CASE OF ************ UPSELLING

I was quoted and paid upfront for a change of filter sand to a swimming pool. I had also asked that when the team arrived to do the change, that the multi-port valve be checked as this was very difficult to operate. The transaction took place on 4 October 2024 with the promised date of 7 October for the change to be done.

I received a call from the Blue Valley shop where I initiated the service saying that someone was trying to contact me but no answer. This was strange as I had no missed calls and my phone was with me and switched on as I was expecting the call. I was advised that the date was to be changed to 9 October, which did not suit me and I asked that they attend to the service on the agreed date, did not happen and I got an email saying service was for 9 October after all. I sent and email advising that I would only be available at 13h00 and that I requested acknowledgement of my email. No such response received. The team arrived on 9 October just after 13h00. I asked them to check the multi-port valve as I was aware that the repair would be above that which I had paid for. The top of the valve was removed and it was evident that the gasket had failed, and that there was a hairline crack where the gasket is seated.

The team leader then advised me that the multi-port valve needed to be replaced. What shocked me was the story that such replacement also requires the filter to be replaced as well and that they would send a quote for the replacement of the valve and filter.

I did not believe this story, but did not want a confrontation, so allowed the team to leave. I immediately contacted another entity who on seeing photos of the installation confirmed my suspicion that the multi-port valve could be replaced without the whole filter being replaced as well. The quote from the Pool Team for their new valve and filter was sent being R 5400 over and above the R1590 paid for the sand change.

The multi-port valve was replaced this morning as an urgent job for a cost of R3749.

This is a classic case of up-selling and taking unsuspecting people for a ride. Beware of such underhanded tactics.

Find other suppliers who will not rip you off.