Return Policy Problematic

I ordered a paif of i11 TSW Airpods for my son's birthday. I received it really fast and was, as always, very impressed with the turnaround time on delivery. However, after giving it to my son on his birthday, we determined that one of the earpieces wasn't charging. I contacted Takealot and asked that the item be returned and replaced (it is within 7 days of receiving it). They now inform me that this action is not done simultaneously, but they first collect the defective item, send it back to the supplier/manufacturer to verify that it is defective (may take 21 work days plus) and only once it has been verified, will they send me a new item. I have been buying through Takealot for YEARS and is it the first time I need to return a faulty/defective item. I have now decided that this was my last purchase. Beware people, it is safer to buy directly from a shop where you can go return and replace faulty / defective products simultaneously. My son now has to wait a month + (a colleague of mine has been waiting 5 weeks for replacement on a returned kettle under warranty). It's fine and dandy buying from Takealot when your item is working, but it's a whole different ball game once you receive a defective product. Seriously NOT WORTH IT.