So, as previously posted, my previous employer eventually made me a mutual separation offer, and I accepted. Monday 10 September was my last working day, and all I had to do was go in to the office to return my laptop, 3G card, and my access card. Done. By 11 am I was out of there.
I was employed by the big American International IT company - IBM for 16.5 years, and was now actually glad to be going.
The previous Friday we had gone for farewell drinks at a local pub with some of them who worked with me. Was a nice afternoon, but didn't go on too late. Monday I did the returns and left. So what was missing? Well, for 16.5 years every time someone was leaving, one of them who worked with him / her, or the department manager, would have a whip around for donations to get them who were leaving a parting gift. Well, didn't happen for me. No matter, it's the thought that counts!
Another thing that everyone who leaves does is send out a final farewell letter, usually 2 lines basically saying "It's my time for change / to go. It's been a pleasure working with most of you. thank you for everything. Maybe we will meet again." And sometimes they give their new / personal email address in case anyone wants to get in touch with them after they have left.
I decided to do it differently. Below is my farewell letter. I sent it to quite a few people, but mostly them who I got on with during my stay with the company.
To those who I missed out of the list above -
sorry...............................
I suppose the time for this email will come for all of us at some point.
Mine has arrived.
Dec.1995 I joined IBM as a contractor salesman for ITS. I had to have 2 interviews, the first with the person who would be my manager - Klaus Bohm, and the second with Ann Roberts! I was nervous for the interview with Klaus, I was scared sh*&less for the interview with Ann!!!! My foot into the door was that I had a mechanical engineering background, and a good relationship with, and knowledge of the mining industry and had successfully run my own sales company for 7 years. Needless to say, I never got the chance to "work" the mining groups, apart from a few calls when
they happened to be in my "space"!
I clearly remember the day I was called in after the 2 interviews, to be told my application had been successful, but I would have to cut my hair if I wanted to join IBM!! (I sported a thin pony tail at the time). By June 1996 I was made a permanent IBMer - another exciting milestone. I also
clearly remembering chatting to the other guys, and being shocked to hear that some of them had been with IBM for 15 and more years. Some of them from when they left school / varsity! My comment then was "Don't you know there's another world out there?" Little did I know I would become one of the long timers! Now, 16.5 years later, its time for me to take my leave.
So what has happened in this time:-
On average, 8 new white shirts a year = 128 white shirts - I have always kept to the original IBM dress code, smart, presentable, a good impression on the clients of a professional company (and person). I also worked my way through an average of 3 suits a year, and 4 pairs of smart pants a year!!
For the first 10 years, I only wore white socks (some of you will remember this) - that is 12 pairs a year - 120 pairs of white socks! (The wife was seriously glad when I stopped that!) - and I destroyed 2 - 3 pairs of shoes a year.
I have worn the same cufflinks, every working day, for all these years - "Gold" plated IBM, which I bought for myself, and have worn out 2 IBM gold tie pins in the same time. (REMEMBER TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ANNUAL CASUAL DAY!)
I signed my first deal in my first week with IBM! - and to think I still didn't have a "log on" name / password at the time. Back office support in those days was the read deal - and there is another story in my relationship with "back office" in those early years, when no-one wanted to be my support person - Adri van Tonder will remember that!
I started out on green screens, and as soon as I learned how to use them, we got laptops (those first one's were seriously heavy), and then cellphones came in (the first ones were large, heavy Nokia's, with pull out antennae, and a battery big enough to start a small motorbike!!!) I still have that cellphone number. All IBMers that have 082570.... were of the original first rollout for cellphones.
I made Hundred Percent club several times - Malta, Morocco, and Lisbon, and the last one was a pin and certificate (They stopped the trips - cost cutting) - I made Top achiever - a week in Avignon, France, with my spouse, for closing a big deal with Vodacom - at that time the biggest ITS deal ever!!!! The stories that I could share about those trips. Needless to day "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"! Mark Harris will recall coming back to the Gala Dinner venue in Morocco, only to find that Yogesh Ranchod and myself had taken over the DJ desk, and were spinning disks, with a bottle of wine in each hand (who needs glasses) at 6 am!!!!
I closed the first and second biggest Cisco deals for IBM SA soon after IBM became a Cisco partner - Clover and Anglo Gold (Denis Charnock still suffers because of this!!)
I have been in ITS, as a salesman, for all of the time I have been with IBM. Maybe I should have moved around, into STG and or SWG. That might have made a difference in my career, but service is the hardest sell, and most challenging, and that is what kept me there. I have seen service offerings come and go, and reincarnations of some under different names! Probably the best "division" in ITS is BCRS - not because that is where I find myself now, but because it's a specialised field, and has it's own offices away from the Park, which is today a serious challenge to get to because of traffic!
I have survived several Country General Managers, including Sal Faso - "The Hatchet Man", probably my favorite CGM would be Mark Harris - as he had a big influence on many of the decisions I made, and because he truly had an "Open Door" policy! Best mentor - probably Pieter Kruger - I learned most of my stuff (IT related) from him, and lots of my "attitude" (as it has been called) is probably due to him. He has become a friend... Thank you Piet!
Best "out of country" executive - I have had the pleasure of working with many very professional people, and people like Dan Cohen, Allen Downs, and most notably, Mike Weston come to mind. Thank you guys for you support. One of the ITS managers used to threaten us with Mike Weston. She would say "if you don't do this, then maybe you should go on the call with Mike!" Until one day I did meet him, and realized that the demon that had been painted of him did not exist !! in fact, the total opposite - he's a very supportive executive, who you can call on late on a Friday, and get a fast track OMDT release done - and he does not mind! Thank you Mike!!!
