Consumer ombud warns against doing any business with Reliable Store

The Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman (CGSO) has warned against doing any business with the Reliable Store because it entered voluntary liquidation in May and is unlikely to be able to fulfil orders or process refunds. 

The store has a history of consumer complaints. The ombudsman has received 79 complaints relating to refunds and undelivered orders from Reliable Store customers since January this year, with only 25 successfully being resolved. 

Now, with Reliable Store having ceased trading, it was even more risky to do business with them.

CGSO Ombudsman Lee Soobrathi said that since last month Reliable Store also ceased cooperating with his office, which prompted them to advise complainants to escalate their issues to the National Consumer Commission. 

“Consumers are strongly advised not to conduct any business with Reliable Store. Since the company is in voluntary liquidation, there’s a high risk of placing orders for products you may never receive and encountering difficulties getting your money back.”

Reliable Store offers a wide range of products online, including electronics, home and business gadgets, tools, toys and gardening equipment. Despite the liquidation process, their website remains operational, raising concerns that unsuspecting consumers could lose money.

The business could not be reached on Wednesday morning.

Soobrathi said the Consumer Protection Act offers limited options. 

The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) protects consumers in situations where a supplier cannot fulfil an online order due to product unavailability. However, Section 46(3) of the Act requires the supplier to notify the consumer promptly and issue a refund within 30 days.

“Given Reliable Store’s current status, it’s highly unlikely they can fulfil orders or process refunds within the timeframe stipulated by ECTA,” cautioned Soobrathi. “Consumers who place orders after this announcement are likely to face significant delays and frustration in their attempts to get their money back.”

Ombudsman’s tips

• Do your research: Search online for reviews, check social media for customer experiences, and verify the company’s legitimacy;


• Read the fine print: Carefully review the store’s returns and refund policies. Important information may be hidden in the details;


• Pay securely: Use secure payment methods like credit cards with buyer protection features. DM