Based on recent customer reviews, Buco is drawing heavy criticism across multiple branches, including Middelburg, Honeydew, Sea Point, Nelspruit and Montague Gardens. Shoppers describe unanswered emails and phone enquiries, orders paid for but never delivered, and refunds or credit account cancellations that drag on for months. Staff and even managers are frequently called rude or unhelpful, while cutting services, stock levels and the returns handling fee frustrate builders and homeowners alike. Isolated praise highlights plumbing staff and branch managers who chased down scarce parts and offered genuinely proactive help.
TrustIndex
2.3
NPS Score
-67
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Buco
What do customers say about Buco?
Based on recent customer reviews, Buco is drawing heavy criticism across multiple branches, including Middelburg, Honeydew, Sea Point, Nelspruit and Montague Gardens. Shoppers describe unanswered emails and phone enquiries, orders paid for but never delivered, and refunds or credit account cancellations that drag on for months. Staff and even managers are frequently called rude or unhelpful, while cutting services, stock levels and the returns handling fee frustrate builders and homeowners alike. Isolated praise highlights plumbing staff and branch managers who chased down scarce parts and offered genuinely proactive help.
Is Buco trustworthy?
Buco has a TrustIndex of 2.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 22 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Buco across 207 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (22)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Mar 2024
Consumer Beware: My Ongoing Experience with BUCO / Excelsior
BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints – Roof Coating Failure Following Technical Advice Advice Received Before purchasing and applying the roof coating, I specifically sought technical advice from a BUCO Knysna paint technician regarding whether the product was suitable for application over an existing Coprox-coated surface. I re**** on the advice provided by BUCO and the relevant technical representatives when selecting and purchasing the product. Had I been advised that the product was unsuitable for use over the existing Coprox coating, I would not have purchased or app**** it. Extensive Product Failure and Technical Concerns Following application, the roof coating failed extensively. It continues to peel and delaminate from the roof surface. The nature and extent of the failure raise serious and unresolved technical concerns regarding the compatibility of the recommended coating system with the existing Coprox-coated substrate. These concerns require a proper, objective technical investigation rather than an unsupported attribution of responsibility to me as the consumer. To address the ongoing failure and remove the defective coating, I have had to high-pressure clean the roof surface on numerous occasions. This has caused additional expense, effort, inconvenience and disruption. Attempts to Resolve the Matter Since lodging my complaint, I have engaged with BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints through site visits, consultations and discussions in an effort to obtain a fair and practical resolution. Despite these efforts, the matter remains unresolved. I have repeatedly requested progress reports and meaningful updates from BUCO Knysna, but have received limited substantive communication. The lack of timely and effective engagement has prolonged the dispute and left the underlying problem unresolved. I am particularly concerned that responsibility appears to have been attributed to me by Excelsior without the relevant technical issues being properly addressed, including: • the advice provided before the purchase; • the suitability of the product for application over the existing Coprox coating; • the compatibility of the recommended coating system with the substrate; and • the cause of the subsequent peeling and delamination. These are central issues that must be addressed before responsibility can fairly be determined. Current Impact The coating continues to fail, leaving the painted surface in an unsatisfactory condition. I have incurred additional costs and experienced considerable inconvenience while attempting to remove the failed coating and limit the effects of the failure. I acted reasonably and in good faith by seeking and relying on technical advice before undertaking the work. A consumer who obtains professional guidance before purchasing a product should be able to expect that the advice will be accurate and that any subsequent failure will be investigated objectively and addressed responsibly. Resolution Requested I request that BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints now: 1. Clearly state their respective positions regarding responsibility for the advice provided and the resulting failure; 2. Submit a practical and properly detailed remediation proposal addressing the removal of the failed coating and the application of a suitable and compatible replacement system; and 3. Address the reasonable costs, expenses and inconvenience I have incurred as a result of this matter. I have made repeated efforts to resolve this issue directly and amicably. I am posting this complaint because those efforts have not produced a satisfactory resolution and because I require meaningful engagement, transparency and an evidence-based response from both parties. I am seeking accountability and a lasting solution, not further delays or unsupported attempts to shift responsibility. BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints should now address the technical issues directly and provide a clear resolution proposal. I reserve all my rights in respect of this matter, including the right to pursue further remedies through the appropriate consumer protection authorities and legal channels, without further notice.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2024
