eBook availability

BACKGROUND: I bought seven eBooks thought Takealot starting in 2012. One for instance Is the SASOL bird book which I do use. I downloaded the Takealot eReader and all was well, until I upgraded on my Apple iPads since then. Every time I deleted the contents of the older iPad before handing them down to family members.

PROBLEM: On My latest iPad I can no longer download them, because it need tokens (I was not aware of it). I took the matter up via a view emails with Takealot (Last email was 02 March 2020 Yusrie Allie - still waiting for an acceptable answer; emails are available). According to his email publishers of ebooks provide "tokens". Note that the number of tokens are not stated, unless I have missed it, when buying the ebooks. Once used apparently, downloads like in my case are blocked. This is not acceptable. According to Takealot it is the publishers that places the limits and not them. I did not read the amount of tokens or limitations in Takalot's terms and conditions (specifically Para 12 of T&CS that addresses eBooks). Comparing it now to Apple and Amazon, the items e.g. videos ; kindle books, lives in their respective "clouds" and a person logs into his/her own account and the content are available online or for download on their device/s. Thus no limitation (device upgrades independent). This I find very acceptable and do understand copy right protection. This is why I do buy them.

THE IRONY: According to Yusry in his email I need to save a copy of the book on a Mac/Pc. Again I do not see the advice on their site when you buy the ebook. I also do not see any instruction as to how one should proceed to do that, and how to re-install it on the upgraded iPad (lets leave copy right aside). I have asked for it but no answer received.

MY VIEW: I do have the right to access of ebooks legally bought and that it should be available to me for ever. This issue have not been solved and I requested Yusry Allie to solve this matter through my return email to him. This morning I decided to phone him and was told he does not take phone calls. I told the lady that I would post a review on Hello Peter, whereafter he was quite willing to speak to me. He was polite and did apologise for the inconvenience. However he was not sure when the escalated answer would come back. Had I not phoned him, I would not have known it. This was the reason why I post this review.

MY EXPECTATION: I want unrestricted access to the ebooks that I bought through my account irrespective of future iPad upgrades. The same for any possible future ebook purchases. I sincerely hope that Takealot can solve this issue for me and many other clients that will have the same kind of problem.