Unfriendly service from manager, Derrick, at Mr Price Clothing Bothasig

In January I learnt that I can buy electricity on my Mr Price account.

I did extensive research trying to find a way to do the purchase online but it always came down to the fact that I would have to go in-store.

I went in to the Mr Price Clothing Bothasig Branch and spoke to the Manager, Derrick. He showed unwillingness to help, insisting that it can only be done online and that he has tried for other customers who came in-store during the month of December and it didn’t work.

I was financially strapped and in need of electricity to keep us going till payday. I did my research and knew for a fact that this can be done but in-store only.

Desperate, I asked him whether he is sure, when was the last time he attempted to put a purchase through and for guidance on how to do this online since he was adamant that I need to go online to purchase electricity on my Mr Price account.

After some back and forth he finally offered to check just to make sure…which is what I really wanted him to do in the first place.

The purchase went through and he apologised profusely…I’m not short of forgiveness and second chances but the whole experience did leave a sour taste in my mouth. Despite this, I returned a few times when I was in a financial jam.

I started going to Mr Price Home N1 City branch after a while and the type of service I received there was so different. Staff members were friendly and I just felt so much more comfortable coming to this branch for this type of service.

Fast forward to July, on the 12th I tried to purchase some electricity on my account but they were offline. N1 city’s process is to scan my store card for the amount I want to purchase, put it on a gift voucher card and then put the purchase through, so unfortunately I was left with the gift card/voucher.

The ladies at the store advised me to try again later that day or the following day and that I can go to any branch with the voucher to make my purchase.

On Monday the 14th I went to Mr Price Clothing in Bothasig to see if they were online and make the electricity purchase. The manager on duty advised that I cannot use a voucher to make the purchase but after explaining to him the situation, he assisted me.

Today, 19th July, I went into Bothasig branch again to use the remaining balance on my voucher to purchase electricity. Derrick was the manager on duty and he also advised that I cannot use a voucher. I tried to explain the situation to him and he questioned me like I was a child or some sort of ********, his tone was rude and condescending. He turned me away and told me that I then needed to go to N1 city with my voucher if that’s the process they use to put the purchase through.

Second terrible experience at the Bothasig branch involving Derrick (the manager) once again…Needless to say that I will definitely not return to that branch…I would NOT refer anyone to Mr Price Clothing in Bothasig if they are looking for a friendly and helpful service.