LaLaLayla

So, I bought my husband an iPhone 4 yesterday. When we got it home and plugged it in to charge it, it was clear that it was not charging. We followed all the online advice we could find, but still, it's not working. It is not charging. At all. Through computer or wall with any charger. There is clearly something wrong with it. So...

We took it back to the shop I bought it from (mobile phone shop in Dubai Mall). I had my receipt, etc. They told me that they would not exchange it or give me my money back as "it's Etisalat's problem as the Warranty is with them". My husband went mental at them, but to no avail. So we went to Etisalat who at first told us it was nothing to do with them and took us back to the shop to explain this to the shop, then told us that we have to ring 101 to lodge a complaint, then wait for IT to call us, who will then email me a Reference Code which I then have to take to the shop where I bought it, the shop then has to email that code back to Etisalat who then approve it and email it back to the shop. Who can then give us a replacement unit.

Having lived here for a while, I can only guess how long this will take. It is a complete PITA. Also, I know that that was the last one of that model in the shop.

Has anybody been in this situation before and can offer advice? I just want my money back so that I can go and buy another phone from somewhere else.

Thanks.

hnd

Is this any help?

http://www.consumerrights.ae/

Oyibopeppeh

That's correct....I had an iPhone replaced by Carrefour earlier this year and had to follow this procedure. It took a couple of days to sort out.

LaLaLayla

Thanks guys - really helpful

auzdafluff

Layla,

Drop me a PM with your email and the details of the company you bought it from. I'll see if I can chase it up as a story on Sunday. Even just a phone call letting the store know that I'm chasing a story might be enough to spook them into doing what they should be doing.

Desert Shaikh

FFS, talk about bureaucracy. I am surprised they dont ask you for a letter from your employer stamped by the Ministry of Labour together with your shoe size.

Try calling that number on the website and see what is their take on it.

Meow

UAE Federal law no 24 was enacted in 2006 to protect consumers. In your case the store is legally obliged to repair, replace or refund.

I write the consumer advice column in The National newsaper so let me know if I can help. I can chase for you and name and shame if they don't comply with the law.

LaLaLayla

Thanks Meow, I will - much appreciated

scrubbedexpat141

how you getting on with this out of interest?

LaLaLayla

Thanks for asking, Scamp. We had a call from the shop this morning telling us that we need to get a new SIM card before they can give us a new phone, as the old one was assigned to the phone that isn't working. So, ma'amsir, you need spend only 40 dirhams ma'msir, to purchase a new SIM card. My husband argued that he has had the old SIM card for 4 years and does not want to change his number. Their answer? It’s only 40 dirhams ma’amsir.

I mean, what the actual f***?

Meow

They are talking nonsense.

TGFKASE

Since when can a SIM card be 'assigned' to one phone and only THAT phone??

Agreed, bunch of f@#kwits...

LaLaLayla

Honestly, I've just about had it with this place...

scrubbedexpat141

Just take the old one and pretend it's the new one?

Can't you just turn up and take the phone? What it's to do with the phone seller what sim you use?

LaLaLayla

They've got the old phone. They will not give us a new phone until they get a new SIM. Actually, even then I doubt we will get a new phone as I know for a fact that they have none in stock.