Unethical behaviour of businesses
IT is unfortunate to see the deterioration in service and the unchecked unethical behaviour of businesses today. I recently experienced something that is a testimony of this deterioration.
I had decided to take my family on vacations to Skardu to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of Skardu Valley and its surrounding areas.
I booked a room in one of the most prominent hotels. The hotel reservation staff requested an advance payment of Rs20,000 to be deposited in the hotel’s online account. Since the flights to Skardu are weather dependant, I showed my concern that in case the flight gets cancelled what would be the fate of my money. I was assured that it would be immediately refunded.
Unfortunately, the flight got cancelled for two days and, accordingly, I had to change my travel plan within the limited holidays that I had. On the same day, I sent an email to hotel’s management and spoke to them over the phone for my refund. It has now been almost a month that I have been demanding my money to be returned but in vain.
I have just been informed by them that they would not be able to refund the amount due to me anytime soon. As evidence I have a complete chain of emails as well as the deposit slip.
Through these columns I would like to lodge a complaint against the management of hotel and would like to request the authorities concerned to intervene. Failing which I have no other option but to knock at the doors of the judiciary.
TAHA ABBASI
Karachi
Consumers are not protected by government supported consumer protection. Tourism is promoted in Pakistan but it is not protected by private or government organizations. I will keep my savings in my control and would not let unknown hotel personnels to control my savings. Good luck.
Please ask your bank, maybe they are able to cancel the transaction and get your money back.
In the USA, we have something called Better Business Bureau. (BBB) If anyone in business behaves this way you can send your report to BBB and they take them to task. Would anyone please start BBB is Pakistan?
Dear Sir, If you have done the online transaction through VISA or MasterCard, then you can raise a CHARGE BACK (customer asking for refund of money in case of Services not rendered) and as an evidence you can show the chain of mails you had with the Hotel. Raising chargeback has to be done through the bank which issued you the card and submit all the evidences to your issuer bank. I feel, you will get your money back. Wishes from India – Ravishankar