Takealot - An utter let down - Non-responsive and poor service!!

I had purchased a toy remote control car for my little nephew from Australia in November 2017. I was meant to let him use it for my wedding in January 2018. When he arrived, we opened and set up the car and found that we did not have an aerial for the remote to work.

I reported this matter to Takealot and was advised that they will collect the car and review the problem. They then informed me that it was past the warranty date and that they could not help me. I explained them my delay in opening the product, as my nephew was out of the country. I said that I would be willing to purchase an aerial so that my car could at least work.

WHILE TAKEALOT HAD MY CAR IN THEIR POSSESSION, they emailed me requesting a picture of the remote to find the appropriate aerial. There was a lot of back and forth, and I responded by saying that THEY HAD THE CAR IN THEIR POSSESSION, how was I to send a picture of the remote??

Takealot then responded with PAIRING INSTRUCTIONS, and advised that the car did not need an aerial. A total waste of time and emails, because they could have told me this in the beginning.

Nevertheless, Takealot returned the car. Upon receiving it, I tried to pair the remote to the car, but the car would not start (as it previously had). Additionally, the back light of the car was broken. I was rather disappointed that Takealot had returned to me a now damaged car, when I had given them a completely intact and working car. '

Again, I contacted Takealot via telephone and email, and they requested that I return the car and include a letter explaining the situation. I did so, and a few days later they sent the car back, UNFIXED, and said that "the car warranty has been voided because the car is damaged".

I called Takealot AGAIN and sent back and forth several emails explaining the situation and explaining that THEY were in fact the ones who broke the car and returned it to be damaged.

I was informed that Takealot will in fact collect the car again and either replace the car or refund me the money. I have been waiting for pick up since Tuesday, 15 April. Each day, I complain that no one has collected the parcel yet, and every day we "reschedule" for a new pick up.

I have been in constant contact with Takealot, begging and nagging for collection and that this matter be resolved. Two days ago I received an email saying that I have not been responding and that this matter will be closed.

I got really mad and threatened that I will report them to Hello Peter, and explained that I have been in constant contact requesting pick up. I was promised that they will collect the car yesterday, before 5pm. As expected, no one showed up.

I am running low on patience and I really am disappointed in Takealot. My family and I are loyal supporters of them, but my recent incident has left me appalled. I am terribly disgusted at this and I wish that Takealot can now respond to me query by actually collecting my car, and replacing it with a new one, or refunding me for the full amount that I had paid for it...