Dh5,000 fine for firms ‘cheating’

Ritesh is a gadget freak, and spends a large chunk of his savings to buy a stash of the latest tech goodies. In fact, he buys them almost as soon as they are launched in the market.

Most of his purchases are often online, through bargain websites as they offer the latest gadgets at great discounts.

Although he has had fairly stress-free online shopping experiences, the last purchase, however, turned into a nightmare.

He informed ‘Emirates24|7’, that a gadget that was recently delivered to him did not work, and that he was finding it tough to get it replaced, or even refunded.

“I got a great deal for Samsung S3. When the product reached him after a week’s delay, it was not in working condition,” he narrated.

“I kept trying to get in touch with the customer care centre, but their telephone line is constantly busy and it’s a long wait before you can talk to an agent. Although they told me that it would be refunded, I’m still awaiting confirmation.”

The courier company used isn’t well-known either, adding to the misery.

Ritesh isn’t alone. There are many in the UAE who use online shopping websites, and find themselves locked in a never-ending saga when the product delivered is damaged.