Consumer complaints over the amount of VAT charged on products accounted for 15 per cent of all disputes submitted to the Department of Economic Development in the first quarter of 2018.
From a total of 8,166 consumer complaints lodged with the DED, non-compliance with purchase agreements formed almost a third of all complaints (30 per cent) with 17 per cent of consumers complaining about disputes over cash refunds.
The department has received a daily average of 270 complaints, 30 per cent more than the first quarter of 2017. One in three complainants were reporting about poor service.
Mohammed Lootah, chief executive of the commercial compliance and consumer protection sector, said his department dealt with 1,007 issues, out of which consumer complaints accounted for 81 per cent.
"The retail sector is a key driver of local economic growth in Dubai and the UAE,” he said.
“Our effort is to bring greater transparency into business transactions, and create a culture of awareness and neutrality in the buying and selling processes in the retail sector, in accordance with the highest quality standards and practices.”
Product failure was the reason for more than 700 complaints, while 350 complaints were submitted for non-compliance with warranty items. Disputes over additional charges on products or services made up almost 3 per cent of all complaints.
Of the total number of complaints in the time period, 16.7 per cent were from the electronics sector whilst 10.7 per cent related to e-commerce.
A further 7.9 per cent were regarding vehicles and 6 per cent were about car rentals.
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Read more:
Bad maths and poor service: Abu Dhabi tax inspectors catch out stores during VAT visits
Fourteen Dubai retailers fined for exploiting VAT in December
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All other complaints concerned textiles, furniture, shipping, clothing and accessories.
In an online poll conducted by the DED, of almost a thousand people to have taken part to date – 84 per cent said they did not know how to officially complain about a product or service.
To make a complaint, consumers can approach CCCP by phone or email. On receiving a complaint, CCCP will contact each person involved to try and find a satisfactory resolution.
The department aims to resolve most complaints within 30 days, but that isn´t always possible, especially when the issue is complicated or there is a lack of co-operation from the parties involved.
“The DED and CCCP will immediately follow up on any complaints received, communicating with the parties concerned,” Mr Lootah said.
“We will work towards finding solutions acceptable to all parties concerned within a period not exceeding four working days from the date of receiving the complaint.”
Commercial compliance fines range from Dh250 for failure to renew a licence up to Dh20,000 for submitting false information.
To submit a complaint online, visit consumerrights.ae.
Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay
Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.
Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.
Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
England 353
Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88
New Zealand 144-4
Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
Company%20Profile
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