New refund policy in Qatar gives more power to consumers

Outlets in Qatar will be required to follow to a new refund policy where consumers can request a refund or exchange of a product if they are not satisfied with the purchase.

According to a new circular issued by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), a consumer has the right to return an item or seek an exchange regardless of his/her motives.

If a shop claims that they are selling a product at the lowest market price and the consumer finds it being sold at another shop at a lower price, the owner of the first shop has to compensate the client for the price difference.

The circular also states that if the item is delivered to consumers through home delivery service, it should be free of charge. Traders must provide a space for consumers to try products before making a purchase.

The amount paid by consumers is refunded according to the method of payment (credit card, cheque, cash payment or ATM card). If the product was bought by credit card, the amount is refunded to the card used by the consumer to make the purchase, the circular added.

MEC has given businesses in Qatar a dealine of two weeks to overhaul their return and exchange policies and to comply with the circular.

Once the new policies are enforced, consumers in Qatar will have more power in their hands than ever before.

To know more about the points listed in the circular, please go here.

QLers, remember, with great power comes great responsibility - use it wisely