SOUNDMATCH GOODWOOD CAPE TOWN - Poor Workmanship, Unsafe Installation & No Accountability After Vehicle Breakdown

I am extremely disappointed with the service I received from Sound Match Goodwood and feel compelled to warn other customers about my experience. I dealt with Fadiel the Manager @the Branch and he refused to assist me and it's been months.

On 7 February 2026, I had a sound system professionally installed at the Sound Match Goodwood branch.

During the installation, one of the technicians broke the battery terminal bolt. I was informed of this by another technician, immediately reported it to the front desk, and took photographs as evidence. The technician later apologised after a replacement bolt was sourced.

Unfortunately, that was only the beginning.

The very next day (8 February 2026), while out with my girlfriend, my vehicle suddenly refused to start. It was completely electrically dead. Traffic officers and private security attempted to jump-start the vehicle, but nothing worked.

Because my vehicle is fitted with a DSG automatic gearbox, it could not be push-started. I had no option but to arrange emergency towing on a Sunday evening at a cost of R3,000.

The vehicle was inspected by my mechanic, who found that:

The battery terminal connection had overheated and caught fire. The power cable for the sound system had not been properly secured. The inline fuse holder and wiring had been left unsecured and exposed. The battery terminal had to be completely replaced.

The mechanic advised me that I was fortunate the damage had not been more extensive.

I then incurred a further R950 in repair costs, as well as R324 in Uber transport while my vehicle was out of service.

Total financial loss: R4,274.

I immediately reported the matter to Sound Match and supp****:

Photographs taken at the branch when the battery terminal was broken. Photographs of the damaged installation. Towing invoice. Mechanic invoice. Uber receipts. Proof of payment.

Despite providing all the requested documentation, the matter has still not been resolved.

Sound Match then requested that I obtain a diagnostic report from a registered auto electrician. I visited multiple registered auto electricians, all of whom advised that once the damaged components have already been repaired or replaced, it is not possible to produce a retrospective diagnostic report, as the original fault can no longer be inspected.

Despite explaining this and providing the mechanic's contact details for verification, I have still not received a satisfactory resolution.

As a customer, I expected professional workmanship and accountability. Instead, I was left with an immobilised vehicle, unexpected expenses, and months of trying to resolve a matter that I believe should have been addressed promptly.

I am now escalating this matter through the appropriate industry and consumer dispute channels and hope Sound Match will reconsider its position and resolve this matter professionally.

I have retained photographs, invoices, proof of payment, and all correspondence supporting the events described above.