1 reviews | Active since Jul 2011
Misogyny and gross mismanagement
I bought a bed the Friday before last. I was told that same day delivery was not possible, despite signage saying it was, and that Sunday was likely. I accepted the delay as I was enormously busy and rushed - it seemed easier to wait than visit another bed store when I was trying to furnish an entire home from scratch over the weekend. I was staying in a hotel at the time. I did not own a single bed and the apartment was completely unfurnished. I got a call the next day, a Saturday, and the sales person Marc tried to manipulate me into allowing delivery that day. I don't use 'manipulate' lightly. He told me that his delivery team had been in touch and he understood that I had agreed. They had not. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought perhaps he'd spoken with my partner. Again, I had been busy, rushed, and was exhausted. My partner and I had both been, and both were. We'd also not been in the area consistently - another reason reasonable notice was necessary even if that's not something Dial-A-Bed are willing to do. Marc's response was to continue to push for delivery that day, a day I clearly and emphatically stated I was not available. He asked to speak to my partner - as though someone with a man's name could make delivery possible when it really wasn't. My partner later confirmed that he'd had no contact from the delivery team anyway. What followed was a nightmare. Marc and his delivery team refused to accommodate my not unreasonable need for an actual delivery time. Repeatedly. They kept calling to the point that it verged on harassment, expecting me to be available without any reasonable notice. I couldn't be. I'd made that very clear. I've asked numerous times for a refund and have been told to jump through hoops to get it - just as I was expected to jump through hoops to get the bed delivered. This is some of the worst customer service I've ever encountered and I've lived in three countries as well as travelled widely. As a South African woman I'm very sensitive to male violence against women. I'm very sensitive to the fact that many men here don't easily accept boundaries and many, if not most, don't respect women as full and autonomous human beings. So, to compound a terrible customer experience caused by Marc and his team's refusal to respect time and the location of my physical body at any given moment, I experienced a kind of misogyny I've not encountered since the 90s. If Dial-A-Bed can't offer me a refund without requiring me to fill in forms and send documents (another ridiculous request), if Marc continues to struggle with the concept of 'no', I suppose I'll have to figure out how to contact someone who can fix his grievous mistakes. I have been in touch with customer service numerous times and there's been no response. I don't want to hear from Marc ever again. I don't want any more phone calls. I want an email to inform me that my refund has been processed. I have a bed now.
Thank you so much for bringing this matter to our attention. Your complaint is valid and recognized.
Firstly, kindly allow us to use this opportunity to extend our sincerest regret for the experience you received at the store in question. Rest assured this is not the doctrine and ethos our brand lives by and we promise that the issue will be remedied with the gravitas it deserves from our end.Note that we have been unable to reach you as we endeavour to resolve the matter with you as swiftly as possible. Should you not mind, kindly advise us as to when we can try to reach you. We profusely regret your experience and hope that you will give our brand a second chance in your future purchases as we do pride ourselves in providing each and every one of our customers with the best service possible. Looking forward to having an amicable conversation that will lead to a favourable outcome for you.
Sincerely, JJ
Thank you so much for bringing this matter to our attention. Your complaint is valid and recognized.
Firstly, kindly allow us to use this opportunity to extend our sincerest regret for the experience you received at the store in question. Rest assured this is not the doctrine and ethos our brand lives by and we promise that the issue will be remedied with the gravitas it deserves from our end.Note that we have been unable to reach you as we endeavour to resolve the matter with you as swiftly as possible. Should you not mind, kindly advise us as to when we can try to reach you. We profusely regret your experience and hope that you will give our brand a second chance in your future purchases as we do pride ourselves in providing each and every one of our customers with the best service possible. Looking forward to having an amicable conversation that will lead to a favourable outcome for you.
Sincerely, JJ
We have sent you an email from Suretha Ford <***> - who is our Regional Manager of the Western Cape area. Please have a look when you get a moment.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week.
Best, Jackie.
We have sent you an email from Suretha Ford <***> - who is our Regional Manager of the Western Cape area. Please have a look when you get a moment.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week.
Best, Jackie.
