I- Restore - a negative experience.

We had used I-Restore for approximately eight years and, until recently, had been satisfied with their service. Unfortunately, our most recent experience was deeply concerning and disappointing.

I entrusted my MacBook, which is my primary work machine, to I-Restore for repairs. I was billed for what I understood to be genuine Apple replacement parts. Within 2 days of the repair, the laptop began experiencing issues that had not previously been present, including glitches, overheating, random shutdowns and performance instability.

I reported these concerns immediately during the warranty period through WhatsApp messages, emails, videos and written correspondence. I also returned the machine to I-Restore on three separate occasions for assessment. On each occasion I was advised that the issues could not be replicated. Despite multiple opportunities to investigate the matter, no resolution was achieved.

Due to the ongoing problems, I obtained an independent assessment from the V&A Waterfront iStore. According to the findings communicated to me and contained in the report, concerns were raised regarding the authenticity of certain replacement components fitted to the device. I was further advised that the components identified may have been contributing to the operational issues being experienced and may have negatively affected the value and integrity of the machine.

I provided the assessment report directly to Craig Taylor and subsequently to his attorney, Mr Barry Gregg.

Over the following twelve months, I made repeated attempts to resolve the matter amicably and proposed a refund of approximately R18,000, being the amount charged for the repair. My position was that, in light of the report and the ongoing issues, I no longer had confidence in pursuing further repairs through I-Restore and wished to have the laptop independently restored elsewhere.

Those requests were declined. I was also advised by I-Restore’s attorney that their position was that I had allowed the warranty to lapse. I dispute that position, as my records reflect that the concerns were raised repeatedly and in writing during the warranty period to all parties

The entire process has been lengthy, frustrating and costly. Throughout this period, my correspondence was detailed and supported by dated emails, invoices, WhatsApp messages, videos and independent reports. The concerns were raised immediately after the repair and consistently pursued over a period of approximately one year.

What I find most disappointing is that this matter might have been resolved much earlier had a commercial resolution been reached when the concerns were first raised. Instead, I was left with a work laptop that continues to experience significant operational issues, substantial inconvenience, and the of replacing the screen at my own cost a second time.

I have also been advised that legal action may be taken should I publish reviews. Nevertheless, I believe consumers are entitled to share factually accurate accounts of their experiences, provided those accounts are honestly held and supported by evidence.

Based on my personal experience, I cannot recommend I-Restore and would encourage consumers to retain detailed records and obtain independent assessments where significant disputes arise regarding repairs to high-value devices.

This review reflects my personal experience and is based on documentation, correspondence and reports in my possession.