GS
Gregg S

1 reviews | Active since Dec 2020

08 Nov 2024, 12:45

Denied refund for keyboard causing injury

So I bought a Logitech Wave Keys keyboard online, used it for less than 2 weeks before it started causing pain in my hands because some of the most-often used keys are on odd places and it was difficult to get used to because of it. I boxed it up - still in absolutely perfect condition - put it in my car to return to Computer Mania in Canal Walk and forgot about it. Eventually (just under 3 months since it was delivered) I returned it and was told that I'd get uphill from head office, which I thought would be odd seeing as the product is in perfect condition (for some reason the staff member that logged the return add "general wear" to the note.... say what? It looks as if it was just unboxed!). So they call just over a week later and say I can fetch the keyboard as they won't be doing a refund. I found that unacceptable and called the operations manager who was rude and started talking over me, laughing and saying that he's been in retail for 30 years, that he knows the CPA and that he's going to end the call and that he won't be refunding me. Really now. So I ended the call first, regrettably with some colourful language (my apologies).

Being a developer, I have to use a keyboard for many hours every day and cannot risk permanent injury to my hands. The keyboard is not suitable for the purposes for which it is intended and fails to meet the standard of being reasonably suitable for its intended purpose - which is covered under the Consumer Protection Act, but I was told I'm completely mistaken and refused a refund. I have no doubt that the Consumer Commission would agree were I to escalate the matter to them. Which I might. So now I will be stuck with a R1,400 keyboard that I can't use because it causes repetitive stress injury in my hands. The more expensive, regular size Logitech keyboard that I purchased from Takealot is much better suited to large hands. But just because of this issue and ill treatment we won't be buying anything from Computer Mania again. Takealot would've taken the keyboard back without question. So our businesses will be purchasing from them from now on. Goodbye, Computer Mania.

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Replies (4)
Computer Mania (Pty) Ltd
Computer Mania (Pty) Ltd's reply08 Nov 2024, 14:34
Official
Good day Gregg. Apologies that you feel that Computer Mania did not take you seriously. We value all our customers. As stated, you made your purchase 3 months ago and that there is no fault with the product. For this reason, we unfortunately, cannot refund you. Regards Computer Mania.
GS
Gregg S's update08 Nov 2024, 15:09
Reviewer Update
As stated, it's not fit for purpose as it causes pain. For my purpose it's faulty. If you bought an ergonomic chair for yourself or your child and it ended up causing back pain you also wouldn't be happy, no?

You can hide behind your policies as much as you want, I'll cost you far more money than you did me by purchasing elsewhere and recommending to everyone that has at least 1 ear that they do the same.

GS
Gregg S's update08 Nov 2024, 15:38
Reviewer Update
According to the South African Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to return goods *within six months* if they have a characteristic that renders them less useful, practicable, or safe than a person would reasonably expect. In this case, the keyboard’s unconventional key placement is causing significant discomfort due to my hand size, making it less practicable and potentially unsafe for regular use. This does not meet the standard of usability and ergonomics that one would expect from a typical keyboard.

Therefore, under the CPA, I am within my rights to request a return, exchange or refund, as the product’s design characteristic is impacting its usability and comfort for me as a consumer.
GS
Gregg S's update13 Nov 2024, 10:54
Reviewer Update
No reply, as expected.