Chapter 2: Incorrect pricing/pricing missing on in-store items.

Builders Warehouse Erasmus Park Chapter 2:

So another encounter with Erasmus Park management. An item was displayed on the shelf, a snap-on 15mm barbed tap fitting, with no price above it and a price below of R 17.00. When the item was rung up at the till it was R 69.00. Upon a query, it was stated that the price of R 17.00 was for items in the bin and not the item in question, which I accept. The price for the item in question was not yet displayed because "the stickers still required printing upstairs and it was not done yet." as stated by the shop assistant.

I then queried this with management and when the manager was unable to assist, I insisted on speaking to a senior manager, Rina. It was stated that the item could not be given to me for the R17.00 displayed nor did the lack of price entitle me to any compensation under the CPA. What she failed to mention was that the store was in violation of Section 23 of the Consumer Protection Act in not displaying a price for the item. "A retailer may not display any goods for sale without displaying a price in relation to those goods."

The item was eventually discounted to R 49.00 and I begrudgingly made the purchase only to realise that the incorrect sized item was sold to me, when I had pick-up the correct size initially.

When inquiring of the poor performance of the store, the Senior Manager stated that the store is only five months old, hired 80% unemployed personnel and they are still being trained. Most employees should know the ropes within 5 months and I do not believe this is an excuse for poor performance and poor service. Can someone at Builder's HQ grab this store by the collar and get them into shape and sort out their training because they don't seem to know what is expected, nor do they seem to care as they are "only 5 months old".