Perceptions about customer service vary

Having been in retail for five years, I can say that what is good customer service to a Lebanese, for example, is not necessarily good service to an Indian or British customer (Customer service excellence in UAE 'better than many countries, particularly European', September 22). The article states "the standards are high, compared to other western countries". Which countries? They should have been mentioned.

Tony Atemi Olonyi, Abu Dhabi

Sometimes I can’t return an item or exchange it. If retailers want to promote themselves like they do in Europe and the US, then they would need to improve their customer service.

I often struggle with orders, service management, and other issues.

Soad Elashrfi, Dubai

Retail in Dubai is super. Just be respectful to customer-service professionals and don’t treat them like your slaves.

Dina Tarek, Dubai

Credit cards carry great risks

I read your article Credit cards are a useful tool in the UAE – if they're respected (September 26) with interest. However, everyone who uses credit cards knows the risk behind them. They are aware of most of the risks mentioned in this article. Yet why do so many people use credit cards? That's because they are aggressively marketed.

For example, I was forcibly given a complimentary card when I took a loan from a bank.

When you have a card you will be tempted to use it. That’s what happens to most people. Sometimes they come with so many freebies that people are tempted to take them even if they don’t need them.

It’s important to understand that most of the things that are offered free with credit cards are unnecessary. They are just a trap. Credit cards are useful only when you know how to manage them.

R Thomas, Abu Dhabi

I had a friend who had four credit cards. He was juggling with those to pay his debts. He did not realise that they were only deepening his problems. Ultimately, he had to leave his job and return home. The cards could not save him. I would advise people to stay away from credit cards.

Abid Rana, Dubai

It’s time for us to stand united

One of the most critical questions of our time is what went wrong in the relationship between Muslims and the West. Continuing global violence in the name of Islam reflects deep fears of certain Muslim factions of western political, cultural and economic encroachment. The solution requires finding common ground upon which to build mutual respect and understanding.

Let us boldly challenge members of the world’s civilisations to stop demonising others while identifying themselves with pure goodness and to turn instead to a deeper understanding of those shared values that solve the acute problems facing humanity today.

Muslims must ask themselves what went wrong within their own societies. The West must also pose the same question about itself.

Whether we are Muslims, Jews, Christians or even secularists, whether we live in the Islamic world or outside, we are all in need of meaning in our lives, of ethical norms to guide our actions, of a vision that would allow us to live at peace with each other and with the rest of God’s creations.

Samaoen Osman, South Africa

Encourage these food businesses

There is no doubt that most people love fast food. So it is not surprising that a burger and kebab venture would be successful here (Gourmet burger food truck proves a big hit in Umm Al Quwain, September 26).

That said, Umm Al Quwain residents desperately needed something like this as they have limited options for dining. This type of business should be patronised.

Name withheld by request

Perceptions about customer service vary

Readers have mixed views about customer service. Other topics: credit card, food business, tolerance.