UAE- Back to school: Don't fall for pester power

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)The roads in Dubai could be less crowded now but this is not the case at shopping malls and department stores. Clothes shops and stationery stores are packed with parents flocking to buy what their children require when they head back to school early next week. Parents are on the look-out for stationery backpacks formal footwear sportswear and school uniform.

The Department of Economic Development-Dubai (DED) has urged parents to steer clear from unnecessary shopping since they pose a threat to their monthly budget.

Parents as consumers should know exactly what they should buy and what they should not. They should not fall for pester power and go for expensive things just for their children to show off. It is not necessary to purchase everything from expensive shops.

Complaints & Responses Company forced to replace goods

A consumer approached the Company forced to replace goods Consumer Complaint Section alleging a trader delivered goods not matching with his specifications on the purchase order. The complainant also said when he contacted the company to get the products replaced the trader did not cooperate with him.

As per the signed contract the trader was supposed to deliver the goods to a destination agreed between them.

Abdullah Al Shehi Director of the Commercial Control Department said that the section has mulled over the complaint and reviewed the documents submitted by the complainant.

A coordinator of the section contacted both parties to examine the delivered goods. It was found that the goods did not match with the requirements sought by the consumer.

The report also showed the consumer was delivered spoiled and used goods.

Subsequently the Consumer Complaint Section suggested a commercial fraud case before the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Section.

Following that the company was asked to replace the goods bearing the freight charges.

Al Shehi suggested that consumers must always get the contract attested retain receipts and bills related to the purchase order to claim one's rights.

(Compiled by Salah Al Deberky)

And remember do not buy a commodity the moment you see it rather check out at various shops and find out if you can get the same things of the same quality at a better price. Many shops succeed in luring children with their wares.

Every year there are complaints of high prices for back-to-school products during this season.

We at the DED personally visit sales outlets and compare the prices of school bags including backpacks. Most often a remarkable difference in prices is noted.

Very often inferior products are sold for high prices. And shops owners attribute them to the country of origin high rent of shops and Expo 2020.

For a safe and economical shopping we advice consumers to observe the following:

> Compare the prices at several sales outlets and check the quality of the product.

> Shy away from copied (fake) school bags which could cause health hazards to children.

> Do not be tempted by the promises made by traders. Only buy what is needed.

> Do not yield to children's pestering. Instead direct them to buy the correct commodity.

> Budget your expenses and try not to overstep them.

* Check the items before making payment and leaving the cashier counter.

* Make sure the item has no manufacturing defects.

Wish you a happy 'back to school' season.

(As told by Aisha Al Muhairi Senior Director of the Development DED)

Salah Al Deberky