Incredible Connection - Misleading/False Advertising of Online Products

This store advertised an iPad Pro 2018 model, 1TB in Space Grey for R9,999. The initial advert indicted an in-store purchase only. Due to lockdown rules, I contacted the online help service. They indicated that I would need to contact the call center.

Once contacted I was advised that someone would be in touch, I would also receive an SMS confirmation of my reference number. It never arrived. The next day the advert was changed to indicate "online" only with no stock available. Based on sale items of a similar nature it was clear that an error in the advertised price was made and in order not to honour the price, the item was shown as sold out. Other retailers, including iStore, have priced the item at R19,999

Numerous additional calls to the call centre were made with no communication for 2 weeks until Shoba contacted me. I discussed the matter with the buyer (Michael) who indicated that the price was correct as it was a sale item to clear stock and that it was sold out. He indicated that as the buyer he knows the prices and it was correct. He also indicated that only 2 units of the 1TB model were available prior to lockdown and was sold out within a week. However, this was not updated online. At this stage, Michael indicated that nothing could be done. Shoba again indicated that management would be back on 4 May 2020 and she would check again if anything could be done. Checking with apple, the price of R9,999 was below cost and it was suggested an error was made.

I subsequently went to IC in Fourways mall 5/5/2020 and was told a 64gig unit was available on sale for R12,999 with 1 unit in-store available and a further 3 in other stores. After speaking to management today, Shoba confirmed that this was the sale price and that the best management would do was an additional R1,000 discount. This again supports my view that the incorrect price was advertised with IC not wanting to honour their advertised price. This is still being advertised online yet no stock is available.

This is completely misleading and false advertising on behalf of IC to the public. I will be reporting this issue to the Consumer Council of SA.