Hifi Corporation refused to refund.

On the 5th November 2020 I went to Cornubia Mall to buy few items I needed for hiking at Hi-Tec. With an excellent staff there and service. I then passed at Hifi Corporation as I was leaving to grab some Super Tweeters for my Vehicle. I was introduced to a new brand on the market by a sales man by the name Tashlin Govender.

I asked if it was a good brand and he said 'Yes'! I asked the exchange policy and he advised me that the product came with a 12months warranty. I thought this was good then because if I really had a product defect then I wouldn't have any problems. That was a grave mistake.

The following day I brought the product back because it was defective and wasn't working. I drove 20km to the store from where I live and made this complaint.

His manager on the day by the name of 'Neil Naidoo' came to me and spoke with me. I told him my problem and why I had come to store. His response was a store or company Policy which he went to fetch for me at the back of the store.

I then asked him a few questions, one of which was where was the policy placed? And was it or does it ever get explained to customers upon purchases? He failed to answer me and told me that I should have went there to read it (A little paper about 15 to 20cm) placed as a little placard inside the store.

I then asked if this was in line with the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa? It was all dark and gloomy as a Manager didn't even know what the hell I was mumbling. The regional manager was there aswell a Lady by the name of 'Melanie' with no last name given to me.

She also refuted me and told me that should I need to change the product then I should have an installera certification. Lol. So I asked again if you needed to be a professional Sound installer to fit Super Tweeters? They told me to get off and I would not be receiving any refund or exchange. (Store manager and Regional Manager)

Those are your managers you hire to run your Business??? Wow...

I am writing this note with sad and bad taste that this has been a thing happening in Durban especially in stores ran by the nation of Indian Decent. Unfortunately I will bring the race thing into this because this is not the 1st incident I have come to this, but it has been a couple of times where I had to fight my way through to be refunded.

If they refund you they will want to pay you back a fraction of what you initially paid. What sort of **** is that? This practice is common amongst stores that are run by Indian Decent and it is not because I'm picking on them, but the stories are there and in Durban, I don't really know about other places.

Maybe we really ought to start being critical and serious in hiring the type of leaders or leadership to run our businesses. I am a business man myself and I won't or will never let my staff member disrespect a customer, especially in front of staffers or other customers as this sets out a horrible example as to how things or matters should be handled.

We really need to teach people who work for us the simple tasks of basic customer service before we even introduce them to basic management skills. Just because a person studied for management courses but will never mean he/she is fit to lead. People's skills 1st. Knowing yourself and the company you represent is key and lastly respect. How do or can you respect your customers if you don't even respect yourself?? Not even to mention the Company you work for.

Today I was called by such a Nice Lady, can't remember her name but her Surname is a 'Nzuza'. It was the 2nd time she had called me in the week. And all she did was apologize. I asked her what she apologized for and she said for her Companies mistakes and for the trouble I have been through.

I said thanks You dear. This is Leadership! You don't have to be in management to have good peoples skills. This is how you retain customers and this is how you do business 101.

It is sad that such is most times overlooked. I will wait for a response and possibly I will receive my refund and won't have to take the matter even further. Such Incompetence is what has Costed giant Companies in the past. I'm not saying Hifi Corporation will fall tomorrow, but this is not real investment.

Neil Naidoo and Melanie from Cornubia Mall, Durban are not what corporate business should waste their money on. But what or who are we to say such, we know how in South Africa things are done. There are those who are favorable beyond others.

One day we will wake up to a lost course all because we got the signals and refused to answer.

Stop hiring *********** People!!! Teach your people the basics of Law in what you practice. A Customer is not always right, but listen to the issues of customers and always try to resolve things/matters amicably. CPA 68 of 2008 this is also found even on the net. It doesn't take you to be a genius to lay policies in line with such.