Favorite international support person - Rosa Hofer - she's a real lady, very professional, and nothing was ever too much for her! Thank you!
I survived cancer - lost a kidney, but managed to save my bladder with 6 operations and chemo - (the alternative would have been a bag taped to my side.....), and have been clean for more than 10 years now. (REMEMBER TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ANNUAL SHAVE-A-THON!)
I survived a potentially deadly motor car accident in January this year - no thanks to the drugged out driver of the other car! Considering the mileage I have covered during my stay with IBM I have been luckier then most.
I survived multiple sales managers - none of which need to be named - none stand out really, each had their good and bad - no wait, some had only bad......, other than to say that good business AND people managers are a scarce breed in IBM, and my current manager, Chris Lucier, is the first I have had in the 16.5 years that is a good business AND people manager, apart maybe from Pieter Kruger, who, in those days, knew and understood that salespeople are motivated by reward!
Probably more incredible is the fact that my marriage has survived 16.5 years of IBM!!! Married 23 years this year, and still on honeymoon!
I have learned many valuable lessons, made some incredible friends, had some great people as mentors, and done some successful mentoring of my own. I've challenged the system, pushed back, led from the front.... In this company you get to play in all of the roles at some time or other. The main thing is to learn from each one of them, and put the learning to good use.
Finally, I now want to go into a field where I can add value to humanity. I want to be able to see the results of what I do, feel it, touch it, and know the impact on the lives of those people who will be directly positively affected by my actions. And I can make that happen - either via another company who does just this, or on my own, but the opportunity is out there, now. And, you don't have to be Bill Gates to do it!
So, to all of you who receive this email, thank you for the value you have brought to my life, and my time with IBM. I wish you good luck, and happy selling (or sales supporting).
We might meet again - somewhere, you never know.
And, as my colleague and buddy Nick Smith, my manager Chris Lucier, and my sidekick, Tshepo Masigo would say - "lets go walk and weigh the pig"!!!
Ciao
So, I got a couple of email responses, mainly from them who didn't know I was leaving. Not many. Probably the nicest one was this one:-
Hi Wreckless,
Can I wish you all the VERY best and
EVERY success in any new endeavors that you undertake, I loved your farewell
note and the way you personalized it ...good luck and take care, feel free
to reach out ANYTIME - but not later Friday night :-)
Best Regards, Mike
Like I said in my note, he was a good person, and this can be seen in his response to me. Will definitely keep his cellphone number handy!
So, Tuesday I get up with the Princess, go downstairs, and paint the deck with a sealer! Then I get cleaned up, and make my way down to the offices of my next employer. Start date is actually 01 October, but I figure I can use some time to get to know the products better, look at some of the proposals / quotes that have gone out, etc. While I am there, I'm asked to look through a big proposal, the boss really is snowed under, and would appreciate the help. Speed read the document, mark it up for corrections, and then home.
Wednesday. seal the up stairs balcony. Then, back to the office. This time I recheck the document, ans make more change, and corrections. One thing I did learn at IBM is that the quality of the proposal is paramount! I cannot believe the poor quality that this "typist" passes on to her boss for review!!! No matter, I will train her to do things the right way. This is now a 64 pg + document. It becomes a bit messy reviewing, marking up, checking, and all the time I am adding to it, as I complete more annexures as per the requirements.
Thursday, LuckyL and I went to the Electo-mining show. (LIU). My new boss was also there, and we met up. He asked if I could go in to the office later,as he had left some notes on his desk for the typist to complete, and some stuff for me to check!?!?!?!?! Excuse me, I'm not employed yet!!! But I went in anyway, reviewed the work done, made her correct some of it, again, and then took the whole document apart! I cut it up into relevant sections, and saved each as a separate part. That way you can work on one section, complete it, and move on, without having to wade through 90 pages every time!
The boss - let's call him RB, get back to the office by 7pm. I was still there. I showed him what I had done, and told him that I had incorporated a whole lot of stuff from a previous proposal, which went a long way to answering more of the outstanding sections. Impressed! Then I was off home. By 11pm, I had reformatted all of the documents, so that they at least looked the same, had the same fonts, and font sizes.
Friday morning, took a drive through to the office again. Asked RB for a memory stick, and put all the docs on it for him.Done.
Went home, and then worked through the docs again, picking out the relevant pages where he still needed to add information, or where I had put in a comment where he needs to make a decision. Noted the page numbers and section numbers, put them into an email for him, and sent it off. Now he doesn't have to read through the whole document. He knows I have checked and corrected it. I have completed the required annexures, and can just go to the pages needing input, and do it! Another thing I need to teach his typist.
So why have I done all this? Well, I've proved a point here. I am capable. I can take some of the pressure of off RB. I will change the way he has been doing business! I will introduce a level of professionalism to his business! I will make him understand that he needs me! Done!! Also, I now have the basis for all of my future proposals and agreements that I will need for future business. Just, I want to get it into my preferred format, something I didn't have time to do this time round. I think I'm going to have fun!
Salagatle!
LIU - Look It Up!
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Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Update - long overdue
I will have to post this update in a few posts, otherwise you could lose interest, and stop reading.
So, whats been going on with me?