Consumer Beware: My Ongoing Experience with BUCO / Excelsior
BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints – Roof Coating Failure Following Technical Advice Advice Received Before purchasing and applying the roof coating, I specifically sought technical advice from a BUCO Knysna paint technician regarding whether the product was suitable for application over an existing Coprox-coated surface. I re**** on the advice provided by BUCO and the relevant technical representatives when selecting and purchasing the product. Had I been advised that the product was unsuitable for use over the existing Coprox coating, I would not have purchased or app**** it. Extensive Product Failure and Technical Concerns Following application, the roof coating failed extensively. It continues to peel and delaminate from the roof surface. The nature and extent of the failure raise serious and unresolved technical concerns regarding the compatibility of the recommended coating system with the existing Coprox-coated substrate. These concerns require a proper, objective technical investigation rather than an unsupported attribution of responsibility to me as the consumer. To address the ongoing failure and remove the defective coating, I have had to high-pressure clean the roof surface on numerous occasions. This has caused additional expense, effort, inconvenience and disruption. Attempts to Resolve the Matter Since lodging my complaint, I have engaged with BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints through site visits, consultations and discussions in an effort to obtain a fair and practical resolution. Despite these efforts, the matter remains unresolved. I have repeatedly requested progress reports and meaningful updates from BUCO Knysna, but have received limited substantive communication. The lack of timely and effective engagement has prolonged the dispute and left the underlying problem unresolved. I am particularly concerned that responsibility appears to have been attributed to me by Excelsior without the relevant technical issues being properly addressed, including: • the advice provided before the purchase; • the suitability of the product for application over the existing Coprox coating; • the compatibility of the recommended coating system with the substrate; and • the cause of the subsequent peeling and delamination. These are central issues that must be addressed before responsibility can fairly be determined. Current Impact The coating continues to fail, leaving the painted surface in an unsatisfactory condition. I have incurred additional costs and experienced considerable inconvenience while attempting to remove the failed coating and limit the effects of the failure. I acted reasonably and in good faith by seeking and relying on technical advice before undertaking the work. A consumer who obtains professional guidance before purchasing a product should be able to expect that the advice will be accurate and that any subsequent failure will be investigated objectively and addressed responsibly. Resolution Requested I request that BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints now: 1. Clearly state their respective positions regarding responsibility for the advice provided and the resulting failure; 2. Submit a practical and properly detailed remediation proposal addressing the removal of the failed coating and the application of a suitable and compatible replacement system; and 3. Address the reasonable costs, expenses and inconvenience I have incurred as a result of this matter. I have made repeated efforts to resolve this issue directly and amicably. I am posting this complaint because those efforts have not produced a satisfactory resolution and because I require meaningful engagement, transparency and an evidence-based response from both parties. I am seeking accountability and a lasting solution, not further delays or unsupported attempts to shift responsibility. BUCO Knysna and Excelsior Paints should now address the technical issues directly and provide a clear resolution proposal. I reserve all my rights in respect of this matter, including the right to pursue further remedies through the appropriate consumer protection authorities and legal channels, without further notice.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2021
Disgusting Service: Buco Fish Hoek
I have ordered and paid for wooden planks. They were meant to be delivered 2nd September. Didn’t arrive. I was promised by Friday 4th. Nothing. Saturday morning the 5th, promised, again nothing. We chased all week. More promises, tomorrow. Garth mentioned he’d sort it out today, now the 11th September. Phoned me especially, the truck would go to Paarden Eiland and deliver direct to me. Nothing. It’s not Garth, it’s failed communication, bad supplier service and a total lack of care. 2 weekends in a row, no materials, no paid workers, deadline missed. Shocking service and a branch to avoid because the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Tomorrow I arrive in store to get my money back and go elsewhere.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2021
Disgusting Service: Buco Fish Hoek
I have ordered and paid for wooden planks. They were meant to be delivered 2nd September. Didn’t arrive. I was promised by Friday 4th. Nothing. Saturday morning the 5th, promised, again nothing. We chased all week. More promises, tomorrow. Garth mentioned he’d sort it out today, now the 11th September. Phoned me especially, the truck would go to Paarden Eiland and deliver direct to me. Nothing. It’s not Garth, it’s failed communication, bad supplier service and a total lack of care. 2 weekends in a row, no materials, no paid workers, deadline missed. Shocking service and a branch to avoid because the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Tomorrow I arrive in store to get my money back and go elsewhere.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2024
Buco took the money but did not deliver!!
