Pathetic Service at Ackermans

I purchased an Alcaltel Tablet from the Ackermans store at Liberty Mall in Pietermaritzburg on 13 April 2019. I purchased late afternoon and did not use it. On Sunday (14 April 2019) I switched it on and tested the camera. I took a few pictures and put the device aside. On Monday (15 April 2019) whilst at work, I downloaded a few educational games for my son. Whilst in progress the screen blanked and refused to come on. I made my way to the Church Street branch of Ackermans to request a new device as the device purchased was in use for no more than 2 hours. After a 20 minute wait at the store, I was told to take it to Ackermans Liberty Mall as they could do nothing as it had not been purchased from them. No-one looked at the unit. They merely looked at the receipt. I asked for the Store Manager’s name and number at Liberty Mall. I was given a piece of paper with the name Pam. I returned to the office and attempted calling the store several times during the course of the day. The line went unanswered and I could not log this complaint.

On 20 April 2019 the device was taken back to Ackermans Liberty Mall where Nicholas and a Manager looked at the device. The packaging for the screen was still on it and Nicholas removed it. We were advised that the tablet could not be returned despite being within the prescribed time frames. I was hoping to swop for another Alcatel tablet. The screen worked for a short time during which Nicholas changed the settings on it. We could not change anything as the screen had blanked. The connection to wifi could not even be turned off due to a blank screen.

We are advised that this unit must be sent in for repairs and it would take approximately 3 weeks. I simply cannot accept that a brand new unit must be taken away for 3 weeks to repair. In essence this device is to go from shelf to repair as it had only been in use for approximately 2 hours. The device was definitely defective hence the attempt to return so soon after purchase. All I wanted is a new unit that works not a new unit that needs repairs after a few hours of use.

I am extremely unhappy with the service by Ackermans at both branches.