Learn from this - my horrific experience with Revibe

Since my review of yesterday was removed - herewith the "modified" review.

On the 16th of January 2026 I placed an order with Revibe - Order Number ZA-27020 Issue 1 On outward appearance the device looked good, however when I tried to use the device, it kept giving errors on screen that the S-Pen could not connect. It was clear that the device did not go through the promised “thorough quality checks” as it was not the correct S-Pen for the device. This error kept coming up and I was not able to use the device. On contacting REVIBE, I was then told to log a warranty claim on the app, which I duly did. Revibe advised that they would arrange with a courier to collect the device for a “thorough quality check” and would then communicate the way forward. The courier arrived unannounced but could not collect the device as there was no waybill provided. I then contacted Revibe through the app and was assured that REVIBE SOUTH AFRICA shared the waybill with DHL (the courier). This was never done. I had to call Revibe again and it was explained to me that I could return the device (“no questions asked”) within 10 days but after that, any issues thereafter would be warranty claims with turnaround times of 12 – 14 days. I decided to return the device (it was well within the 10 day period), as the warranty claim issue would not be beneficial to me and I’d have no recourse with a faulty device. I logged a new claim. I then got an email asking for video evidence to log the claim and I sent it. I then got a message to say DHL will collect. Two days later and still no collection from courier, DHL. After phoning REVIBE (all these calls at my expense) they then sent me the waybill. I was then told that I have to print the waybill twice and I have to phone DHL to arrange collection. I don’t have a printer. I had to ask a neighbour to print it for me. I then called DHL as instructed by Revibe and DHL advised that there must be a returns invoice. I had to call Revibe again to arrange for the returns invoice. Revibe eventually sent me the returns invoice – for ME to print for the courier. More costs for me. I then had to call DHL again to confirm I have the returns invoice and they then sent the courier. The device was then taken by DHL and after that I received an email from DHL asking ME to pay import duties to Dubai in the UAE. I called Revibe AGAIN (at my expense) – who advised they will sort it out with DHL – which they then did. It appears that Revibe was stalling the return within the 10 day period – If I did not push this, the 10 day returns period would have come and gone, leaving me with no recourse. This leads to Issue 2: Unauthorised overseas purchase charge The day after order was placed, I noticed an overseas purchase charge on my bank account for the purchase. I then queried this with Revibe on the app, as the order was placed with Revibe South Africa. The contact person at Revibe said that I can claim a refund for the overseas purchase debit but I have to send them proof when I get my bank statement. This was NOT DISCLOSED by REVIBE SOUTH AFRICA and this was not authorised or approved by me as I bought the device from REVIBE SOUTH AFRICA, not from overseas. I did express all this to Revibe and their representative from the Revibe Customer Experience Team sent me emails saying he could not reach me on the phone – although I never had any missed calls. He insisted that we need to talk to discuss the issue. I called today and spoke to him and he said that the bank charge has nothing to do with Revibe – so it is not their problem BUT Revibe is willing to NEGOTIATE with me and pay me more than the overseas purchase charge – an amount of R300, on condition that I remove my post on social media regarding my experience with Revibe. I told him I only want my unauthorised overseas purchase charge refunded, and I was not going to remove my comment on social media. I received an email late on 17 Feb 2026 from him saying they retract their act of goodwill of the offer of R300. There was no act of goodwill. To me, this was a “br1be” in any language. Don’t waste your time or money with Revibe – you will be left in the lurch. PS = I have kept all the written communication and am happy to share it.