*****ULENT HIDDEN COSTS AND THE STORE MANAGER HIDES AWAY

We have been a business client of Decofurn and have spent quite a lot of with the store. On the 15th November, we purchased some bar stools, a large carpet and a side server. We gave the measurements of the counter top 840mm (h) to the sales person Deidre, who advised that the bar stool was the correct height but assured that if there was an issue, they would happily swop out the chair for an alternative one if the height was too heigh. The store did not have the stock at the time; but we were happy to wait for them to receive the items. Made full payment on the 15th November in good faith on a quotation. Was told the invice would be emailed to me once payment was received. No invoice or paperwork received thereafter. Went back to the store twice, still no invoice for the payment issued. Received a call last week that the chairs had arrived and that we could collect. Upon collection in Decofurn's despatch area, we found that one of the chairs were broken. Decofurn's despatch proceeded to unpack the chairs to inspect that the rest were fine. They loaded the chairs on our delivery vehicle. Got to the office (we are 1.2km away from Decofurn) only to find that the chairs were too high. Returned within the same hour to Decofurn to swop the chairs for more suitable ones. This is where it gets interesting. Their store manager Tumelo, decided to charge us a "handling fee" of 5%. Total value paid was R14390.00. Bar stools and a carpet amounting to R11591.00. They still do not have the Ace Bar unit cabinet which is part of the order. I spent the whole day on the phone with their head office who needless to say, pass the buck back to the store, and a store manager who runs and hides as he does not wish to explain to me why he is charging a handling fee and refused to assist at all. At this point, I requested a refund for everything including the cabinet which had not yet arrived and still they could not supply me with an invoice or a credit note with a value stating what was going to be paid back. The carpet which was collected 20 min prior, still sealed in its original packaging and unopened, has also carried a handling fee charge?? We are sending letters from the company back and forth yet still no reply from Decofurn or it's store manager Tumelo. Decofurn - you are in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act and we will be proceeding with legal action if you do not abide by the laws of South Africa. Your behaviour is *****ulent and in no way acceptable earning revenue on returns when you are at fault. Your stores, sales personel and staff do not disclose this "handling fee" to unsuspecting customers. To state it in your terms and conditions on an invoice after the fact; and one , which I have not been given since my payment made on the 15th November is also in contravention of your own policies and procedures. We will not accept this and you will refund us the full amount of R14390.00. I would suggest to consumers to stay away from Decofurn and it's cheap furiture. They have no business ethics and their customer service attitudes as cheap as the furniture they sell. Pay a little bit extra and deal with reputable chain stores who have earned the respect of their consumers. As from our side, we will never again support Decofurn even if they give their stuff away for free. It's a matter of principle, for which they have none.