PlayGround at Cresta: BEWARE!

[ThieleMcCabe]

So, long story short, I've been wanting an XBox 360 controller for a while for my PC, and decided that this Christmas was it. I was doing Christmas shopping at Cresta the other day, and figured I may as well get one; PlayGround (http://playgroundshop.co.za) was the only place there with the wired controller in stock, so I picked one up. I left it until today to open, which I did about an hour ago.

The box was (mostly) in Chinese, but looked like legit Microsoft -- the box probably is. However, on opening it, I noticed that the box had very obviously been opened previously. Inside was the controller -- which is quite probably legit as well -- but with noticeable scuff marks, both on the controller itself and on the cable. Getting suspicious, I flipped the box, only to see that the sparkly genuine Microsoft sticker had been torn off.

What the story behind this is, I have no idea. Refurbished, or stolen (I hope not!), it's definitely used, and sold at the new-item price. I'm also fairly sure that any warranty with Microsoft would be non-existent. This thing works right now, but if it packs up prematurely, I doubt PlayGround would honour any sort of warranty unless I threatened them with the CPA quite seriously. Even if they did, I would -- I infer -- receive another used item as a replacement.

The place appears dodgy as f**k, and it looks like there's a reason for that: because it is. (Not surprisingly, they were evasive and vague when I enquired about the warranty.) This will certainly be my last purchase there; I was stupid enough not to trust my gut-feeling about the place, but I hope others will learn from my mistake. Stay far, far away!

As a closing point, it's also worthwhile to note that they have a sign up detailing their return policy, which is in direct contravention of the CPA: amongst many other issues, under no circumstances will they allow a refund. I'm going to go back to them in the next few days with a copy of the CPA, and try to get a refund -- I'll post back here with the outcome.

 

[ThieleMcCabe]

In fact, see what they say about "After-sales Service" on their website (http://playgroundshop.co.za/index.php/2-uncategorised/7):

All sales are final so please make sure you are purchasing the correct items.
Exchange only on items if proven faulty, for the same item.
In the event of a faulty product, we must receive such a notification within seven days, and received by us within thirty days,
at the cost of the customer, once resolved it will be shipped back at our expense.
After seven days without notification or thirty days without receiving the goods, only warranty conditions will apply and must be taken up with the local distributor / representative.
Returns must be in the same condition as when purchased, including manuals, discs, original packaging.
Returns will be tested or sent to the original suppliers for a detailed report. Please backup your
date if applicable, the workshop will not be held liable for any data loss.
Due to piracy no software / games / media can be returned or exchanged.
The warranty will be void if items are written on or tampered with, and if the serial number or labeling is missing.

The CPA section "Implied warranty of quality" clearly allows for refunds, for six months from the date of purchase:

(2) Within six months after the delivery of any goods to a consumer, the consumer
may return the goods to the supplier, without penalty and at the supplier’s risk and
expense, if the goods fail to satisfy the requirements and standards contemplated in
section 55, and the supplier must, at the direction of the consumer, either—
(a) repair or replace the failed, unsafe or defective goods; or
(b) refund to the consumer the price paid by the consumer, for the goods.

 

[dot.]

If an IT shop is not Shady, they are expensive.
So it's either a thief deal or expensive deal WTF.

This reminds me, i have to open a thread warning the people of Scottburgh.

GO GET YOUR STUFF BACK WHILE IT'S STILL EARLY!

 

[crackersa]

take them to small claims court, also list in your expenses petrol, travel time, and other costs. it's amazing how people flout the CPA....and i highly doubt it they are ignorant of the law.

 

[ThieleMcCabe]

I said I'd keep you all updated, and here it is: I went in today, and got a full refund for the controller (despite their CPA-contravening disclaimer at the till). There was a lot of blame shifting ("Yeah, customers like to open packaging" -- I call BS), and umming and aahing, but it wasn't too much hassle. While they did technically honour the CPA, their written refund/return policy is clearly illegal and in place to dissuade ignorant customers from returning their dodgy goods.

Even though I got my money back, I believe my warning still holds -- I would not think about shopping there again.

 

[dot.]

Haha, nice, what a story.
Stupid IT shops.

 

[DrKillinger]

Sorry for the threadomancy, but I wanted to give my experience.

I bought a mouse from Playground (Logitech G600), and the mouse cursor would move of it's own accord. I took it back to them, and they said they had to send it away to Logitech.

I went back 3 weeks later (today), and they basically said it's not their fault, and it's normal to wait this long. I told them about my past experiences with electronics, and basically told them I'd have any other product replaced by now, and I demanded a refund. They are my point of retail, and I told them I don't want to hear about the behind the scenes issues.

They offered me store credit, and I bought a different mouse. I don't feel proud for shouting at them, but I think it's ridiculous to wait 3 weeks and not even hear from them, let alone be provided with a refund, repair, or replacement.