Q: A leading racecourse in the UAE changed its plans for an event after I bought tickets. The new timings were not good for me, but they wouldn’t give me a full refund. What action, if any, can I take?
A: Any tickets purchased for an event or a concert are subject to the same principles of consumer protection laws as goods and services. All terms and conditions should be clearly mentioned on those tickets. It is generally advisable to go through all terms and conditions before any purchase of tickets. Event organisers may reserve a right to change venue, reschedule or otherwise postpone the date of an event without prior consent of the consumer. If, however, the terms and conditions do not give a right to postpone or reschedule then any liability arising from breach of terms should be upheld against it.
Q: What can be done if online retailers fail to honour their refund policies after an item is returned?
A: An online retail outlet or supplier is subject to the same obligations arising under consumer protection law as any shop with a physical presence. As long as the goods or products are supplied from and within the UAE, UAE consumer law will apply. Any online purchase made from a store outside the UAE may not be subject to UAE consumer protection laws. However, if an online shop is acting as a broker between a supplier or seller and end user then only the supplier or seller is subject to Law No?24 of 2006 – consumer protection laws. A cash refund is an available remedy when there is a defect in goods or if they have a wrong description.
Q: Where can one fix broken electronic accessories without having to pay more than what they are worth?
A: Prices for repairs or replacements are set by sellers, suppliers or manufacturers. A buyer is not obliged to pay for repairs if the cost of repairing the product is higher or equal to the actual market price of the product. Such decisions are at the buyer’s discretion. There is no regulating or governing law that states the cost of repairs must be lower than the market price of products.
If you have a question for Mr Elhais, email newsdesk@thenational.ae with the subject line ‘Consumer Q&A’.
