Pathetic service and processes at WFS

A large percentage of my monthly groceries budget is spent at Woolworths. I have been a loyal customer for years and due to things becoming a lot tighter recently, I decided to apply for a Store Card to help to consolidate and track my monthly spend. ALL I WANTED WAS A STORE CARD.

I proceeded to apply online. After filling in the first page of the application and hitting next, I realized that I needed to go back to amend how I had entered in my name and surname. The page timed out and reloaded and I landed on a page telling me that an agent will contact me to confirm my details and application. I thought that all was well.

The following day, I received a call from a sales agent who took me through the long process and conducted my credit enquiries and such. He offered me a credit card, to which I declined. A few days later, Ireceived an SMS to collect at the nearest Woolies Financial Services outlet. I made my way after work and waited in line.

When my turn came around, I shared my ID. The customer service lady then informed me that she could not print my card as the surname has been captured twice - once as a middle name and once as a surname (apparently a FICA violation as this is not allowed).

HOW THEN WAS THE SALE MADE???

I have since gone back and forth 4 times on the phone, 3 times at the branch, been told that I need to wait a month to reapply, having my application turned from a store card to a credit card.

WFS is an absolute nightmare to deal with. The call centre staff provide conflicting messages and continue to waste my time.

I cannot stand being inside a Woolies store anymore as no other retail store in this country has frustrated me to such an extent before.

I still have no card. Absolutely disgusted with the level of service and the conflicting messages. Imcompetent and unacceptable. Furthermore, I only authorized 1 credit enquiry be performed and I see 3 on my credit report. This will be taken up with the credit ombudsman.