TAKEALOT / SUPERSONIC -- OMEGA 2000I GENERATORS, A THROW AWAY PRODUCT

In June 2022 I purchased an Omega 2000i generator from Takealot. I was satisfied with the product until it suddenly stopped working early August 23.

I contacted Takealot to get the details for the agents so I could have it repaired. Takealot gave me the number for Supersonic which was not correct by the way) whom I contacted on 17 August 23.

Getting hold of Supersonic, I was put through to technical and was advised by a young gentleman who said that he was surprised that the unit lasted so long as it normally seizes after 3 or 4 runs. He said that they can't help me with repairs, nor can they recommend anyone in Cape Town who can, but that he will do a swap with a previously repaired unit, I should give him a day or two to get things arranged.

On checking progress, the next day (18th), Helga introduced herself and said that she will now be assisting me. She advised that she will need a week to get me sorted. I followed up on the 21st, said she is working on it, again on the 23rd, no feedback, again on the 24th, she responded that they don't have spares and will contact me in the morning, which she didn't do.

I then messaged on the 29th asking for feedback saying that the situation is becoming unacceptable.

She rep**** and explained that the repair dept will not supply me with a new unit since I'm out of the warranty period (keep in mind that I did not ask for a new unit, I just want to be able to take mine where I can get it repaired, or a swap with a repaired unit as was initially suggested by Supersonic).

Helga then suggested that I buy a new machine at cost (R4800). However, the new machine is not the same make (Supersonic), plus it's an open frame 4-stroke machine with higher running cost, and more noise. Further she cannot guarantee that I will not have the same problem with this model.

I then tried to contact Takelot, as they are still selling the Omega 20001. Consumers should know that if they buy these machines and the malfunction which they definitely will, they have no recourse and the machine cannot be repaired, there is no after sales service from Supersonic store. However, since the machine is older than 3 months, it's impossible on Takelots system to review the machine and its void of aftersales service.

Consumers are stuck with a machine that does not have any technical support once it exceeds the warranty, however the Omega brand and Supersonic still sells on Takealot. Contacting Takealot was impossible, and going to their physical head office was a waste of time as I was just shown the door and referred to the cul-de-sac call center number.

This is unacceptable and infringes consumer rights in SA. A consumer has the right to know at time of purchase that this is a low quality throw away product with no after sales service options. And maybe the onion reward should go to Takealot, for continuing to trade such a low-quality product with now recourse to the anonymous supplier who continues to distribute these generators across the