Well, most of my 5 regular readers soon found out that my blog was no longer available for viewing. This was because I decided to "hide" it till I had worked my last day with my employer - 10 September 2012. I had posted quite a lot of "stuff" about my employer, and conditions here, and my dissatisfaction, and I didn't want to compromise my severance pay because of it. Basically, my offer for separation says something about not sharing the information of the offer, and not saying bad stuff about the employer, etc., and I probably have been. Anyway, that was my reasoning for blocking the page.
So here is an update on various previous posts:-
AlanP - so my mate AlanP had his operation, and went home - after about 2 weeks, give or take a few days. There he seemed OK, until about 2 weeks later, he started to run extremely high fevers. After 2 days, he decided to contact the doctor who had operated on him, and was advised to see his local doctor, and get a bed in the local hospital for assessment, and to get the fever under control. As luck would have it, there were no beds in the local hospital, so at 9 at night, I got a call from him to say he and his wife were going to drive the 160km (give or take) to Durban, to the hospital where he had been operated on. They got there, spent a few hours in the casualty ward till a doctor signed him in. After an assessment, they put a tube into him, through his back, into the "space" left by the removal of spleen and cancer tumor, and drained nearly half a liter of old, blood! this is what had caused the infection, and thus the high fevers. Anyway, after 10 days (today in fact 06 Sept,) he was sent home again. Lets hope this is done now, apart from the next chemo sessions which are due to start in a week or two.
Service please - So I posted about a situation I had at the local Makro store (the one in Clearwater). Anyway, I had put it behind me. My mistake. Last week Wednesday, I'm sitting in the office at about 8.30am, and I get a call from LuckyL, saying there are 4 (four) cops (plainclothes) at the house looking for me. Said it had something to do with the assault at Makro. I asked which station they were from, and arranged, through him, to meet them there. Damn, I can be seriously stupid sometimes! Anyway, by 9.30 I'm at the station. Takes me about 20 minutes to find the detective in charge of my case. She says it's a charge of Assault - Common, so as soon as the does the paper work, takes my finger prints, etc. I can go. Just need to appear in court then next day. At no time to I admit to the charge, nor offer any statement / comment, other than to ask how they got to me. Seems the guys at the store took note of my vehicle's number plate! Well then, could have been another car with same plates as mine, or, someone else driving my car?!? Not that she cared. Anyway, as we finishing off the paperwork and stuff, the goons who were at my house turn up, drop the files on her desk, and leave. She pulls my docket, and says "Sorry, I have to arrest you, it's Assault - GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm!) What the FUCK??? I check, sure as hell, there's a doctors note in the file, as well as his statement - the only part I get to dread before she closes the file is " and he hit me with an unknown object"! I have since renamed my right hand "Weapon of Mass destruction!" Anyway, now this was serious, she had to arrest me, and it was too late (according to Africa time) to get me in front of a magistrate to arrange for bail. I got hold of the Princess, LuckyL and GMan. And my lawyer.
Cut to the details - I spent 6 hours in lockup, no water, food or smoking. The floor was covered in urine. I stood for 6 hours. At 5 pm they came to move me to another police station, which has overnight holding cells. In the meantime, I assumed, my lawyer was working through the detective, and after hours Public Prosecutor, to get me bail, so I could at least sleep at home! Yea right, the cunt didn't even bother to follow the advise / instructions given to him by the arresting detective, and basically did fuckall! GMan, and LuckyL had come to the station just before I was "arrested", and took away all my personal belongings, as well as my car. They also worked tirelessly to try and get the dots connected to get me out. After fuckall had been done by 4pm, GMan decided he knew just what had to be done to get his dad home.
After being shown from pillar to post, and everyone in-between, he eventually got hold of the person who had taken over the docket after the previous shift knocked off for the day. He approached the African Detective in the charge office, and asked if there was an office they could meet in, as he was not comfortable to talk in a noisy public place. I don't have the details (well, not for public consumption anyway), but suffice to say that with the right motivation, a lawyer, and a public prosecutor were found, a bail applied for and granted, and by 11 pm I was on my way home with GMan, cigarettes, 500ml Coke Zero, and a receipt for ZAR1000.00 bail. Oh, and instructions to appear before a magistrate on Friday 31 August in the same town that I was held in for "overnight"!
To be continued.
Salagatle!
So, whats been going on with me?
Well, most of my 5 regular readers soon found out that my blog was no longer available for viewing. This was because I decided to "hide" it till I had worked my last day with my employer - 10 September 2012. I had posted quite a lot of "stuff" about my employer, and conditions here, and my dissatisfaction, and I didn't want to compromise my severance pay because of it. Basically, my offer for separation says something about not sharing the information of the offer, and not saying bad stuff about the employer, etc., and I probably have been. Anyway, that was my reasoning for blocking the page.
So here is an update on various previous posts:-
AlanP - so my mate AlanP had his operation, and went home - after about 2 weeks, give or take a few days. There he seemed OK, until about 2 weeks later, he started to run extremely high fevers. After 2 days, he decided to contact the doctor who had operated on him, and was advised to see his local doctor, and get a bed in the local hospital for assessment, and to get the fever under control. As luck would have it, there were no beds in the local hospital, so at 9 at night, I got a call from him to say he and his wife were going to drive the 160km (give or take) to Durban, to the hospital where he had been operated on. They got there, spent a few hours in the casualty ward till a doctor signed him in. After an assessment, they put a tube into him, through his back, into the "space" left by the removal of spleen and cancer tumor, and drained nearly half a liter of old, blood! this is what had caused the infection, and thus the high fevers. Anyway, after 10 days (today in fact 06 Sept,) he was sent home again. Lets hope this is done now, apart from the next chemo sessions which are due to start in a week or two.
