The Customer is Not Always Right

The customer is not always right, as Siyabonga Tulumani, of Khayelitsha in the Cape, has learned.

He thought taking the UR Cell and Leather Shop to the Small Claims Court, for a refund, would be a “walk in the park”, but he came a cropper instead.

He bought a used cellphone for R1 000 at the UR Cell and Leather Shop, and demanded his money back because the battery connection broke.

Proprietor Amien Essop told Commissioner Serf Hurter: “When he bought the phone it was working, but when he brought it back two days later it was not working.

“We showed him the battery connection was broken.”

Essop said repairs would cost about R180, but as a gesture of kindness he was willing to repair it free.

Essop added: “I will do it free, but he must accept that he broke it – and not be so rude to my staff.”

A suspicious Tulumani responded: “That’s what he says now, but I don’t know if he will keep his promise.

Commissioner Hurter replied: “I’m here to try to resolve the matter. He says you broke the phone and you say you didn’t. He says he’ll fix it free of charge – what more do you want?”

Tulumani answered: “I prefer my money back.”

The commissioner responded: “That you won’t get – I’m not giving you your money back. How can you buy something today, then say tomorrow that you made a mistake and you want your money back. It doesn’t work like that.

“You bought the cellphone, and Mr Essop is wiling to fix it free – I think that’s generous.”

Mr Essop commented: “Please tell him he must not be rude to my sales staff.”

Commissioner Hurter told Mr Tulumani: “Take the phone back tomorrow, and if you are not rude to anyone you will get it back repaired.”