Laptop reseller refund issues

[Crowley]

I’m dealing with a bit of an issue right now. My brother bought a laptop from a well-known reseller in early December, paying for it on the 11th or 12th. Plenty of time before Christmas. However, it was only delivered to us on the 29th. His client wasn’t happy with the laptop or the delay and decided to request a refund. My brother spoke with the supplier, who agreed to issue the refund once the laptop was returned. A courier collected it on January 6th, 2026.

The now ex-client didn’t want to wait for the supplier’s refund, so we went ahead and refunded him ourselves, especially since the supplier had confirmed they’d issue the refund. No issues at all.

On 08/01/2026, the supplier said he would process the refund but then completely disappeared. On the 15th, he sent a message saying he was back in SA and would do the refund that evening, but once again vanished. He’s had his laptop back for over two weeks now, and neither he nor his brother, who works with him, responds to WhatsApp messages or phone calls. January is already a tight month, and now it’s starting to affect my ability to pay my debts.

What to do?

 

[gregmcc]

Can the bank reverse it?

Sounds like a shady supplier / scammer.

 

[RedViking]

Who is the reseller ?

Hope this is not going the Scotty vibes.

 

[RedViking]

Sounds like a shady supplier / scammer.

He says well known. Hope it is not one of the forum resellers. But it would help if he shares the name then we can hold the seller accountable.

There is no shame in giving names. OP is entitled to his money and we need to know how they handle situations like this.

 

[now05ster]

He says well known. Hope it is not one of the forum resellers. But it would help if he shares the name then we can hold the seller accountable.

There is no shame in giving names. OP is entitled to his money and we need to know how they handle situations like this.

This.

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

A bit weird from your ex-client... I didn't think you could just return an item because you don't like it? I thought it had to be faulty, misrepresented etc.

Anyway the seller does have a right to deduct X amount of fees etc, it should all be written out in their terms and conditions IF they accept a return of course.

What you could do is ask the seller "nicely" as they are in the driver's seat (if you get ratty they can push back and it just makes things worse) Your main objective is to try and get your money back. Ask them for either the money or a store credit. Sure as hell this is a tiny fly by night operator and they don't have the money, but they might have items already in stock which they can give you. At least this way you actually get something back....

Otherwise if it was paid for by credit card you can try reverse it, but it's been so long I doubt that will work.
Then its small claims court and waste your life away.

Please don't ever do this again, just stick to large companies like Wootware etc etc. saving R50 here or there is not worth the headache

 

[RedViking]

A bit weird from your ex-client... I didn't think you could just return an item because you don't like it? I thought it had to be faulty, misrepresented etc.

Anyway the seller does have a right to deduct X amount of fees etc, it should all be written out in their terms and conditions IF they accept a return of course.

What you could do is ask the seller "nicely" as they are in the driver's seat (if you get ratty they can push back and it just makes things worse) Your main objective is to try and get your money back. Ask them for either the money or a store credit. Sure as hell this is a tiny fly by night operator and they don't have the money, but they might have items already in stock which they can give you. At least this way you actually get something back....

Otherwise if it was paid for by credit card you can try reverse it, but it's been so long I doubt that will work.
Then its small claims court and waste your life away.

Please don't ever do this again, just stick to large companies like Wootware etc etc. saving R50 here or there is not worth the headache

Stop talking nonsense

 

[Crowley]

Can the bank reverse it?

Sounds like a shady supplier / scammer.

The payment was made nearly two months ago so I highly doubt they can reverse it now.

He says well known. Hope it is not one of the forum resellers. But it would help if he shares the name then we can hold the seller accountable.

There is no shame in giving names. OP is entitled to his money and we need to know how they handle situations like this.

In time, if there’s no resolution.

A bit weird from your ex-client... I didn't think you could just return an item because you don't like it? I thought it had to be faulty, misrepresented etc.

The client can cancel for any reason. He needed the laptop urgently but it took weeks to arrive.

What you could do is ask the seller "nicely" as they are in the driver's seat (if you get ratty they can push back and it just makes things worse) Your main objective is to try and get your money back. Ask them for either the money or a store credit.

It’s a bit difficult when they don’t pick up their phones or reply to WhatsApp messages.

Sure as hell this is a tiny fly by night operator and they don't have the money, but they might have items already in stock which they can give you. At least this way you actually get something back....

This isn’t some fly-by-night setup. The supplier has been around for years.

Please don't ever do this again, just stick to large companies like Wootware etc etc. saving R50 here or there is not worth the headache

My brother is a registered reseller with the distributors that supply products to companies like Wootware..

Like I said, my brother and I have bought plenty of laptops from this guy over the years. His prices are great, and we’ve never had a single issue with any of the laptops we purchased from him.

 

[RedViking]

The payment was made nearly two months ago so I highly doubt they can reverse it now.


In time, if there’s no resolution.


The client can cancel for any reason. He needed the laptop urgently but it took weeks to arrive.


It’s a bit difficult when they don’t pick up their phones or reply to WhatsApp messages.


This isn’t some fly-by-night setup. The supplier has been around for years.


My brother is a registered reseller with the distributors that supply products to companies like Wootware..

Like I said, my brother and I have bought plenty of laptops from this guy over the years. His prices are great, and we’ve never had a single issue with any of the laptops we purchased from him.

Nucleas / Jessie ?

 

[maumau]

Nucleas / Jessie ?

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[Smiggles]

School fees. If you need a laptop urgently you go to your nearest store and buy one and just walk out.

 

[Crowley]

School fees. If you need a laptop urgently you go to your nearest store and buy one and just walk out.

**** off troll

 

[Segg]

This isn’t some fly-by-night setup. The supplier has been around for years.

Like I said, my brother and I have bought plenty of laptops from this guy over the years. His prices are great, and we’ve never had a single issue with any of the laptops we purchased from him.

Does this person trade on Carb? They're usually very strict on that platform.....

 

[Smiggles]

**** off troll

Shame man. You can always go the small claims court route.

 

[bwana]

What to do?

Seems like you've exhausted all other avenues. Name them.

 

[RedViking]

School fees. If you need a laptop urgently you go to your nearest store and buy one and just walk out.

Okay @epah

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

Stop talking nonsense

go to sleep

 

[Tongs of Destiny]

The payment was made nearly two months ago so I highly doubt they can reverse it now.


In time, if there’s no resolution.


The client can cancel for any reason. He needed the laptop urgently but it took weeks to arrive.


It’s a bit difficult when they don’t pick up their phones or reply to WhatsApp messages.


This isn’t some fly-by-night setup. The supplier has been around for years.


My brother is a registered reseller with the distributors that supply products to companies like Wootware..

Like I said, my brother and I have bought plenty of laptops from this guy over the years. His prices are great, and we’ve never had a single issue with any of the laptops we purchased from him.

Just name the company?! why is is such a secret... <-- this means you are more than happy for other people to buy from this clown and get shafted.

At least tell us the exact laptop specs, because then we can look around... come on

 

[RedViking]

go to sleep

Wake-up

 

[purrr]

Does this person trade on Carb? They're usually very strict on that platform.....

Would also like to know if it is a well known laptop reseller from Carbonite as I had issues with that person.