Absa Business Bank Lying about Application Time

Hi,

I am very very very disappointed with Absa and the new launch makes me even more disappointed. I'd think with a new launch better service would be provided.

I app**** for a Business Start-Up Loan as advertised on their website. I called in and I was told it wont take longer than two weeks to get a response once an application has been made. I wanted things to move quickly as per two weeks I was advised so I opted to rather go to Centurion branch since the Montana office branch only had availability after 18 May but centurion had around 27 April.

I was then sent to Tumelo Mashishi ( who I have to say her person to person rapport is great). She then told me in person that the application should take about 8 days not longer than two weeks.

I then brought in my paperwork the next day and emailed her the my contract and cash flows the following day. A few days later she said she could not open the documents and then two days later I resent them individually. I followed up with her to see if she received the paperwork via email and I had no response. I was assuming no response is good news.

The whole of May went by and I still had no response. I called her and she said they are still reviewing my application and not to worry everything will be fine it's a good business I'll most probably get approved. Naturally this made me at ease. This is when she then emails me that credit cant view documents. I'm thinking WHAT!! I sent these in April already and resent so clearly my application was just laying in her office.

Some more time went by about a week (note we are now in end of May) then I drive to Centurion to see her personally and caught her leaving and she said she will be in Montana that Thursday I should come and she will let me know what time, she will also follow up with credit.

She never did let me know what time to come to Montana and I just went there myself. It turns out she was training. We spoke again and she said Friday or Monday she should have a response.

Friday came no news, I called her to follow up because I was frustrated that she doesnt communicate with me. She also denies that she doesnt respond to my follow up emails ( I have proof of this.) This is when she promised she will let me know on Monday

Then Monday came no news, Tuesday comes no news, Wednesday comes no news so I decide to follow up then she tells me she is discussing with credit and she must still motivate my application. Mind you we are in JUNE now!! Then she says that no they need my contract signed.

Two months of waiting and the best response I have received is the contract must be signed. She has had my application since end of April, end of June I am told my contract must be signed. If I had known this in April I would have done it in the meantime as I know it takes long for me to corresspond with my client and for them to send paperwork.

I then was at the Business Show today held in Midrand whom Absa is the main sponsor. I spoke to them and asked generally how long does a response take for such and they told me (mind you a guy who works in credit) that it shouldn't take longer than two weeks. Once credit received an application they have to respond to the consultant withing 48hours. I told them that my application took close to two months and the best response I got was that my contract wasn't signed.

They said this is possibly that the consulant herself delayed my application and she has a checklist so she should have known by then that if my contract isnt signed I should have it signed before sending to credit . Like I have said before Tumelo's person to person service is great HOWEVER I'm not sure of everything else and her admin and work ethic (sorry). An application should not take two months.

I was told to ask for the Centurion Area Sales Manager and escalate my story.

I am now waiting for my contract to be signed and forward to credit but I feel with my patience with Absa they can make a temporary decision awaiting a signed contract. Because I am also delaying to get a signed contract as without funds my contract can not be signed.

Can Tumelo's supperior please help me or can credit get back to me or the Area Sales Manager.

Ps. I have email proof that this correspondence with her took way too long. I have also worked with customer services jobs in the travel industry and I know how to double check a clients paperwork for visa to make SURE that when they get to the embassy they have everything. This is why I was so patient with Tumelo, I know clients can nag and i didnt want to be that person. I do think my kindness and patience has been taken for granted.

Please respond to me via email as I am not available for calls today only from tomorrow Friday 3 August!

Thanks

Pearl