The installer who failed to install

Hi Hello Peter:

I went to Makro Woodmead, from Krugersdorp on the 2nd February 2022 to buy an Oven.

I also indicated to the salespeople that my current oven had broken and I needed to replace it.

I also asked whether my current hob would be compatible to the Defy oven. I was told that it would be.

I then paid for the oven inclusive of delivery, insurance, and installation costs.

The technical installation guy on arrival at 115 Chianti Lifestyle Estates then pointed out that my hob was not compatible.

I promised to go back to the store to buy the compatible Defy hob.

I did so on the 8th February 2022 and I asked for the salespeople to call the installer so we may arrange when they will be back for the installation.

I was informed by the store that the installer would call me in about 10 minutes to confirm the installation.

I left the store and nobody from the installer’s side called me to confirm installation with me.

On Sunday the 13th 2022, I then called the Store to complain regarding the fact that I still did not know when the hob and oven would be connected to my electrical outlet.

I was then promised that the store would engage with the installer and I would most likely be called within 48 hours.

At the end of the 48 hours, I drove to the store at Woodmead to point out the frustration with bringing this matter to a conclusion.

The store engage the installer and I requested that the installer send me an SMS as proof of the commitment that they would do the installation about 10 minutes thereafter I got an SMS confirming the date of installation.

I was still at the Makro Woodmead store when I got a call about 1 hour 30 minutes later from the installer and the lady calling me told me that they would require a further payment of R650 in addition to the R950 I already paid to the store.

I told her that I think it very unfair to expect me to pay the extra amount since the 1st installation had not been made due to incompatibility.

Why would I be asked to pay the extra R650?

She indicated she would speak to her management and call me in 5 minutes.

I waited for 10 minutes and when she did not call me back, I then asked to speak to the manager for installations within Makro Woodmead.

Ms. Maria came and asked me to explain what had happened and she really seemed remorseful and promised to deal with the matter herself.

An hour after I left the store the installer called and confirmed that the installation would go ahead on Friday the 18th February 2022.

Terms and conditions would apply. 1. The R950 I paid for installation was for 1 hours work 2. an additional R300 would have to be paid by myself for any extra 30 minutes of the time the technician is on my premises.

I then told Ms. Maria that I would rather return the goods I have bought and go somewhere else to make the purchase and have it installed.

My tenant is fast losing faith in me because 2 weeks of promises and misunderstandings deliberate or not have yet to get the stove installed.

I look forward to a smooth and equitable installation. The Makro contracted Bling installation, South Africa's trusted electrical installation decided to come today as they pointed out their technician was already in the area.

Ten to fifteen minutes thereafter, the technician calls want me to confirm that an additional R650 is to be paid by myself for the installation. I refute that statement and he then indicates that the new hub I just bought is a bit large and therefore he cannot install it.

I then get on the phone and ask to speak to the general manager (Lucas) who then request that he takes my contact details.

He then comes back and tells me he had spoken to the Bling installations Management and they claim they could not install my newly bought oven and hub because my hub does not fit.

English is my second language but if I understand installation to mean that, you fit it or put it somewhere so that it is ready

He then asks me to do one of two things since they had already paid for the extra R650 for the yet to be install oven and hob: 1. Take Measurements and return the newly hob for one that fits 2. Alternatively, I need to hire someone who can fit the Defy hob.

I am frustrated to the core by now because there is no telling when Bling Installation might come and install. I also have tenants who now see me as unreliable.

I decide to take a walk in the neighborhood and I find a carpenter willing to look at the problem and see if he can provide me a solution. He decides to solve the problem he charges me R550. He enlarges the hob fitting hole and in less than an hour, my oven and hob are fitted and installed.

I believe I will be returning to Makro Woodmead to ask back for my R950 and R1000 in insurance which I paid at the store.

After my experience with Bling Installations and their inability to do anything outside of connecting the electrical outlet to the oven and hub I hope and pray they will do the right thing and refund me. I would rather self-insure than be at the mercy of Makro Woodmead and its contractor Bling installations.

Regards;

Sipho Mthombeni***)