Service please - So I posted about a situation I had at the local Makro store (the one in Clearwater). Anyway, I had put it behind me. My mistake. Last week Wednesday, I'm sitting in the office at about 8.30am, and I get a call from LuckyL, saying there are 4 (four) cops (plainclothes) at the house looking for me. Said it had something to do with the assault at Makro. I asked which station they were from, and arranged, through him, to meet them there. Damn, I can be seriously stupid sometimes! Anyway, by 9.30 I'm at the station. Takes me about 20 minutes to find the detective in charge of my case. She says it's a charge of Assault - Common, so as soon as the does the paper work, takes my finger prints, etc. I can go. Just need to appear in court then next day. At no time to I admit to the charge, nor offer any statement / comment, other than to ask how they got to me. Seems the guys at the store took note of my vehicle's number plate! Well then, could have been another car with same plates as mine, or, someone else driving my car?!? Not that she cared. Anyway, as we finishing off the paperwork and stuff, the goons who were at my house turn up, drop the files on her desk, and leave. She pulls my docket, and says "Sorry, I have to arrest you, it's Assault - GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm!) What the FUCK??? I check, sure as hell, there's a doctors note in the file, as well as his statement - the only part I get to dread before she closes the file is " and he hit me with an unknown object"! I have since renamed my right hand "Weapon of Mass destruction!" Anyway, now this was serious, she had to arrest me, and it was too late (according to Africa time) to get me in front of a magistrate to arrange for bail. I got hold of the Princess, LuckyL and GMan. And my lawyer.
Cut to the details - I spent 6 hours in lockup, no water, food or smoking. The floor was covered in urine. I stood for 6 hours. At 5 pm they came to move me to another police station, which has overnight holding cells. In the meantime, I assumed, my lawyer was working through the detective, and after hours Public Prosecutor, to get me bail, so I could at least sleep at home! Yea right, the cunt didn't even bother to follow the advise / instructions given to him by the arresting detective, and basically did fuckall! GMan, and LuckyL had come to the station just before I was "arrested", and took away all my personal belongings, as well as my car. They also worked tirelessly to try and get the dots connected to get me out. After fuckall had been done by 4pm, GMan decided he knew just what had to be done to get his dad home.
After being shown from pillar to post, and everyone in-between, he eventually got hold of the person who had taken over the docket after the previous shift knocked off for the day. He approached the African Detective in the charge office, and asked if there was an office they could meet in, as he was not comfortable to talk in a noisy public place. I don't have the details (well, not for public consumption anyway), but suffice to say that with the right motivation, a lawyer, and a public prosecutor were found, a bail applied for and granted, and by 11 pm I was on my way home with GMan, cigarettes, 500ml Coke Zero, and a receipt for ZAR1000.00 bail. Oh, and instructions to appear before a magistrate on Friday 31 August in the same town that I was held in for "overnight"!
To be continued.
Salagatle!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Service Please!
Every now and then I get into a store where the service just does not meet my expectations. Don't get me wrong, I know the limitations of our Previously Disadvantaged Individuals, so my expectations from them is quite low, but hey, is it my fault that the Limpopo province Education department decided to throw all the school text books away, instead of delivering them to the schools? Is it my fault that in 18 years the ANC Regime has been unable to deliver a reasonable level of education? Is it my fault that the PDI's have the mentality, and attitude of people born to beg? Be beaten? Be really stupid?
No.
So, I can be your best customer, or, if you wish I will be the customer from hell. I leave the decision to you as the service provider, salesman, customer facing person.
Saturday, 14 July 2012. LuckyL and I go into the local Makro store (LIU). We are on a mission here to procure, at the best possible price, with the minimum disruption a 30" flat screen TV, a DSTV decoder, and a wall bracket to mount the TV on the wall. All of the above items to be procured are for installation in the Matriarchs home.
We had done our on-line investigation before leaving home, and found what we wanted, at what store, and for how much. This should be a quick in and out excursion into the realms of the retail world.
A requirement here in sunny South Africa when you want to buy a TV, is that you must produce a valid TV license. It's stupid really, because a) The license fees go to the State owned (and run) broadcaster - SABC, and even though you might never ever watch any of the boring, politically incorrect, and grammatically challenged channels that they broadcast, you have to have a license to get a TV. OK, so we have one in the family. It happens to be on the Princess's name, but it's OUR FAMILY TV LICENSE!
So, armed with the TV license, my ID Document, credit card, debit card, and cheque book (you never know), the two of enter the bellows of the Makro monster, where people are spending money they don't have, salesmen are either non-existent, or un-knowledgeable, (or both) and the queues are not for the feint hearted.
We quickly move over to the area where we know the good we want to buy are displayed. We find a salesman - yup, PDI, but then today you don't find too many sales people in this kind of environment that are not PDI's. I have a very low expectation of / from him. "Do you have stock of this TV product that's on special?" "yes." "OK, get me one." And I need a DSTV Decoder, and a wall bracket. We get the wall bracket, look at the DSTV decoders, and don't find the model we want, so park that, we will get it elsewhere. OK, go get me a TV from the stock room. At this point he needs my TV License, and ID Document. The names don't match. License is on the Princesses name, and it's my ID. "Sorry, we can't do that", he says. I explain that I bought a TV from another retail this way a few month previously. All they need is to make a copy of the license, my ID document, then enter the Princesses ID number into the system to verify that the License is current and paid up.
