Overcharging and bad service

I paid almost a R1 000 more for 20L (Dulux Silk base 7 pastel) paint compared to that being advertised (Dulux Luxurious Silk). In other words, I paid R2 618 against an advertised price of R1 799. I took the matter up with Leroy Merlin in Little Falls.

Eventually, the section manager gave me a call. He, however, argued that the additional costs were for tinting the paint from white to a very light blue (which was supposed to be very light grey). I, however, do not believe it fair that the cost of changing the colour should be that expensive (almost a R1 000 more). It literary takes less than a half-cup of tinting and a few minutes of machine shacking to change the colour. In the past, I did this for a few rands at Makro. I stated as much to him.

When he realised that he had an unacceptable argument, he then argued that I purchased a pastel based paint. Which is true. However, the paint I purchased carries a 10-year guarantee. (The paint is an older version (perhaps old stock?)). While that being advertised (for R1 000-00 less) carries a 15-year guarantee. In other words, I paid R1 000-00 more for paint with a third shorter life guarantee. A 30% higher price (~R 1 000) for lower quality paint?

I did not use the following arguments but they also have relevance: -That while the paint purchased/tinted not being exactly as that requested using the colour code/piece of paper. It is much darker than that request! -And, I had to ask to be assisted to purchase the paint and the person who helped me disappeared behind the enclosure. With us wearing masks, I could not identify who it was. Rather than just sit and wait, I proceeded to get rollers and brushes. I returned to find others in a queue and being helped (about 4 individuals). I complained and the person at the counter then offered to assist. The other person who initially assisted me! -I then had some trouble at the counter to pay with my card. It never happened before. But, I can accept that these things happen. The problem, however, is, I did not realise the exorbitant amount Leroy Merlin was charging me – otherwise, I would have dealt with the matter while being there!

All this and they’ve gone very quiet all of a sudden – probably hoping if they ignore the matter it might disappear…

I will not advise anyone to purchase paid from Leroy Merlin – specifically not from the Little Falls branch. Rather go to Marko. The service and prices are better. I never had any problems or challenges with them.