Consumers must consider safety standards before buying electronic items as these may severely affect their health or damage the surrounding environment, dealers in Ajman warned yesterday.
They noted that electronic items pour in from every corner of the world, confusing the customers.
While the UAE is by and large free of low-grade products due to the authorities' efforts, recent times have seen an influx of new or used products from regions not particularly known for qualitative excellence, they observed.
Most of these consignments are in transit, for re-export to other destinations yet a small but growing percentage is today finding its way into the domestic market.
The issue is gaining strength in some pockets of the northern emirates. And most of these products possess one over-riding attraction for customers in this most cost-conscious of markets: they are priced cheaply.
The easy equation is the product-to-cost factor - but this often keeps the inherent risks hidden, particularly in sub-standard electronic items, they pointed out.
Product categories in which customers would do well to opt for reputed brands include those that emit radiation or deal with food, such as microwaves, refrigerators, television sets, air-conditioning systems and PC monitors, they added.
"Customers sometimes feel compelled to buy cheap, but poor quality electronic items due to economic conditions but they know little about the risks involved," said Ali Salim Rashid, manager of an electronic appliances firm.
"Reputed brands also carry with them consumer safety and environment friendly features, while low-cost goods are often less safe. They also do not last long and regularly need repair, proving expensive in the long run."
Ehab Barakat, a sales manager with another electronic company, added: "Poor quality microwaves, air-conditioning systems, TVs and refrigerators can harm consumers in the long run. For instance, a badly constructed refrigerator or deep-freeze may not keep food very well, while a poor air-conditioning system may not efficiently filter and clean the air from the room. Similarly, radiation from a microwave, TV or PC set could lead to problems for the consumer over a period of time.
"The customer should carefully chose the quality to maximise safety and live in a clean environment."
Shah Zayed, another electronic sales manager, estimated 30-40 per cent of customers opt for low-cost electronic items, while another 30 per cent go in for branded goods.
He, however, said few customers seek advice from the shopkeeper on what brand they should buy, regardless of the cost.
"We do encourage them to buy the big brands as it benefits both of us," he added, but indicated there has also been a change in customer thinking. "Their attitude to certain brands - particularly Japanese electronic products has changed, possibly because such brands, noted for their quality, are today produced in third countries."
Ghufran Khawaja, a senior industry executive, also pointed out customers may need to be more careful when buying electronic items on sale or promotion, or if an outlet claims to be going out of business.
"Customers should be wary if sales or promotional discounts reach 60-70 per cent should they buy such items, chances are they will rue their decision."
Gulf News 2003