Blank look. This is not how it's written on the blackboard which doubles up as his brain. "Call me a manager please, and we can resolve this," I say. Expecting that the manager might have a blackboard with side notes that would explain this deviation from the process, and take us through the next steps without hiccups.
Ah, I have too much faith in my fellow earth dwellers, and give too much credit where it's oh, so not due! I should in fact have asked for "Get me a white manager!", that may have been better, but I was not in the mood to insult the salesperson, yet. The PDI manager arrives. (How did he become a manager I have to ask myself? Is it because he's been with the company for the longest of all the other salespeople? Is it natural progression based on sales achievements. or, and I suspect this is the reason, it's the Makro way of getting BEE points! (BEE - LIU)
Anyway, I explain the situation to him. He says we can't do that, we need the ID book of the person named on the TV License. I know that's crap, but decide I'll take my business elsewhere. I really was not going to get into this with these cretins at this time.
My parting comment was "Ah, that's bullshit!", and I start to turn to go. His comeback to me was "Maybe you must take your bullshit somewhere else!" I heard it, but didn't react, well, not immediately anyway. LuckyL, who had been standing by all this time, went ballistic straight off the blasting pad. Calm to suicidal murderer in one second. "Come outside and I'll teach you about bullshit!" he says to the PDI manager. I spin around to check for reactions, and this fucking moron - who is a manager - and is standing with one of his salespeople - comes back with - "We go outside and I will fuck you up!"
That was my cue - ballistic in 1 second - I reach out for him with the sole intention to rip his head off, shit on his lungs through the now open cavity, and then report him for having bad breath! I intended to rip his arm off, and beat him with the bloody end. I really pictured how I would put his head through the front of a 40" HD LCD flat screen TV. But before I could deliver the 'coup de grace", we were surrounded by more PDI sales people than I ever imagined worked at this place!!!! I challenged him, a few times, he kept giving me lip, so at the first opportunity I had that I got within reach of him, I gave him what is affectionately referred to in South Africa as a solid POES KLAP!
The level of surprise on his face was priceless. The efforts of them who were trying to keep us apart increased tenfold. I was mad. This mother was going down! It took a few minutes for a white manager to turn up, take control. At this time - he who had the stinging face was telling the others not to let us leave - was on his phone, apparently to phone the police! Good idea I told him, then they can fuck you up as well!
The white guy (Risk Manager) calmed things down some, asked what was going on, got a bit of the story from me, and asked me for my details. "What for?" I asked, and he just gave me his card and said, thought I could maybe of help to you, but here's my card, you can contact me if need be. At this point I calmly said, tell that fuck to let me leave, before I really get pissed off. And that was that!!!! One of the security / salespeople (not sure what he was other then PDI) seemed to follow us out. Probably to get my registration number. No problem.
Yesterday I went onto the Makro website, and sent them this email:-
Makro StrubensValley
On Saturday morning I went to the above store with my son. We went to buy a TV, a DSTV decoder and a wall mounting bracket. I had the family TV license (on my wife's name) and my ID Book. I had previously bought a TV this way, so thought it would be OK, as the TV license gets verified online with the wife's ID number anyway. One of your salesmen told me it could not be done, as, according to him, the process had changed. I asked for a manager - some guy came over and said that's how it is, the rules had changed. My response was "That's bullshit"!(I accept that maybe it's not the way TV license checks are done, but that's a different discussion.) His response to me was "Take your bullshit and go somewhere else!" At this point I did not react, but my son called him out "Come outside and I'll teach you bullshit", or words to this effect. The salesman's response was "I'll fuck you up!" That put me on tilt, and I took him on. There were several Makro employees stepping between us, with him continuing to bait me, till I slapped him. Then he was all about calling the police, refusing to let us leave, etc. Eventually, the Risk Manager introduced himself, calmed the situation, gave me his card, and allowed us to leave. Well Done Mr. R/Manager - however, if this is the way your sales people talk to their clients, well, suffice to say I have cut up my card and will never be back. I am disgusted, and he's lucky to have got away with just a slap! Once outside I noticed one of the security people had followed us out, and probably made a note of my registration number. I don't have a problem with that either way, not too sure what he thinks he can do with a registration number. However, I trust that Makro will, at the very least, make sure their staff know how to talk to the clients! Interested to hear your response in this matter.
Mr. X Xxxxxx - ex Client.
We went to another store, and bought what we wanted, with no problem. Methinks that kaffir was having a bad day, and I just gave him a reason to have a worse one!
Salagatle!
No.
So, I can be your best customer, or, if you wish I will be the customer from hell. I leave the decision to you as the service provider, salesman, customer facing person.
Saturday, 14 July 2012. LuckyL and I go into the local Makro store (LIU). We are on a mission here to procure, at the best possible price, with the minimum disruption a 30" flat screen TV, a DSTV decoder, and a wall bracket to mount the TV on the wall. All of the above items to be procured are for installation in the Matriarchs home.
We had done our on-line investigation before leaving home, and found what we wanted, at what store, and for how much. This should be a quick in and out excursion into the realms of the retail world.
A requirement here in sunny South Africa when you want to buy a TV, is that you must produce a valid TV license. It's stupid really, because a) The license fees go to the State owned (and run) broadcaster - SABC, and even though you might never ever watch any of the boring, politically incorrect, and grammatically challenged channels that they broadcast, you have to have a license to get a TV. OK, so we have one in the family. It happens to be on the Princess's name, but it's OUR FAMILY TV LICENSE!
