Write-Off Samsung

My Samsung QLED Q7F developed lines on the screen, which I assume is due to the connect box, since they disappear when the connect box is disconnected. I purchased the television from New World, Menlyn Park. The chronological order of events that ensued are as follows: 1) I went to the Samsung branch at New World, Menlyn, to ask them to order a connect box. They stated that they could not help me and I should contact Samsung head office directly for support. 2) I emailed Samsung and they directed me back to their service centre which happens to be New World, Menlyn Park. 3) I contacted Samsung via webchat and they stated that they do not keep spare parts for longer than 5 years. 4) I posted the saga on HelloPeter. 5) Samsung Voice Of The Customer contacted me and referred me to an alternate service center, namely P.M.C. Electronics. 6) P.M.C. Electronics told me they cannot order a replacement connect box on my behalf and referred me back to Samsung shop. 7) On the advice of a sales agent at Stax electronics I contacted Pandodox Samsung repair centre. They referred me back to head office once again.

The conclusion to be drawn for anybody wanting to buy a Samsung television is: 1) Samsung is glad to take your money, 25k+, and you should throw away your television after 5 years should it become faulty. 2) Samsung by a policy decision of not keeping spare parts for longer than 5 years does not care about a sustainable future, but prioritises its profits above the customer and the environment. It does not care if a panel tv lands on the refuse heap and pollutes the environment. 3) Samsung and its agents are not able to or are unwilling to accept responsibility for after-sales service, make the problem yours and shove you off to the next and close the problem. 4) This is not the first time that such has occurred, previously a similar episode took place with a defective Samsung PC monitor's stand that broke under its own weight, which I subsequently was forced to cede as a result.

I have suffered substantial financial loss due to this company. Hopefully, others can be spared the same, or the consumer council will do so.