Avoid impulsive shopping

Shop for Eid well in advance to avoid disappointments

Published: Tue 7 Jul 2015, 6:40 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 9:02 PM

A well thought out and planned spending is necessary when several products and services of high quality are available in the Dubai markets. The products which are in abundance and of good quality attract consumers and spur them to spend impulsively. There is no doubt that the trader always endeavours to provide the best to the consumer, and we at the Department of Economic Development-Dubai ( DED) encourage traders to provide the best products and solutions which will help add value to the consumer and make his or her life easy.
Most consumers postpone their Eid shopping to the last two to three days of Ramadan. Postponing all your needs for the last days of Ramadan will put you under great pressure and also affect the devotional spirit which should abound during this period. In addition to this, the consumer might face several challenges, foremost being a price hike. Traders, in turn, take advantage of the high demand and increase prices as Eid Al Fitr draws near. Also, a huge demand could result in shortage of a few items. This may prompt the consumer to look for substitute products which might not match his desires and needs, and might be expensive.

Hence it is recommended that all shopping be done well in advance. Another challenge a consumer faces is that new clothes are not ready in time for Eid. We get several complaints about defects in made-to-order dresses. Most often the service provider will not be able to address the mistake due to lack of time. This affects the consumer's celebrations. Hence, it is best to start making preparations as soon as the holy month of Ramadan starts. This will give them peace of mind and satisfaction which will in turn help him spend the month in devotion. Spend carefully and buy only what you need.
(As told by Adel Al Hilou, expert in consumer protection)

DED participates in cultural event

The Consumer Awareness Section of the Department of Economic Development - Dubai took part in an event organised by the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding recently. During the event, the section highlighted the role played by the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Sector in streamlining the economic activities in Dubai, protecting consumers and organising the relationship between merchants and consumers.

The Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding aimed to bolster and impart local traditions and Islamic values of the UAE among the participants of the event. Many people, including public figures, took part in the event.

Complaints & ResponsesBlender replaced: A lady approached the Consumer Complaints Section to complain against a sales outlet which sold her a defective blender. The lady demanded a new one in her complaint.
The complaints section found that the complaint was genuine, as a manufacturing defect was detected in the blender. The section ordered the sales outlet to replace the faulty apparatus.
Update details: A man complained against a money transfer facility alleging it failed to deliver the amount on time. He claimed the amount was not delivered to the recipient for nearly a month since the transfer was made. The consumer section found the complainant had registered wrong information in his transfer records, and the money was not remitted for security reasons. The complainant has been informed that he has to update the information in order to proceed with the money transfer.
Faulty door: A man complained that he had installed a device to open the house door automatically. However, after a week of use, the device developed a fault. The section, after reviewing the documents produced by the complainant, contacted the seller who agreed to send technicians to fix the fault. The complainant has been informed about the same.
(Compiled by Salah Al Deberky)

Ahmed Al Zaabi, Senior Director of the Consumer Awareness Section, said the section discussed the latest economic developments in Dubai at the event. "We explained the role played by the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Sector in safeguarding the rights of consumers and merchandisers, and raising their awareness through stands and distributing brochures," he said. The sector, Al Zaabi stressed, launched many initiatives, which 'contributed greatly' to boosting and consolidating the confidence and culture of consumers.
The section's representatives were present at the event for two days, which saw over 200 participants. Al Zaabi said the Consumer Awareness Section is keen on taking part in events with the aim of enlightening the public about their rights and duties, and receive feedback and complaints on ground. - salah@khaleejtimes.com

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Published: Tue 7 Jul 2015, 6:40 PM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 9:02 PM