So, armed with the TV license, my ID Document, credit card, debit card, and cheque book (you never know), the two of enter the bellows of the Makro monster, where people are spending money they don't have, salesmen are either non-existent, or un-knowledgeable, (or both) and the queues are not for the feint hearted.
We quickly move over to the area where we know the good we want to buy are displayed. We find a salesman - yup, PDI, but then today you don't find too many sales people in this kind of environment that are not PDI's. I have a very low expectation of / from him. "Do you have stock of this TV product that's on special?" "yes." "OK, get me one." And I need a DSTV Decoder, and a wall bracket. We get the wall bracket, look at the DSTV decoders, and don't find the model we want, so park that, we will get it elsewhere. OK, go get me a TV from the stock room. At this point he needs my TV License, and ID Document. The names don't match. License is on the Princesses name, and it's my ID. "Sorry, we can't do that", he says. I explain that I bought a TV from another retail this way a few month previously. All they need is to make a copy of the license, my ID document, then enter the Princesses ID number into the system to verify that the License is current and paid up.
Blank look. This is not how it's written on the blackboard which doubles up as his brain. "Call me a manager please, and we can resolve this," I say. Expecting that the manager might have a blackboard with side notes that would explain this deviation from the process, and take us through the next steps without hiccups.
Ah, I have too much faith in my fellow earth dwellers, and give too much credit where it's oh, so not due! I should in fact have asked for "Get me a white manager!", that may have been better, but I was not in the mood to insult the salesperson, yet. The PDI manager arrives. (How did he become a manager I have to ask myself? Is it because he's been with the company for the longest of all the other salespeople? Is it natural progression based on sales achievements. or, and I suspect this is the reason, it's the Makro way of getting BEE points! (BEE - LIU)
Anyway, I explain the situation to him. He says we can't do that, we need the ID book of the person named on the TV License. I know that's crap, but decide I'll take my business elsewhere. I really was not going to get into this with these cretins at this time.
My parting comment was "Ah, that's bullshit!", and I start to turn to go. His comeback to me was "Maybe you must take your bullshit somewhere else!" I heard it, but didn't react, well, not immediately anyway. LuckyL, who had been standing by all this time, went ballistic straight off the blasting pad. Calm to suicidal murderer in one second. "Come outside and I'll teach you about bullshit!" he says to the PDI manager. I spin around to check for reactions, and this fucking moron - who is a manager - and is standing with one of his salespeople - comes back with - "We go outside and I will fuck you up!"
That was my cue - ballistic in 1 second - I reach out for him with the sole intention to rip his head off, shit on his lungs through the now open cavity, and then report him for having bad breath! I intended to rip his arm off, and beat him with the bloody end. I really pictured how I would put his head through the front of a 40" HD LCD flat screen TV. But before I could deliver the 'coup de grace", we were surrounded by more PDI sales people than I ever imagined worked at this place!!!! I challenged him, a few times, he kept giving me lip, so at the first opportunity I had that I got within reach of him, I gave him what is affectionately referred to in South Africa as a solid POES KLAP!
The level of surprise on his face was priceless. The efforts of them who were trying to keep us apart increased tenfold. I was mad. This mother was going down! It took a few minutes for a white manager to turn up, take control. At this time - he who had the stinging face was telling the others not to let us leave - was on his phone, apparently to phone the police! Good idea I told him, then they can fuck you up as well!
The white guy (Risk Manager) calmed things down some, asked what was going on, got a bit of the story from me, and asked me for my details. "What for?" I asked, and he just gave me his card and said, thought I could maybe of help to you, but here's my card, you can contact me if need be. At this point I calmly said, tell that fuck to let me leave, before I really get pissed off. And that was that!!!! One of the security / salespeople (not sure what he was other then PDI) seemed to follow us out. Probably to get my registration number. No problem.
Yesterday I went onto the Makro website, and sent them this email:-
Makro StrubensValley
On Saturday morning I went to the above store with my son. We went to buy a TV, a DSTV decoder and a wall mounting bracket. I had the family TV license (on my wife's name) and my ID Book. I had previously bought a TV this way, so thought it would be OK, as the TV license gets verified online with the wife's ID number anyway. One of your salesmen told me it could not be done, as, according to him, the process had changed. I asked for a manager - some guy came over and said that's how it is, the rules had changed. My response was "That's bullshit"!(I accept that maybe it's not the way TV license checks are done, but that's a different discussion.) His response to me was "Take your bullshit and go somewhere else!" At this point I did not react, but my son called him out "Come outside and I'll teach you bullshit", or words to this effect. The salesman's response was "I'll fuck you up!" That put me on tilt, and I took him on. There were several Makro employees stepping between us, with him continuing to bait me, till I slapped him. Then he was all about calling the police, refusing to let us leave, etc. Eventually, the Risk Manager introduced himself, calmed the situation, gave me his card, and allowed us to leave. Well Done Mr. R/Manager - however, if this is the way your sales people talk to their clients, well, suffice to say I have cut up my card and will never be back. I am disgusted, and he's lucky to have got away with just a slap! Once outside I noticed one of the security people had followed us out, and probably made a note of my registration number. I don't have a problem with that either way, not too sure what he thinks he can do with a registration number. However, I trust that Makro will, at the very least, make sure their staff know how to talk to the clients! Interested to hear your response in this matter.
Mr. X Xxxxxx - ex Client.
We went to another store, and bought what we wanted, with no problem. Methinks that kaffir was having a bad day, and I just gave him a reason to have a worse one!
Salagatle!
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
Gimme a break!
