Rude manager

Ackermans Steeledale Mall: My Daughter's Tablet Has Still Not Been Returned, and I Am Extremely Disappointed with the Service

I am extremely disappointed with the service I have received from Ackermans at Steeledale Mall in Alberton regarding my daughter's Premio Echo tablet.

I purchased the tablet on 23 May 2026 for R999. When it developed problems with the battery overheating and switching itself off, I returned it for repairs, expecting the matter to be handled professionally.

When the tablet came back, the store manager claimed that I had been given a new tablet, including a new cover and other accessories. However, from what I received, it was the same tablet with the same cover, and it continued experiencing exactly the same problems. This meant that the issue had not been resolved, despite the claim that a replacement had been provided.

I had to return the tablet again because the problem persisted. Instead of receiving proper assistance, I felt that the manager was upset with us for raising our concerns. I felt judged for complaining and that she was unwilling to assist us properly.

What made the situation even worse was when I called the manager weeks later to follow up. She told me that she had forgotten to take the tablet in for repairs. I found this completely unacceptable. How can a customer hand in a device for repairs, only to be told weeks later that the manager forgot to send it in?

We have also had to endure extremely long waiting times whenever we visit the store, whether we are collecting the tablet or returning it. There have been occasions when the store was practically empty, yet we still had to wait for hours to receive assistance. The lack of urgency and the way our concerns have been handled have made this entire experience frustrating and exhausting.

To date, my daughter's tablet has still not been returned.

I understand that repairs can take time, but I do not understand why a customer should be subjected to repeated delays, unresolved faults, poor communication and what I experienced as rude and unprofessional treatment.

I am sharing my experience because I believe customers deserve to be treated with respect, and complaints should be handled fairly and responsibly. I purchased this tablet in good faith, and I should not have to keep chasing the store for a resolution.

I want Ackermans Head Office to investigate the handling of this tablet, establish where it is and why it has still not been returned, investigate the store manager's conduct, and arrange a full refund of the R999 purchase price.

I hope Ackermans takes this complaint seriously and provides a meaningful resolution rather than allowing this matter to continue dragging on.

My desired outcome: A full refund of R999, a clear explanation of what happened to my tablet, and an investigation into the service and conduct I experienced at the Steeledale Mall branch.