To which aspects consumers should pay attention in choosing a mobile phone?

Today, the mobile phone market is expanding in Azerbaijan and the number of models of mobile phones imported into the country is increasing day by day. In this context, users should pay special attention to some aspects in choosing a mobile phone.

Commenting on the issue, the spokesman of the State Service for Antimonopoly Policy and Consumer Protection (SSAPCP) under the Ministry of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan told "ICTnews" electronic news service that in accordance with the Law on "Protection of Consumers' Rights", the vendor must provide the consumer with information about his organization by putting up on the store a signboard showing the name, address and work schedule of the organization. If the signboard doesn’t contain the above-stated information, the employees of the store should tell the customer the full name and legal address of the organization. People are not advised to buy mobile phones from the stores, which don’t provide this information.

The customer should also pay close attention to the phone’s accompanying documents confirming the quality of the product. These documents include a passport, warranty card and a conformity certificate. At the same time, the employees of the store must provide the customer with detailed information about the phone. Checking the phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification) code is another method that can help the consumer to distinguish between a fake and an original phone.

Thus, the IMEI code on the phone’s case must coincide with the IMEI code shown on the phone’s packing or under the battery. Besides, the seller must provide the consumer with relevant documents, including a cash check, warranty certificate, etc. If the consumer discovers any defect in the phone, he should apply to the warranty repair service center or the seller. SSAPCP experts consider it important that the appeal is made in written form and that the consumer has a receipt confirming the acceptance of the appeal by the warranty repair service center or the seller.

In case the seller does not answer the consumer's oral or written inquiry, the consumer has the right to appeal to the relevant government agency or the court. The important point is that if the consumer discovers a manufacturing defect in the mobile device, he has the right to demand payment of the full amount of damages caused to him.

The manufacture is not held responsible for any damages caused to the mobile device by the consumer. But even in this case the warranty repair service center must repair the product on a paid basis.