Are consumers really the King?

We all recently read the dilemma faced by one of our fellow Rodinhooders with FlipKart when they sent them junk in the name of a Nikon DSLR worth lakhs of rupees (The Post). We also read the numerous follow ups, frantic calls and emails that were exchanged to get the money refunded back.

Everyday in the newspaper we come across deficiency in services by several airlines, either due to delay in departure, food, extra charge in the name of amenities, etc.

A similar issue came up last week, when a friend of mine had availed of extended warranty from Croma on a Hitachi air-conditioner they had bought a year back. Inspite of calling them constantly for 21 days they wouldn’t send a technician. And they even offered to refund the money back. They had paid some 4000 odd rupees to avail the warranty but the service cost was coming close to 7000 rupees. If such is the scenario, what is the use of having a extended warranty taken? After getting the matter escalated to a higher level and threat of consumer court, Croma finally did pay heed and promised to get the matter resolved. Its still not a closed chapter and has been almost 30 days now.

Recently, we had availed of services from Just Miss Call (similar to Just Dial) to list our company on their portal in the month of February 2013. They had promised us close to 45-60 leads a month. However, they failed to give us even 10 leads a month. So, in the month of March – April I followed up with the company to increase the leads or refund the money back. They promised they would look into the matter and increase the leads and requested 15 days to a month. Its July already and there is no response from them. I went to their office but apparently no managerial authority persons sits there and its apparently their registered office. They give false promises and wrong numbers and ask me visit them again the next day. During my recent trip I met an ex-employee who wasn’t paid his salary for 6 months.

I recently tried calling there system on the pretext to register myself and they are quickly ready to sell their services and apparently they have a round the year ‘special 2 day scheme’. I am still fine with not getting the money back but I want to take some action to stop them from cheating, misleading more people in the market.

Inspite of all this – Is consumer still the King? Inspite of so much awareness, consumers are still taken for a ride.

I was wondering if anyone in RodinHood currently does social work in getting matters like these resolved. If not, would anyone be interested? I am really keen on having a non-profit entity to help consumers claim their right to the ‘promised’ services if nothing more. (I am awake of just one web-portal i.e. Akosha which does this job but I do not think only a single platform would be able to resolve all such grievances).

Let me know your thoughts and probably share your experiences on how you managed to resolve an issue or let go of the matter.