Pathetic and disinterested service at iStores

I have tried both iStores in Durban and the service is equally as bad. Early last year I had a problem with my AirPods which were still under warranty. There was a 'static' noise every time I used them which could be heard by the person I was calling. The technical dept claimed there was nothing wrong. I asked them how they tested it and they said that they placed the AirPods in a a special acoustic chamber and they received a report. They refused to actually use the airpods and hear the problem for themselves, apparently for hygiene reasons. I said to them that I would use the AirPods and make a call to their cellphone and could hear the static. They refused. I spoke to the manager and his response was a nonchalant 'log a complaint to Apple support'. I didn't bother. I took it to a private repair centre and it worked perfectly after that. Last November, I decided to replace my MacBook and buy a watch. I went to the other iStore thinking service might be better. Sadly it wasn't. I am still dealing with a problem there and will write a separate review on this. Apple is a fine brand and the iStore in South Africa does nothing to live up to its high standards. The iStore brand is not connected to Apple. The Core Group are the official distributors in South Africa and they have authorised a local company to sell the Apple products and this local company uses the name 'iStore'.