Big bad wolf

We bought a caravan from a private seller in Robertson. We had a small accident at the vehicle testing grounds and took it to Strand Caravans to get it fixed. Alfred, the worker did a great job and we were very happy with the work done.

Deon, the owner inspected the caravan on the inside as I have noticed bad leaking. He pointed out that the panelling was done with the wrong wood type and also pointed out some woodrot. He looked at the outside and told us that the suspension rubbers were not in a good state as the caravan's back end was hanging badly.

Inside his office we discussed the problem at length and he even phoned another company who indicated that the repaits to the axle would cost a minimum of R15 000.

Based on his advice we decided to return the caravan to the seller. My wife looked around his premises and saw a caravan that she also liked. She explained to Deon that we have decided to return the leaking caravan and that we will look into the purchase of his caravan when the seller returned our money. He then asked her to pay a deposit of R2 000 to give us an option on the caravan for a few days. It was paid to him.

Deon told us he will back us in court if needed.

Eight days later we were still struggling to get our money back from the seller and I phoned and cancelled the option to purchase Deon's caravan. He requested a few days grace to pay our money back as it was month end. We agreed to that. About a week later we contacted him again and he asked us to wait until the week of 12 Sept 2027. We agreed to that.

The seller refused to return our money and it eventually legal action was taken. We needed a report from Deon about the defects he pointed out to us. When asked for a report, Deon asked me to type it and bring it to him for his signature. This was done the next day. He wasn' t there and two copies of the document was left on his table. Alfred, his worker, was asked to alert him to the fact that the document was delivered.

I followed up the next day and was told by Deon that he hasn't had time yet.

After this, we followed up just about every day. Sometimes by phone and sometimes by driving to his premises. He started by not answering my calls. Then he ignored text messages. He answered calls if I phoned him from another (unknown to him) number. He then presented all kinds of excuses why he hasn't signed the document yet. He was also never present at his premises when we went there. I even made an appointment to see him which he ignored. This went on for about two weeks.

On 14 Sept 2017, I phoned hom again. As usual my call was not answered. I then phoned him from a friend's phone and put it on speaker. He answered after the third ring. I told him I needed to see him urgently. He wanted to know what it was about as if he did not know.

When I told him that I needed the document about the defects he said that he has decided not to get involved. I told him that I respect his decision in spite of his promises to us. I then explained to him that we acted on his advise and that we might then have to subpoena him to appear in court to prove the defects on the caravan. He then said that he doesn't like to be threatened and that he would "lose his memory" if we subpoena him.

I then told him that I will come to his premises today to collect the R2 000 deposit i.r.o. the other caravan. He refused to return the money as, according to him, we did not purchase the caravan and we therefor, lose the deposit. This was all done over the phone where a reliable witness was present.

This man is really not worth doing business with. He seems to be interested in money only and will offer the earth on a silver platter as long as he can make the fast buck!