Takealot Rip-off

<p>On 17/06/2017, I purchased a Lenovo Ideapad 100S 11" Intel Atom Notebook. I was induced to make the purchase as Takealot was running a Notebook Clearance Sale, touting 29% discount on the particular product. I purchased the item, which was advertised for R 3,529.00. I was keen to make the purchase, as the website indicated that there were only a limited number left. Following the purchase, I noted that I was billed the full price of R 4,099.00. I immediately logged a query with Takealot; a Nathan Lawrence responded on same date, apologising for the inconvenience, and assuring that someone from the “Product Department” would revert to me presently.</p> <p> </p> <p>After 3 days, I was still awaiting Takealot’s response. I directed another query by e-mail. Another 2 days passed. Still no response. I again e-mailed Takealot: another day passed, and still no response was forthcoming.</p> <p> </p> <p>On 23/06/2017, I continued with a telephone query, as my e-mails were being ignored. I spoke to a Lucretia Africa, who claimed that there was nothing she could do, but that my query would be escalated to a manager, who would revert to me on the matter. Some hours later, I was telephoned by a Gerald, claiming to be a manager on duty at Takealot. I was required to, again, regale the history of the purchase, the numerous queries, poor customer service, etc.</p> <p> </p> <p>The manager claimed that at the time of purchase, the item on the daily deal had run out of stock. I then indicated to the manager that:</p> <p>(a) The item could not have run out of stock, as I received delivery of the notebook 3 days later, for which I had paid the full price; and</p> <p>(b) Following the purchase, I again attended the “Daily Deals” page, which indicated that there were still 7 items left (I was initially mistaken, thinking only 4 were left) – at the time, I took a screen shot, for support.</p> <p> </p> <p>The manager had no reply, merely indicating that my account would not be credited. He could not even fathom a plausible excuse for disallowing a credit on the account. There was nothing he could or would do. I noted that it was exactly because of these stunts that Kalahari could not maintain its business.</p> <p> </p> <p>To the consumers: be wary of Takealot’s false advertising. As for myself, a customer who has spent thousands of Rands on products with this retailer, I will most definitely not be returning for business.</p>