[Asian1]

What is the law here? My wife bought a mobile phone in MongKok. The battery door feels flimsy upon my jewlers eye inspection and the build quality seems low. It is new and not a knock off--that I am sure of. She has had it for 2.5 weeks. Went back to the shop today and they said take a hike beyond 10 days and go to the manufacturer. We have not even barely used the phone. What is the law here? In the US for example CompUSA and BestBuy lets you exchange/return electronics w/in 30 days no questions asked. Costco offers a lifetime satisfaction gurantee w/o quibble. What is the law here?

[KnowItAll]

Welcome to Hong Kong. Caveat Emptor ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caveat_emptor

No law as such. Most shops will accept returns in 7 days.

[Asian1]

Is that it? 7 days? That is what she was told at the time of purhcase but heck it remained in the box for almost a week. What an injustice.

[lowlight]

In HK, the stores are there to sell products, and that's it. That's part of the reason prices are cheaper here than elsewhere in the world. Once you buy an item, your relationship with the store ends, and now it's between you and the manufacturer of the product.

In this case, you might try bringing it back, but otherwise you should try contacting the manufacturer and see if it's covered by warranty.

Just remember that from now on when buying something here - stores are there to sell, and that's it. This is why the brand and their end user support is much more important than the store you buy from.

[discobay]

Worse still the 7-day return policy is only a return for a replacement not for a refund.

[Asian1]

I dont want a refund. Just want it to be of high quality as it is new. BTW consumer protection in HK appears to be nil. From no health inspection ratings on restaurant windows to underage tenny boppers working retail. Some of them are kind of surly too. Have you ever noticed almost every retail establishments employs young kids?

[discobay]

The best consumer protection policy I have ever come across is offered by AMEX cards.

[KnowItAll]

>> This is why the brand and their end user support is much more important
>> than the store you buy from.

Not always. The store and the sales person do make a difference. You have to learn a little bit by experience that there is a small cost to be paid for the luxury of returning an item....

For example, I've been buying my comp hardware from one of two shops and I make it a point to say hello to the sales guy there and I've never had a problem with them.

Mongkok to me is as bad as 42nd Street in New York. Never have and never will shop there .. unless I'm desperate or willing to loose the money paid.

Asian1 : I'm going to ignore you ignorant remark about restaurants etc ... nice wind up attempt.

[z754103]

Originally Posted by discobay

The best consumer protection policy I have ever come across is offered by AMEX cards.

Please can you elaborate?

[Bobbybo]

Originally Posted by Asian1

From no health inspection ratings on restaurant windows to underage tenny boppers working retail. Some of them are kind of surly too. Have you ever noticed almost every retail establishments employs young kids?

Do you mean workers less than 16yo? Have you met any?