Trying to access DSTV from the office. I want to look at options available for the Matriarch with regards her DSTV. She really wants to be able to watch RAI, and some church channel on Sunday mornings.
No problem, I have an account with them, so will look at what she can / should get, add it to my account, and we are done. Or so I thought.
So I emailed them -
I am trying to access my account online.
Every time I try, I get a message that says "It seems you are trying to access from the UK. Please select.... blah, blah, blah... crap!"
"You seem to be accessing the South African Customer Care Website from United Kingdom, Please select your country from the Country Selector at the top right of the web page."
I am sitting in my office in the XXMill office park next to xxsta Shopping center! So what if my company's network connects via the UK?
Why, as a South African who might be in the UK on business / holiday, should I not be able to access my account to make some changes if needed.
That's a load of crap, and poor customer satisfaction must be guaranteed in this case.
Please sort it out.
Thanx
Lets see if they respond.
Then, when I open my blog, and select to create a new post, this message appears on top of the screen:-
Your browser is no longer supported by Blogger. Some parts of Blogger will not work and you may experience problems.
If you are having problems, try Google Chrome. | Dismiss
Anyone out there know what this means in the long term? Do I have to download and install Google Chrome? If so, why?
Salagatle!
No problem, I have an account with them, so will look at what she can / should get, add it to my account, and we are done. Or so I thought.
So I emailed them -
I am trying to access my account online.
Every time I try, I get a message that says "It seems you are trying to access from the UK. Please select.... blah, blah, blah... crap!"
"You seem to be accessing the South African Customer Care Website from United Kingdom, Please select your country from the Country Selector at the top right of the web page."
I am sitting in my office in the XXMill office park next to xxsta Shopping center! So what if my company's network connects via the UK?
Why, as a South African who might be in the UK on business / holiday, should I not be able to access my account to make some changes if needed.
That's a load of crap, and poor customer satisfaction must be guaranteed in this case.
Please sort it out.
Thanx
Lets see if they respond.
Then, when I open my blog, and select to create a new post, this message appears on top of the screen:-
Your browser is no longer supported by Blogger. Some parts of Blogger will not work and you may experience problems.
If you are having problems, try Google Chrome. | Dismiss
Anyone out there know what this means in the long term? Do I have to download and install Google Chrome? If so, why?
Salagatle!
Bad Boy
I noticed just now that it's been a week or so since my last post. That's bad - seriously. However, I have been busy, and didn't have anything to post anyway. So here's an update.....
Went to a local restaurant last week Wednesday, on the recommendation of various people, for their "half price sushi special". Well, half price it might have been, special it was not.
Cape Town Fish Market is a well known chain restaurant. In general, their service and food is good. We went to the one in the Cresta Mall. On arrival, I saw they were quite busy, but also noticed that they had ample waiters running around, more than 10. So, instead of just going to a table and sitting down, hoping that someone would see us and offer us some service, I grabbed one of the waiters, and asked for a table. He showed us to one, and said he would send a waiter with menu's, and to take a drinks order. At least 10 minutes passed. no one came near us. I called the number on the little condiments basket - Customer Care Center. No one answered - no surprise I suppose. Eventually I cornered a waiter, and got a drinks order in, and managed to secure some menu's. Drinks came, waiter left. More waiting - so we go and get some sushi of the conveyor thingy at the front. Not much choice, and all of them "black" plates (the most expensive sushi dish). We took 6 plates, and then I had to go and find side plates, serviettes, chop sticks, and that soya sauce. Also went and found wasabi......
Terrible, if that's what they serve as sushi, I am very disappointed. So, I grab another waiter, and threaten to beat the crap out of him if I don't get some service. Menu's and another round of drinks. It worked. he figured this grey haired old man is seriously pissed, armed with a pair of nearly sharp chop sticks. Drinks and menus arrived - I didn't let him leave. We ordered some food off of the menu - and sent him on his way. The food arrived, with plates, and cutlery... we ate, paid and left. Never ever going back to that shit hole again.
On Thursday night Italy was playing Germany in the Euro semi-final. I really wanted to watch. We got a notification that maintenance work was going to be done on the electricity network, and our area would be affected - from 9pm Thursday through to 5 am Friday. So I had to find some other place to watch the game. The Princess went to have coffee with a friend, LuckyL went to a pub in Fourways with mates from work, GMan was working.... I drove down to the next town, Roodepoort, and found a seat in the Joker, a "Irish Pub". I know they have several TV's, I know they usually have them on the sports channel. I didn't know that they were having a Q&A quiz nite! Do me a fucking favour! I called Fishman to join me, but he wasn't available. Anyway, I bought a drink. Single Jack Daniels - R19.50, and Coke - R16.00!!! WTF?
A coke sells in the local store for around R4.50 / R5.00. As a pub, they buy in bulk, and probably get it for around R3.00 a can. Where the hell do they come from charging R16.00 a can?
So, I limited myself to one drink, not that I drink usually, and wouldn't have had more than one as I was driving. Game was good - Italy 2 - 1 Germany!!! Drove home only to find that our suburb was the only one unaffected by the power outage, and I could have watched the game at home, or down the road at the club. Ah well.......
Sunday The Princess and I went to a local joint - Cedar Lodge. As the name might indicate, it's owned / run by Lebs. Not that that makes a difference, other than the Lebs know how to cook. They also had a buy one, get one free sushi special. And we had great sushi, as much as we needed, and got away with R100.00 total! (Excluding drinks). Good sushi at great price. Now why the hell would I want to travel 20km (one way) further to get crap food, when I can get good food 4km from home!?!?! Well done Cedar Lodge!
