ALL Data Lost Because of Negligence

I recently took my Apple Laptop to Cash4Macs in Ballito to assess the problem as the laptop was not starting up as normal and had only a black screen. Before even examining the laptop in a workshop, I was advised that the cost would be R3500 plus labour. On collecting the laptop I waqs advised that an additional R1500 would have to be paid to install recovery software as all the data was erased from the machine! I asked if they had done no backup and they responded that they hadn't because they only had a "flashing file" when they attached their diagnostics software. Needless to say the software did not retrieve any data and all information was now lost. My business records, 20 years of client material gained from my business in North America and recently in South Africa! I approached anothr company and they were shocked to establish that the correct protocol was nbot followed which was to ask if I had any backup for the machine, and if not they should have followed a different protocol when replacing a mother board, which is the service Cash4Macs performed oin my machine. The second company managed to retrieve most information for me at an additional cost of R1200. Very disappointed. These are real amateurs. Be aware before you take your electronics in for repair with them.