takealot - Amazon will eat you alive. Amateurs.

Yet another disappointment from these Muppets.

Last month I ordered a delivery from Takealot. Items were to be delivered on a specified day. However, nothing arrived. Upon viewing the website, it stated the goods were delivered to my specified address and that I had signed for the goods (the customer) . Needless to say, I tried to call the call center. After numerous attempts and emails, I finally got through where I was questioned like I was the quilt party. Initially, I was told that the item would have been delivered as specified until I informed the agent that I was in JHB the week the item was delivered. The issue was finally resolved two weeks later after it was established that my neighbor received the goods. ( yeah perhaps I should do a review next on my neighbor :) )

Come Christmas order.

I recently ordered a Christmas tree with takalot. Once again after reviewing the website and the item showing delivered at 5 pm, signed by me. I called the call center - no joy. At 18:30 the doorbell rings and it's the delivery. I questioned the driver, why the late delivery. To which he proceeded to ***** and moan about how he had 96 items to deliver that day ( in what I believe was a city golf) and what was he supposed to do about it? "I get paid R40 a delivery and now that I am late because I am overworked, they will deduct penalties. He proceeded to complain that Takealot only hires foreigners cause no one else would work in these conditions. Finally, the angry/ frustrated delivery guy left.

Two days later I was informed that the wrong tree was delivered.

The agent was extremely aggressive, telling me I need to return the item. At first I was a little shocked as I too ordered a tree. Through pure frustration I tried to negotiate with the agent, suggesting that I will pay the difference. But was told point blank that this was not an option. Again this shouldn't be my problem. The conversation continued further with the same heated tone until the phone went dead. Was it put down? Who cares.

Waiting a few minutes I decide to call the toll free number in hope to resolve the situation with the agent. To be tolled she is busy and will call you back. Needless to say no call from that agent, but rather an email the next day advising me that the item will be collected tomorrow.

You should have seen the kids faces when I told them that the tree that we just put up yestetday as a family with a traditional dinner, music and lighting ceremony. We have to tear it down, pack it up due to the wrong delivery.

Come this morning the parcel was ready for collection. At 10 am, the courier arrives to collect the tree but no sign off my ordered tree.

On the phone again to make sense of the situation, I am told I need to wait 3-5 working days for them to check the returned tree and only then would mine be dispatched. ***.

None of this is my fault, but again I must wait while takealot fix their internal problems. At this point I requested to speak to a manager. Shock of horrors, none are available. " but don't worry Sir, you will get a call by close of business today". I gave up waiting at 21:22.

So this whole debacle with takealot confirms that service delivery in this country is a joke. No one takes ownership at that place nor that I have to wait a few more days for an item I ordered 10 days ago.

On the bright side, we get to do the tree again with all the music, food, joy and laughter. When my order arrives, if it arrives in time for xmas.

But the best thing is that I can NOT wait for Amazon to open in this country as I will never, ever use these shmucks again. I truly hope this company loses its market share to a company that defines customer service and commands loyalty.

Takealot, take a hike you amateurs.