|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Out of curiosity, I added up the EMI to see if there were any hidden charges. There were none. There was no mention of home delivery charges and I wondered whether that would be added later on if you called to place an order. Also, since the discount was on the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) and many manufacturers indicate an exaggerated MRP to give retailers a decent margin of profit even after a hefty discount, I wondered how the price compared with other retailers and online shops. That’s exactly what you need to do before ordering from these shops. You must note down the model being offered and not only check its price, but also whether it is a new model or an old one and whether there are any complaints or even reviews about it- thanks to the internet, it is not difficult to do these quickly.
Tele-shopping from the comforts of your home is certainly a big advantage. You save time and money too, more so if you are getting a good discount. However, the disadvantage is that you are mostly looking at just one brand. There may be better performers at lower price. Second, you are not actually seeing or examining the product, so what you get may be quite different from what you expected. Then there are other problems like delayed delivery, product being different from what was shown or promised, poor response to consumer complaints, unfair terms and conditions, etc. So exercise utmost caution to ensure that you do not get a raw deal. Today, you also have a choice of tele-shopping networks and go for those that have a good reputation. If despite all these precautions, you still end up with a problem, you can always fallback on the consumer justice system. Let me quote one of the first cases on the subject decided by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The complainant here pertained to a set of jewellery ordered by Mr L.K.Pandya from one such network in 1995, after paying Rs 8,200 and the failure of the tele-shopping network to redress his grievance about non-delivery. The parcels were probably pilfered during transit and did not contain the promised jewellery. Before the consumer court, the teleshopping network argued that it cannot be held liable for non-delivery of goods as it had no contract with the consumer. It was neither the supplier nor the manufacturer of goods, nor had it taken any payment The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum disagreed and pointed out that the consumer had sent the money to the tele-shopping network. Besides, the sky-shop had shown, through its telecast, its ability to provide the jewellery on receipt of certain amount and on the basis of this, the complainant had ordered the product-this amounted to an agreement. By failing to deliver the promised jewellery, the tele-shopping network was guilty of deficient service and unfair trade practice. The Forum directed it to pay Rs 34,700, along with interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum Confirming this view, the National Commission pointed out that despite the insurance cover, the tele-shopping network failed to act on the complaint of the consumer and ensure that he got delivery of the ordered products. This not only amounted to deficiency in service, but also an unfair trade practice. This order not only protects the rights of consumers in these kind of transactions, but also focuses on the need for such television marketing channels to act promptly on consumer complaints .
|
||
|
|
||
Recently
You also need to confirm
the date of delivery, how long will the delivery take and if the
product does not arrive on the promised day, will they cancel the
order for a full refund? What if the product turns out to be
different from what was shown on the television? Will they take back
the product at their expense and give you a full refund? Why don’t
they collect the money at the time of delivery, after your have opened
the packet and confirmed that you have got what you have ordered and
in good condition? You also need to check the terms and conditions
governing these sales: Does the television channel take responsibility
for non-delivery, delayed delivery or damaged goods?