Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, SPAR presents a franchise network where the experience swings sharply by store, but negative patterns dominate. Customers consistently report rotten or expired food, shelf prices that do not match the till, and security staff who search and humiliate paying shoppers. Spar2U and app orders draw the heaviest criticism for missing items and refunds that drag on for weeks. Individual branches and named cashiers still earn genuine warmth.
Top Strengths:
- •Customer Service & Support: The strongest theme, carried by named individuals rather than systems. Siphiwe at Midrand, Zodwa in Germiston, Omphile at Hartswater and Selisha at Park Square are celebrated for warmth, price checks and going out of their way for shoppers.
TrustIndex
2.2
NPS Score
-67
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About SPAR
What do customers say about SPAR?
Based on recent customer reviews, SPAR presents a franchise network where the experience swings sharply by store, but negative patterns dominate. Customers consistently report rotten or expired food, shelf prices that do not match the till, and security staff who search and humiliate paying shoppers. Spar2U and app orders draw the heaviest criticism for missing items and refunds that drag on for weeks. Individual branches and named cashiers still earn genuine warmth.
What is SPAR's biggest strength?
SPAR's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Customer Service & Support. The strongest theme, carried by named individuals rather than systems. Siphiwe at Midrand, Zodwa in Germiston, Omphile at Hartswater and Selisha at Park Square are celebrated for warmth, price checks and going out of their way for shoppers.
What are the most common complaints about SPAR?
The most common complaint about SPAR, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Refunds, Returns & Consumer Rights. A recurring theme is money owed for undelivered or out of stock app items sitting unpaid for weeks. Customers are bounced between store, head office and their bank, and exchanges are refused when a till slip is missing.
Is SPAR trustworthy?
SPAR has a TrustIndex of 2.2 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 329 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked SPAR across 6,657 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (329)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Oct 2026
Formal Complaint: Suspected Mould on Brutal Fruit Spritzer Purchased at Guguletu SPAR Tops
Dear SPAR Tops Management and HEINEKEN Beverages Customer Service, I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding a product I purchased from Guguletu SPAR Tops earlier today. I purchased a six-pack of Brutal Fruit Spritzer, Strawberry Rouge flavour, and upon arriving home, I noticed what appeared to be mould or fungus on the top part of one of the cans, around the opening area. I find this extremely concerning, as this is a product intended for consumption. The presence of what appears to be mould raises questions about the product's quality, hygiene, storage and safety standards. As a customer, I expect products purchased from your store to meet acceptable quality and safety standards. Discovering something like this on a product I had just purchased is both disappointing and concerning, particularly because it is something that could potentially come into contact with the contents of the can when opened. I would therefore like to request a formal investigation into this matter to establish how the product reached the shelves in this condition. I would also appreciate clarification on whether this could be an isolated incident or a potential quality-control issue. Furthermore, I would like to request an appropriate resolution, preferably a refund or replacement of the affected product. Please advise me on the process to follow and whether the product needs to be returned for inspection. I have attached photographs of the affected can to assist with your investigation. I trust that this complaint will be taken seriously and that appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter. I look forward to receiving your response and a satisfactory resolution. Kind regards, Siyamthanda Maqetuka ***
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2026
Formal Complaint: Suspected Mould on Brutal Fruit Spritzer Purchased at Guguletu SPAR Tops
Dear SPAR Tops Management and HEINEKEN Beverages Customer Service, I am writing to formally raise a complaint regarding a product I purchased from Guguletu SPAR Tops earlier today. I purchased a six-pack of Brutal Fruit Spritzer, Strawberry Rouge flavour, and upon arriving home, I noticed what appeared to be mould or fungus on the top part of one of the cans, around the opening area. I find this extremely concerning, as this is a product intended for consumption. The presence of what appears to be mould raises questions about the product's quality, hygiene, storage and safety standards. As a customer, I expect products purchased from your store to meet acceptable quality and safety standards. Discovering something like this on a product I had just purchased is both disappointing and concerning, particularly because it is something that could potentially come into contact with the contents of the can when opened. I would therefore like to request a formal investigation into this matter to establish how the product reached the shelves in this condition. I would also appreciate clarification on whether this could be an isolated incident or a potential quality-control issue. Furthermore, I would like to request an appropriate resolution, preferably a refund or replacement of the affected product. Please advise me on the process to follow and whether the product needs to be returned for inspection. I have attached photographs of the affected can to assist with your investigation. I trust that this complaint will be taken seriously and that appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter. I look forward to receiving your response and a satisfactory resolution. Kind regards, Siyamthanda Maqetuka ***
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2015
Less Food, Same Price
