ORRA TOOK US FOR A RIDE
Recently, we had a shocking experience at ORRA. We had subscribed to Gold Investment Scheme (GIS) of ORRA about 10 months ago. As per this, after a continuous monthly subscription, at the end of 10th month, ORRA had assured us to pay us a bonus equal to 1.5 times the monthly contribution, apart from a monthly lucky draw. After the end of the scheme period, we can purchase jewellery item against the accumulated amount (including the bonus amount and lucky drawer amount if any) and payment of any excess amount as per the transaction value.
We approached ORRA on Gudi Padwa day with lot of excitement. There was also a 25% discount on diamond jewellery for the festival. After selection of an item, at the payment stage, we had a rude shock when we were told that either we can buy the jewellery with 25% discount by full payment, or, we can buy the jewellery without any discount by adjusting from our GIS amount. In the T&C of GIS, at #14, it is mentioned that “No additional return / benefit / discount shall be provided under this scheme.”
However, we did not seek additional return / benefit / discount under GIS, but only sought adjustment of GIS amount against the sale value which was applicable as per the festival scheme and not under GIS. The T&C does not mention anything about clubbing of the two schemes. And we clearly remember that at the time of joining GIS, the ORRA person had mentioned that we will be able to buy at any festival sale price, now we learn that it was only a salesman’s talk. They don’t bring to one’s knowledge all the important T&Cs, we are in possession of the scheme details circulated by WhatsApp which does not mention any such T&C as told to us now.
This month also happens to be my wife’s birthday month. We had received an SMS as ”May you have many more! It's ur B'day month! Get up to 30% (25% ORRA Sale + 5% B'day) discount on Diamond Jewellery at ORRA. Valid till 30 Apr. GV-ORRBDAY5.T&C”. When we offered to buy the selected jewellery (which was indeed diamond jewellery), we were told that this item was not covered under the sale. When we demanded an explanation, we were told that we should read “T&C”. For sure, T&C were not sent with the above SMS.
We need to mention here another scheme by another jeweller in which we participated. We will not mention the name here to avoid any unnecessary marketing for that jeweller who is also a big name. There was no monthly lucky draw, other factors were same. And at the end of the scheme period, we could buy any gold / diamond jewellery at 0% making charge (upto 18% making charge items, and difference to be paid for higher making charge items). Without any T&C, we were able to buy jewellery of our choice and we indeed felt very satisfied.
Finally, we returned home empty-handed but a good lesson that ORRA taught us. Every scheme is just marketing and there is nothing for customers. Birthday offers are only to reduce out-dated stocks and not a birthday gift. We continue to feel cheated and humiliated.
We write here to:
1. Bring the truth to the knowledge of common people like us.
2. Seek guidance from any knowledgeable person if we can approach any consumer forum.
3. Take oath that we will not participate in ORRA schemes.
