SELL DIRECT - NOTHING BUT CON-ARTISTS!

<p>I was called by Sell Direct and offered a Samsumg Galaxy J1 on contract with them for R169.00. It took some ten days to get the phone (because they sent it to an address in JHB first when I am in Durban). When it was delivered, I provided the necessary RICA documentation and a day later they called to RICA me telephonically. FOUR days later the phone was still inactive on the Telkom network. I went into Telkom. They don't know I exist. I made 15 phone calls to Sell Direct, was cut off twice by rude and very unhelpful staff and put on continuous hold by another one till eventually the phone died on its own. When I did finally get through to them I was told by a very rude staff member that because I had opened the box the contract could not be cancelled and I would be liable for the contract. Please explain to me how I am to know if the phone is working or that it is active on the network if i do not open up the box, take the phone out and insert the sim card into the phone? As a consumer I have the right to a cooling off period, especially for direct marketing which is exactly what this is. I have told them to collect the phone but they refuse to "because the box was opened". Their contract only says that the phone has to be returned in the same condition, which it is, since I am completely unable to use it. I have to pay up to R300 to have the phone returned to them, but since they won't collect it, what am I supposed to do?</p> <p> </p> <p>This is such scaly salesmanship and the contract was so badly misrepresented that I am now going to the Ombudsman for his intervention. What a dishonourable firm to deal with! I hope millions of people read this and take heed of what they are in for!</p> <p> </p>