WHY LIST CONTACT DETAILS ON YOUR WEB SITE?

I needed a kitchen sink mixer.

On Sunday [18 December] at 09h30, I searched CTM’s web site and found a mixer. The web site showed 2 units in stock when I performed a “confirm stock availability” for CTM Port Elizabeth. From experience with this store, I have had items showing available stock just to find when I got to the store that there was no stock. Petrol is expensive these days so before wasting time and money, I decided to make sure that there was stock. I phone the number indicated in the “contact details” web page for CTM Port Elizabeth.

There was no reply!

The “operating hours” showed that on Sundays the store is open from 9 am - 2 pm. I tried 2 more times then decided to email Rudy Lee, listed as manager under contact details.

I attached the “screen shot” of the item from their web page and wrote: “Do you have stock of the Amalfi Garnet Pillar Type Sink Mixer Tap [as attached]? It indicates 2 in stock at your store but I am just making sure before I head to your store.” I sent the email at 10h33 and received a “read receipt” from at 13h13.

Over one week later and no response.

Yes, I know that it is the "holiday season" and things generally happen in slow motion. But if you bother to open your store and you take the time to download your emails why not respond?

Why bother to list contact details on your web site, when you have no intention of replying to clients when they make use of said contact details?

The message on your web site is lovely: “WE ARE HERE TO HELP. How Can We Help You?” Clearly just marketing vapour because the reality is very different.

I am not expecting anything to be done as I gave up on CTM and purchased the item from Plumblink the following day [Monday]. Which where I will be purchasing all my plumbing requirements from now on.