Rejected return because wet clothing was placed on a clothes dryer!

Order of events: Purchased : Home Clothes stand – Washline – Foldable Dryer

27-06-2024: Registered a return of item as significant rust all over unit made it impossible to use any longer. Item is designed to be used to hang wet clothing to dry, so the rusting of the unit makes it defective for it’s purpose. 1 July 2024: Response from JUSTIN, Takealot: Justin.C (takealot.com) Jul 1, 2024, 13:37 GMT+2 Hi Carl, Thank you for your patience while we evaluated your return request. Unfortunately, your return has been declined due to specific criteria not being met in line with our Returns Policy. as per policy: The following will NOT be regarded as defects and will not entitle you to a return under this section 3: damage arising from negligence, user abuse or incorrect usage of the product: damage arising from a failure to adequately care for the product; We will arrange for this item to be returned to you.

1 July 2024: My Reply: Please explain, in detail, what exactly transgressed the usage policy. I don't want a generic answer, I want specifics, as this will be used in my legal response. Keep in mind what the item actually is and what's it's intended use is. I expect a speedy reply please.

2 July 2024: Response from NATHANIEL V ( Takealot) Hi Carl, I hope this mail finds you well. The following will NOT be regarded as defects and will not entitle you to a return under section 3 of our returns policy: https://www.takealot.com/help/exchange-return-policy? • faults resulting from normal wear and tear; • damage arising from negligence, incorrect usage of the product; • damage arising from sea air corrosion; • damage arising from a failure to adequately care for the product; Kindly note that your item will be shipped back to you shortly.

2 July 2024: My Reply Hi Nathaniel Once again, a generic response. This is not good enough. Which of these conditions apply, based on your assessment. I am taking this further, both legally and also to the Consumer Commission, so a detailed response to what you have assessed to the reason for the denial is required.

2 July 2024: Response from NATHANIEL V (Takealot) Hi Carl. Please note that damage arising from negligence, or incorrect usage of the product are unfortunately not regarded as defects. Your item is being shipped back to you shortly. Kind regards

2 July 2024: My Reply OK, so now that you're confirmed that your assessment is that it was incorrectly used - please can you explain exactly how it was incorrectly used? Legally, to deny our claim, you need to provide me with the details with which your assessment was made. I await DETAILS please.

2 July 2024: Response from NATHANIEL V (Takealot) Hi Carl, Kindly note that your item will be shipped back to you shortly. You may track your item by using the following link: https://www.dpd.com/za/en/receiving-parcels/track-my-parcel/tracking-details/?D01RRN7MQKBEORV Your understanding is appreciated.

2 July 2024: My reply As you're choosing to absolutely ignore my question, please forward contact details for your superior or team manager.

4 July 2024: Response from MELISSA A (Takealot) Hi Carl Thank you for contacting Takealot.com As per the warehouse please see the below reason: Damage arising from a failure to adequately care for the product. Regards, Melissa.A

4 July 2024: My reply Once again... It is a clothes drier, intended to hang wet clothing in the sun so as to dry. Please explain what exactly was done to it, that qualifies your assessment that it was incorrectly used or cared for?? If you are unable to a see this question, please put me in touch with someone who can.

4 July 2024: Response from HERSCHELLE H (Takealot) Good day Carl Hope that you are well. As per warehouse notes the declined return has been shipped back to you via D01RRN7MQKBEORV_1 You can track the delivery progress on the link below using *** as your tracking reference https://www.dpd.com/za/en/receiving-parcels/track-my-parcel/tracking-details/? Return was declinded as per the following : • damage arising from a failure to adequately care for the product Should you require any further assistance in the meantime, please feel free to reach out and we will gladly assist you. Hope you have a great day further. Kind regards, Herschelle.H

5 July 2024: My reply OK – Once again, ignored my question. This matter will now go to the Consumer Commission to force a response

So, apparently we misused a clothes dryer by putting wet clothing on it to dry!!

I have lodged complaint with NCC today.