Refusing with my Refund

I came to webuycars on 23rd Thursday 2023 to do window shopping and was assisted by Kennet Malaka (Salesperson).He was helpful that day and I advised him that I will come the following day.

On the 24th came to the branch and he was called at the reception/information desk. Advised him that I’m back and would like to buy the car(2010 Renault 2.0 DCI 4x4 - DA***).We than proceeded to the vehicle to inspect and test drive. I had cash and he advised that I need to deposit the cash into webuycars account because cash is not accepted. He suggested we do the invoicing first and we were done by 16:30 and had to rush to FNB Southgate. Went to fnb to deposit however the cashiers had knocked off and was advised to do ATM deposit. Deposited R17300 to the account that I was given. Rushed back to the branch. Upon getting there it was 17:50 and it was almost knock off time for everyone and he advised that I shouldn’t have done a direct deposit to account but an EFT because now I must pay extra 2%.Asked he didn’t explain this before I went? Didn’t get an answer. He suggested we continue with the transaction in the morning as everyone was now leaving.

25th went back to branch this time with a changed mind after a consultation with my mechanic. I advised him that I’m not longer interested in the vehicle, can we please cancel it. He had a busy day as he was assisting a couple of customers. He advised that the cancellation would be easy as I don’t want the cash but wanted the amount to be put into the webuycars account so I can add with the rest I had in the card and will buy the vehicle I want. He said I must go there is no need for me to sign anywhere. In my mind the transaction was going to be cancelled that day as he advised. I kept checking my webuycars account kept on seeing -R61 999 if not mistaken. I than called him it was after working hours to advise him of what I’m seeing but he assured me that it will reflect the correct amount, I than relaxed. To my surprise the deal was not cancelled.

Came to the branch on Monday the 27th to ask him what is happening as I can see that the deal is not cancelled. Upon reaching the information desk, I asked to speak to the manager. I was asked which manager I said I don’t know but narrated my story to the guy. He advised that they could assist in putting the money in the webuycars account and if I find the vehicle, I like I will than topup and buy. They called Kennet on the intercom to come and assist as he was my salesperson. They did show me the clause/fine print where it stated that within 24/48 hours cancellation, I will get my full refund. If it’s after 72hours R5000 will be withheld.

The salesperson came and had to start with the cancellation process, he advised that I won’t get my full refund. I asked why? He said because of the cancellation. That is when I lost it. Why should I lose R5000 while I cancelled the following morning which was less than 24hrs?I couldn’t even do a bid for other vehicle/s because of the – account. I was told that I will be given 48hours to get another vehicle which was (remainder of the day 27th and 28th March)otherwise I will get a refund that will be short of R5000.We only proceeded with the cancellation yesterday(27th March)where I had to sign(which was a surprise as well)after what he advised. He also advised I will need to buy another vehicle in which ever branch and call him once there. I asked him why they can’t just call whomever they need to call so that I won’t have to do too much admin and it will reflect on the system. I was advised it’s not possible.

I proceed to the information desk to speak to the manager Tumi. Narrated the story to him. He only said he doesn’t deal with the refunds or make decisions, but the head office does that, and they will take the R5000.I can only look for another vehicle to buy within 48hours.Asked him if I don’t find the vehicle I want, what will happen? And do I now have to buy a vehicle I don’t want because you guys need a sale. I work during the week I can’t afford to be up and down. He said it what I advised. He was not helpful. I left in anger. Why didn’t he try to call the necessary people that needs to be involved sorting this out because the fault was not on my end.

I saw a vehicle in Germiston branch and advised the salesperson. He said I must call him once there. This morning 28th March went to Germiston and was assisted by Rudi. Narrated the story to him and he advised that they should have just refunded the money to the webuycars account(which Tumi(Manager -JHb south branch said it was not possible when I suggested).Rudi was very friendly and was willing to assist in every way possible unfortunately the car I had seen gave him issues when he test drove it with another client and it didn’t start. When it eventually did, it only went inside the premises and when they had to drive out the door did the same thing. He advised I must look for another car unfortunately there was no other car that I liked when he than assisted with the search and we checked all Joburg branches no luck.

My question is, why should I lose my money on something that was not even my fault? And as well your fine print states that I should get my full refund since I cancelled on time.

Can this matter be handled with urgency; I will want to buy a car but won’t buy under pressure or take a car that I don’t want because the sale was counted but not cancelled?

I want to suggest that the money be put on my webuycars account so that I will be able to bid if I see the vehicle I want. Or the branch can withhold the funds until I find what I like.

I believe that I will be assisted as quickly as possible so I can be one of the happy clients.