Appalling service related to store cards

I went for a preview at Northgate store on Friday, 21 Feb. I realized that I had forgotten my Woolies store card which could have entitled me to a 10%discount as per their promotions. I met with a lady to enquire on whether I can be issued with a temp card and on which tills such cards are usually issued hence they have discontinued customer service department. Her response was that any till will attend to me. After shopping for over 30 min, I proceeded to the till for payment, only to be told that I have to approach Finance department to issue me with a temp card. On my arrival at that dept, the assistant asked me who directed me to him cause the stores no longer issue temp cards.

Due to frustration, I requested a manager - Ms Reddy, who confirmed this and further stated that I would not even be entitled to a 10% even if I had the card because such is applicable after 09h00. I then requested for her to allow me to leave the stuff for keeping to go return with the card seeing that my time was wasted being sent from pillar to post after shopping. Her response was that items could not be kept for me because the rule prohibits. I prayed for her indulgence, not only because of the time wasted but also because when messages are sent to clients, it does not state that the 10%only accrues after 09h00 so as one does not bother to even come early.

I then proceeded to contact the call centre after leaving the store, to which I spoke to Raeesah and she informed me that my card is blocked and another will be issued within 14 days and sent to the store to collect. I was told to go back to the store to Plead for 1 day pass, which I found to utter disrespect of a loyal customer like myself.

There are two issues which brought me to write this: Lack of discretion afforded to managers when executing their functions. I find the rule to apply for a new card and the limitations around it to be cumbersome and the process so outdated during the 4th industrial revolution. Rules must be shared with all staff within the btanch to save us time.

I find the service to be appalling to say the least