Ripped Off
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My husband and I wanted to get some jewellery for our daughters. We were having 2 necklaces made at the gold souk. When we went to collect the first one it was the design we wanted but very light and made of silver. It has turned out it is probably worth around 2oo riyals - we have been charged 1400 and we gave them 1500 deposit. They are now saying that we made a contract and there is nothing we can do. Help?!
sanjo
Just to let you know we got the 2 necklaces for 1500 - original price 2800. A better deal and a lesson learnt. So beware and make sure you have all your facts and figures and in writing before you hand over any money when getting something made. Also, remember, if you dont ask you dont get.
sanjo
Actually, the way it was described to us it should have been 'something special, one-of-a-kind' to the value of 1400 riyals but instead it is a cheap, as we would say 'lucky bag' item. We have been tricked.
I would still try with the Chamber of Commerce threat companies don't like to be black listed.
Good luck. It's definitely worth another try! Tell them that you've had it valued elsewhere and know they ripped you off, and if they don't refund the money you'll report them to the Chamber of Commerce. A threat is usually enough.
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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com
sanjo
I think you may be right although we assumed they would make the necklaces up according to weight and a making charge - there is no way that the making charge is over 1000 riyals for such a simple design - well I dont think it is - we have learned a lesson - so for anyone else getting something made make sure you have all the facts and figures beforehand and in a clearly written receipt. I am not finished with them yet though I am going back for one last attempt at some compensation - wish me luck!
If I understand you correctly, they told you they were going to make it out of silver and gold plate and you agreed on a price for that. If that's correct, then I don't think you really have a case against them.
Yes they ripped you off, but what they did wasn't illegal, they merely abused your lack of knowledge about what you were buying.
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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com
The Chamber of Commerce is off the C-Ring Road - Al Muntazah Street.
sanjo
My husband spoke to a Qatari friend who said that because we have a receipt saying - make 2 necklaces for 2800 riyals - we are screwed. Regardless of the weight and price of the silver he will say that his making charge was 2500 and we cannot do anything about it. I may go back one more time and threaten Chamber of Commerce and Police and see if anything happens - watch this space - where is the chamber of commerce?
sanjo
No, we made the mistake by telling him our budget and they told us they would make it in silver and gold plate. We had no idea at the time if this was good or bad. Only when we picked up the first necklace it was soooo light like a feather - I took it to 6 or more other shops for a value and it ranged from 120 - 350 riyals not quite the 1400 we had been charged. We know it is partly our fault and feel stupid now that we have been conned - perhaps - c'est la vie - my husband is a bit like 'oh well you learn by your mistakes and no good will come to those who cheat you but I am cheesed off and want something done especially if they will continue to fleece foreigners. Where are the police stations? We live near Villagio. Thanks.
Take the receipt and the necklace and go with your complaint to the Chamber of Commerce - if he is cheating you the Chamber of Commerce will black list him.
Sorry to hear about this, you can directly go to the police station and complain about this. Did the shop mention what is the "manufacturing" cost of the necklaces or the weight.
The police here in Qatar are very helpful and friendly. I don't think that you will loose anything in a straight forward complain.
sanjo
We feel that we have been cheated because we are foreigners - I knew I should have learned Arabic before I came - what is Arabic for 'trust me'?
sanjo
It is one of the shops within the 'gold souk' complex. We have a receipt for 2800 and that we have paid 1500 deposit. One of the staff took the deposit. We have been back to the shop and also phoned to speak with the manager - either he is not there or is unavailable and they have told us that a refund is impossible.
which is the shop? who took the cash as deposits? Do u have a receipt for ur order?