Bad mistake in buying from Geekbuying

I am a first time buyer at Geekbuying or any other supplier outside my country (South Africa). Saw a running watch (Amazfit Pace) on special and the price was good compared to the local prices. Decided to buy two of them for myself and my wife as we were preparing for Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (29 March 2018). Paid using my credit card on the 3 March 2018 and since I urgently needed the watches I paid extra cost for EMS and I was supposed to get them “within 7-15 business days”. I should have known from the start as they wanted my credit card pictures back and front while I have already got a confirmation from my bank that they have been paid (successfully taken money from my account) .

It has been a nightmare trying to find out where my parcel is, basically no one knew where it was. When tracking the parcel I get 2018-03-16 14:38 Depart from Overseas Processing Facility. That’s it!! Contacted EMS (All their email addresses and all called almost every day), been emailing ********** also chatting via their chat service and no one knew where it was. They said they are investigating (open ended investigation). After some time, I was told “someone in my post office” knows where my parcel is and I will be given a contact in few days to come (as to why if they knew where it is and still not updating the system I don’t know). Days came and gone and no contact given. I was then told afterwards that if I could provide proof that my parcel is lost, I will be refunded. To get proof that your parcel is lost is a very difficult task. I had to call, email travel to make sure that I get this confirmation. After lots of fighting with almost everyone in the Post Office (EMS). I finally got proof that my parcel never came to South Africa from Singapore. It was opened at Singapore Post office and they sent an empty bag to South Africa, A verification note was sent to the Singapore post to notify them of the irregularity. Basically Geekbuying also knew that my parcel is lost (as the verification note was sent to the sender) but they just decided to send me all around. Why? I don’t know. Anyway sent the proof to ********** as requested and the ignoring of my request for refund started. Sent same email to ********** to ask for refund or re-shipping of the item. They just told me to contact ********** (same ones who were not answering me) as at aftersales support is for quality problem, after your order is delivered, so no refunds. Last correspondence I got was I need to wait at least 3 Months for them to send me other watches. Why three month when they know that the parcel was never delivered? Basically I am given no other option and have no choice but to wait. I need these watches urgently as I am planning to do my first Comrades Marathon (89km) on the 10 June 2018 but no one cares, I must just wait. Even if I paid extra money for fast delivery. If I will ever get my watches, only Geekbuying knows. I basically gave up. So if you want some stress in your life, go ahead and order something.