I ordered from them on the 10th July 2026, I haven't gotten my material, there's no form of any communication. I have been sending them emails and they keep saying they have sent my quiry to the relevant department till today.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2024
Buco took the money but did not deliver!!
I ordered from them on the 10th July 2026, I haven't gotten my material, there's no form of any communication. I have been sending them emails and they keep saying they have sent my quiry to the relevant department till today.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2016
BUCO (CLAREMONT)
I have been trying to make BUCO my preferred hardware store for many years, but unfortunately, my experiences have been consistently disappointing: 1. Customer service: Staff are often not very attentive or proactive, and assistance can be difficult to get when needed. 2. Product range and availability: Shelves are frequently understocked, with a limited variety of products compared with other hardware stores. 3. Returns policy: A 10% handling fee is charged on returned products. This is not the case at Builders Warehouse, whose return policy is considerably more customer-friendly. I would genuinely like to support BUCO, but these issues make it difficult to choose BUCO over competitors. Improving customer service, product availability and the returns policy would make a significant difference to the overall shopping experience.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2016
BUCO (CLAREMONT)
I have been trying to make BUCO my preferred hardware store for many years, but unfortunately, my experiences have been consistently disappointing: 1. Customer service: Staff are often not very attentive or proactive, and assistance can be difficult to get when needed. 2. Product range and availability: Shelves are frequently understocked, with a limited variety of products compared with other hardware stores. 3. Returns policy: A 10% handling fee is charged on returned products. This is not the case at Builders Warehouse, whose return policy is considerably more customer-friendly. I would genuinely like to support BUCO, but these issues make it difficult to choose BUCO over competitors. Improving customer service, product availability and the returns policy would make a significant difference to the overall shopping experience.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Returned washing machine in 2024 but Buco/ Evolution still demanding payment Buco never cancelled credit
Hi Hellopeter Team, I’m following up on my complaint against Buco. Yesterday I received a call from Evolution saying I owe them money for a washing machine. Facts: In 2024 I bought a washing machine from Buco for R800 on credit. I wanted a front loader but they only had top loader. I used it once, returned it to Buco the same year because it didn’t meet my needs. Buco took the machine back but refused to give me a cancellation form and never refunded/cancelled the account. I later bought a front loader from another shop because I couldn’t wait. I never used the Buco machine after returning it. Now Evolution is calling me demanding payment, saying “according to Buco I used the machine”. My request: I dispute this debt in full. The goods were returned in 2024. I request Buco to provide proof of delivery, proof I still have the machine, and a copy of the cancellation that should have been issued. Please instruct Buco to recall the account from Evolution and cancel the agreement + clear the balance immediately. I also request that Evolution stops contacting me until this is resolved. This is causing me a lot of stress. Please assist urgently. Thank you, Nthabiseng Cell: *** Leketi
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Returned washing machine in 2024 but Buco/ Evolution still demanding payment Buco never cancelled credit
Hi Hellopeter Team, I’m following up on my complaint against Buco. Yesterday I received a call from Evolution saying I owe them money for a washing machine. Facts: In 2024 I bought a washing machine from Buco for R800 on credit. I wanted a front loader but they only had top loader. I used it once, returned it to Buco the same year because it didn’t meet my needs. Buco took the machine back but refused to give me a cancellation form and never refunded/cancelled the account. I later bought a front loader from another shop because I couldn’t wait. I never used the Buco machine after returning it. Now Evolution is calling me demanding payment, saying “according to Buco I used the machine”. My request: I dispute this debt in full. The goods were returned in 2024. I request Buco to provide proof of delivery, proof I still have the machine, and a copy of the cancellation that should have been issued. Please instruct Buco to recall the account from Evolution and cancel the agreement + clear the balance immediately. I also request that Evolution stops contacting me until this is resolved. This is causing me a lot of stress. Please assist urgently. Thank you, Nthabiseng Cell: *** Leketi
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Complain Account not cancelled after Return of washing machine 2024