Just came back from Spar in Cape Quarter, De Waterkant with my salad and all I can say is "I'm shocked" It's gone from a nice full container to a 3/4 container - for the same price. The ladies said they were told they are over-portioning. How is it over portioning when we're paying R74.99 for a salad? A salad we've been puchasing since 2021? Through ALL your price increases, we kept on purchasing it. And I'm not alone in this complaint. There was another customer who had the exact same complaint and he was about to call management over. As mush as I need this, I think I'm done with Spar.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2015
Less Food, Same Price
Just came back from Spar in Cape Quarter, De Waterkant with my salad and all I can say is "I'm shocked" It's gone from a nice full container to a 3/4 container - for the same price. The ladies said they were told they are over-portioning. How is it over portioning when we're paying R74.99 for a salad? A salad we've been puchasing since 2021? Through ALL your price increases, we kept on purchasing it. And I'm not alone in this complaint. There was another customer who had the exact same complaint and he was about to call management over. As mush as I need this, I think I'm done with Spar.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2019
Misleading offers
I dont understand why you will offer 2x grilled chicken for r100 but then after paying ot doesnt reflect amount,only when you check summary the amount change to R159 where you only save r20,meaning the offer is a lie
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2019
Misleading offers
I dont understand why you will offer 2x grilled chicken for r100 but then after paying ot doesnt reflect amount,only when you check summary the amount change to R159 where you only save r20,meaning the offer is a lie
1 reviews | Active since May 2014
Bad product and customer service
I purchased the ice cream on 2 October 2026 and noticed that it appeared to have melted previously and then been refrozen. This affected both its appearance and taste, leaving me dissatisfied with the quality of the product. I submitted a complaint through the SPAR complaints website but received no response. On 6 October 2026, I followed up telephonically with your Customer Service Department. I was assured that my complaint would be escalated to the relevant brand for investigation and that I would receive a call back. However, to date, I have not received any feedback or communication regarding my complaint. I am disappointed not only with the quality of the product but also with the lack of follow-up after I was assured that the matter would be escalated. As a customer, I believe that my concerns should be acknowledged and addressed within a reasonable timeframe. I kindly request an update on the status of my complaint and a clear indication of how this matter will be resolved. I would appreciate a prompt response, as I have already made an effort to follow up without receiving any resolution.
1 reviews | Active since May 2014
Bad product and customer service
I purchased the ice cream on 2 October 2026 and noticed that it appeared to have melted previously and then been refrozen. This affected both its appearance and taste, leaving me dissatisfied with the quality of the product. I submitted a complaint through the SPAR complaints website but received no response. On 6 October 2026, I followed up telephonically with your Customer Service Department. I was assured that my complaint would be escalated to the relevant brand for investigation and that I would receive a call back. However, to date, I have not received any feedback or communication regarding my complaint. I am disappointed not only with the quality of the product but also with the lack of follow-up after I was assured that the matter would be escalated. As a customer, I believe that my concerns should be acknowledged and addressed within a reasonable timeframe. I kindly request an update on the status of my complaint and a clear indication of how this matter will be resolved. I would appreciate a prompt response, as I have already made an effort to follow up without receiving any resolution.
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2016
Bad manager
Im writing to spar in sea point durban had most horrible experience with the manager who was harassing me and my mom for the plastic that we wanted to buy Spice and plastic wasnt sealed spice fell on the floor n he blamed us and treated us the whole isle he doesnt know how to treat his customer even my mom wanted to leave spar and not buy anything anymore
1 reviews | Active since Dec 2016
Bad manager
Im writing to spar in sea point durban had most horrible experience with the manager who was harassing me and my mom for the plastic that we wanted to buy Spice and plastic wasnt sealed spice fell on the floor n he blamed us and treated us the whole isle he doesnt know how to treat his customer even my mom wanted to leave spar and not buy anything anymore
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Disgusting client service at Spar Nicks food eQonce
I had a very terrible experience today with Sethu (cashier) from Spar Nicks foods, King William's Town. She just finished helping another customer, and now I'm approaching her till, she rudely and disrespectfully referred me to another till, as if I went to the store to beg and not to purchase. She was not leaving the till or she was not even helping anyone else she just sat on her and was just not willing to assist. When I went to get her name, she wasn't wearing her name tag, she had a fleece on and she refused to give me her surname so I can report the issue. I have managed to get through to the manager Dale or something and reported the experience, I am waiting for feedback.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Disgusting client service at Spar Nicks food eQonce
I had a very terrible experience today with Sethu (cashier) from Spar Nicks foods, King William's Town. She just finished helping another customer, and now I'm approaching her till, she rudely and disrespectfully referred me to another till, as if I went to the store to beg and not to purchase. She was not leaving the till or she was not even helping anyone else she just sat on her and was just not willing to assist. When I went to get her name, she wasn't wearing her name tag, she had a fleece on and she refused to give me her surname so I can report the issue. I have managed to get through to the manager Dale or something and reported the experience, I am waiting for feedback.