Customer service is what you experience when you shop from any international brand franchise present in other countries. You’ll feel like you’re living in caves in your own country. Bought some SIMs from Australia. They keep emailing asking, “Is everything okay? If you want to recharge, do it through this link.” Bought a Lowepro camera bag from Canada. They keep reminding me via email that its warranty is expiring. If there’s an issue, you can claim it.
The biggest example is from Istanbul two months ago. Bought two iPhone 15 Pro Maxes. They were brand new. One was ordered by a colleague and one I bought for myself. There was a problem with the colleague’s set. The screen was pressed somewhere and dead. When trying to claim a warranty on Apple’s website, they replied to an email to contact the franchise from where it was purchased. I got a call from Istanbul. They asked to send the issue along with pictures. Sent it to them.
Believe it or not, neither did they respond nor any investigation or query as to how the screen died. Though it was my colleague’s fault, still they asked to return the set.
A friend who was going to Istanbul, I sent the set with the original bill. Four days later, they gave me a brand new phone. He brought it back on his return journey.
Once I bought a 65-inch TCL TV from an official retailer in Pakistan. It was a pin pack. There was a manufacturing fault in it. When installed at home, it was discovered that there was a white spot on the corner, meaning there was light leakage from there and pixels were dead.
Despite being in warranty, the company kept me hanging for a month. Their representative made every effort to put that TV in my accounts somehow. After several days of mental agony, I had to be given a new TV.
What’s the reason that in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, there’s nothing fair? Someone has a manufacturing fault. Go to any civilized country of the world. Europe, America, Australia, Canada, etc. If you buy milk there, you won’t have to say, “Is it pure?”
Whether it’s dairy products or anything else, you won’t find it written with any product, “100% pure.” Even if you ask if it’s pure, there’s a 100% chance that looking at you, your heart will say, “What a silly person.” The reason is simply that impurity is not even considered there. What it is, it is.
Then look at restaurants, look at the menu of dishes, look at the names of everyday necessities of life. Sometimes you won’t find the name of a product with a religious touch. You’ll find “Witty Ken Steaks, Saint Joseph Viper, Saint Peter’s Restaurant, Holy Mary Swine Shop, Jesus Christ Dairy Farm, Holy Moses Hot Soup,” etc.
Here everything is being sold on Islamic touch. Everything is being sold with the tag of “100% pure,” and still, substandard and adulterated products are being sold. Why? This is the society of Muslims, and that is the secular society, so where is the fault?
FAQ: How can consumers protect themselves from encountering similar issues when shopping internationally?
Answer: Research is key. Before making a purchase, consumers should thoroughly investigate the reputation of the franchise or retailer they’re buying from. Reading reviews, checking for certifications or affiliations with reputable organizations, and understanding the return and warranty policies can help mitigate potential problems. Additionally, utilizing secure payment methods and keeping thorough documentation of transactions can provide added protection.
FAQ: What steps can be taken if a consumer encounters difficulties with a product purchased internationally but doesn’t receive satisfactory customer service assistance?
Answer: In cases where initial customer service attempts fail to resolve the issue, consumers can escalate their concerns through various channels. This may include contacting consumer protection agencies both in their own country and in the country where the purchase was made. Additionally, seeking assistance from legal counsel or filing a dispute through payment providers or credit card companies can help pursue a resolution.
FAQ: Are there any cultural or regional factors that may influence the quality of customer service experienced when shopping internationally?
Answer: Yes, cultural norms and regional practices can significantly impact the level of customer service provided. For example, communication styles, expectations around product quality, and approaches to conflict resolution may vary across different countries and cultures. Understanding these differences can help consumers navigate potential challenges and adjust their expectations accordingly.
FAQ: Is it advisable to rely solely on warranties provided by international brands when making purchases abroad?
Answer: While warranties offered by international brands can provide a level of assurance, relying solely on them may not always guarantee satisfactory outcomes. Factors such as distance, shipping costs, and the complexity of international warranty processes can make resolving issues more challenging. Therefore, it’s prudent for consumers to supplement warranty coverage with thorough research, secure payment methods, and proactive measures to protect their interests.
FAQ: How can consumers advocate for improvements in cross-border customer service standards?
Answer: Consumer feedback plays a crucial role in driving improvements in cross-border customer service standards. By sharing their experiences through online reviews, social media, and consumer advocacy platforms, individuals can raise awareness about challenges and encourage brands to prioritize customer satisfaction. Additionally, supporting initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices can contribute to positive changes in the global retail landscape.