Good Day Peter Iam writing to formally complain about a credit account in my name with Buco for a washing machine 2024 i bought a washing machine for R800 on credit the issue is i wanted front loader but only offered a top loader which didn't not meet my needs i return the machine to the shop same year after using it once the shop accepted it back. i have not received any refund, cancellation form, or confirmation that the agreement was cancelled. The account is now showing a balance of 16,921 due to interest growth, See below the email that i send buco customer after the shop refuse to give me the cancellation form but still i didint get help Dear Buco Customer Service, I am writing to formally complain about a recent experience I had with your store and to request the cancellation of my account as per our initial agreement. On March 25, 2024, I purchased a washing machine from your store on account. After using it once, I realized that it did not meet my functional requirements. Accordingly, I returned the machine on April 23, 2024. Upon return, your staff inspected the machine, accepted it back, and agreed to cancel the account associated with the purchase. Despite this agreement, DMC Evolution, the company managing the account, deducted the payment from my account on May 2, 2024. After noticing the deduction, I contacted DMC Evolution and was advised to obtain a cancellation letter from your store. However, when I visited your store on May 6, 2024, to collect the cancellation form, I was met with unprofessional behaviour and was ultimately denied the form by the manager, who insisted that I take back the machine. I would like to remind you that under the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa, I am entitled to return a product that does not meet my requirements and expect a full refund, repair, or replacement. Here are the steps I am prepared to take if this matter is not resolved promptly: I trust that Buco will honour our initial agreement and the consumer laws of South Africa by providing me with the necessary cancellation documentation and processing the refund for the returned washing machine. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Nthabiseng Leketi ***
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2026
Complain Account not cancelled after Return of washing machine 2024
Good Day Peter Iam writing to formally complain about a credit account in my name with Buco for a washing machine 2024 i bought a washing machine for R800 on credit the issue is i wanted front loader but only offered a top loader which didn't not meet my needs i return the machine to the shop same year after using it once the shop accepted it back. i have not received any refund, cancellation form, or confirmation that the agreement was cancelled. The account is now showing a balance of 16,921 due to interest growth, See below the email that i send buco customer after the shop refuse to give me the cancellation form but still i didint get help Dear Buco Customer Service, I am writing to formally complain about a recent experience I had with your store and to request the cancellation of my account as per our initial agreement. On March 25, 2024, I purchased a washing machine from your store on account. After using it once, I realized that it did not meet my functional requirements. Accordingly, I returned the machine on April 23, 2024. Upon return, your staff inspected the machine, accepted it back, and agreed to cancel the account associated with the purchase. Despite this agreement, DMC Evolution, the company managing the account, deducted the payment from my account on May 2, 2024. After noticing the deduction, I contacted DMC Evolution and was advised to obtain a cancellation letter from your store. However, when I visited your store on May 6, 2024, to collect the cancellation form, I was met with unprofessional behaviour and was ultimately denied the form by the manager, who insisted that I take back the machine. I would like to remind you that under the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa, I am entitled to return a product that does not meet my requirements and expect a full refund, repair, or replacement. Here are the steps I am prepared to take if this matter is not resolved promptly: I trust that Buco will honour our initial agreement and the consumer laws of South Africa by providing me with the necessary cancellation documentation and processing the refund for the returned washing machine. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Nthabiseng Leketi ***
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Going the extra mile
A great shout out to Buco. I was looking for a 100kpa latco valve for my very old geyser. I could only find stock at Buco Komatiepoort. I contacted BUCO Kempton Park plumbing department to ask if they could help get the valve. The branch manager phoned me back within 5 minutes and gave me the contact details for the regional manager. I phoned him on the Monday morning, told me story and he immediately arranged with BUCO Honeydew. Valve arrived in Honeydew 3 days and went to collect at Honeydew branch. The valve was reading for my to collect. What amazing service and a great thank you to everyone who was involved. Heather
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Going the extra mile
A great shout out to Buco. I was looking for a 100kpa latco valve for my very old geyser. I could only find stock at Buco Komatiepoort. I contacted BUCO Kempton Park plumbing department to ask if they could help get the valve. The branch manager phoned me back within 5 minutes and gave me the contact details for the regional manager. I phoned him on the Monday morning, told me story and he immediately arranged with BUCO Honeydew. Valve arrived in Honeydew 3 days and went to collect at Honeydew branch. The valve was reading for my to collect. What amazing service and a great thank you to everyone who was involved. Heather