OK, more later. There are some things happening on the work front which I want to share - but can't right now.
Salagatle!
Went to a local restaurant last week Wednesday, on the recommendation of various people, for their "half price sushi special". Well, half price it might have been, special it was not.
Cape Town Fish Market is a well known chain restaurant. In general, their service and food is good. We went to the one in the Cresta Mall. On arrival, I saw they were quite busy, but also noticed that they had ample waiters running around, more than 10. So, instead of just going to a table and sitting down, hoping that someone would see us and offer us some service, I grabbed one of the waiters, and asked for a table. He showed us to one, and said he would send a waiter with menu's, and to take a drinks order. At least 10 minutes passed. no one came near us. I called the number on the little condiments basket - Customer Care Center. No one answered - no surprise I suppose. Eventually I cornered a waiter, and got a drinks order in, and managed to secure some menu's. Drinks came, waiter left. More waiting - so we go and get some sushi of the conveyor thingy at the front. Not much choice, and all of them "black" plates (the most expensive sushi dish). We took 6 plates, and then I had to go and find side plates, serviettes, chop sticks, and that soya sauce. Also went and found wasabi......
Terrible, if that's what they serve as sushi, I am very disappointed. So, I grab another waiter, and threaten to beat the crap out of him if I don't get some service. Menu's and another round of drinks. It worked. he figured this grey haired old man is seriously pissed, armed with a pair of nearly sharp chop sticks. Drinks and menus arrived - I didn't let him leave. We ordered some food off of the menu - and sent him on his way. The food arrived, with plates, and cutlery... we ate, paid and left. Never ever going back to that shit hole again.
On Thursday night Italy was playing Germany in the Euro semi-final. I really wanted to watch. We got a notification that maintenance work was going to be done on the electricity network, and our area would be affected - from 9pm Thursday through to 5 am Friday. So I had to find some other place to watch the game. The Princess went to have coffee with a friend, LuckyL went to a pub in Fourways with mates from work, GMan was working.... I drove down to the next town, Roodepoort, and found a seat in the Joker, a "Irish Pub". I know they have several TV's, I know they usually have them on the sports channel. I didn't know that they were having a Q&A quiz nite! Do me a fucking favour! I called Fishman to join me, but he wasn't available. Anyway, I bought a drink. Single Jack Daniels - R19.50, and Coke - R16.00!!! WTF?
A coke sells in the local store for around R4.50 / R5.00. As a pub, they buy in bulk, and probably get it for around R3.00 a can. Where the hell do they come from charging R16.00 a can?
So, I limited myself to one drink, not that I drink usually, and wouldn't have had more than one as I was driving. Game was good - Italy 2 - 1 Germany!!! Drove home only to find that our suburb was the only one unaffected by the power outage, and I could have watched the game at home, or down the road at the club. Ah well.......
Sunday The Princess and I went to a local joint - Cedar Lodge. As the name might indicate, it's owned / run by Lebs. Not that that makes a difference, other than the Lebs know how to cook. They also had a buy one, get one free sushi special. And we had great sushi, as much as we needed, and got away with R100.00 total! (Excluding drinks). Good sushi at great price. Now why the hell would I want to travel 20km (one way) further to get crap food, when I can get good food 4km from home!?!?! Well done Cedar Lodge!
OK, more later. There are some things happening on the work front which I want to share - but can't right now.
Salagatle!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Volkswagen - Part VI
Ok, so I sent them this email -
I recently lodged a complaint regarding the warranty terms, and replacement of a turbo in my car. I today met with the Regional Service Manager (or whatever his designation is) and presented the details of my problem / complaint to him. He has now come back with an offer which I do not find to my satisfaction.
Please advise what my next avenue is for raising this issue?
Or do I have to now peruse a legal route?
Vehicle details -
VW PASSAT 2.0 TDI
Reg:- xxx 000 XX
The problem is with the reoccurring failure of the turbo, every time within a 12 month period, and the fact that VW seems to be trying to hide behind some small print - Which does not appear on your website, which can then be construed to be misleading - which implies that the warranty is only valid if the client paid for the parts. In this case, it has been a warranty replacement 3 times, and each time within 12 months. The fact that the client may, or may not have paid for the part is irrelevant as your Mission Statement on the internet, The VW Web Page, does not make any reference to the above terms and conditions.
In fact, the statement, which did occur on older statements / invoices issued by the dealership did include the statement, but has been removed from your invoices, so I cannot see how this can be referenced as a term and Condition, if it is not posted / printed / explained anywhere.
My car has once again been in the repair shop now for more then 4 weeks. Again due to VW not wanting to make a decision (based on it's warranty terms). I am not going to go away. I need be, I will get legal opinion, and will also look at the Consumer Protection Act, to discover where this issue is covered.
X Xaaaaa
xxx xxx xxxx
A very, very unhappy client.
And got this response -
Dear Mr Xaaaaaa
Please see attached.
Best regards
Carol Petrus
Volkswagen Connect
Customer Interaction Centre
Tel: 0860 434 737
Email: support@vwconnect.co.za
Fax: +27 41 394 5170
(here is the contents of the attachment)
Dear Mr Xaaaaaaa
We refer to your e-mail received on 06 July 2011.
We have reviewed all previous correspondence and communication
regarding this matter and wish to comment as follows:
The previous two turbo charger repair costs (to the amount of R35 832.86 on
parts only) were covered as a gesture of goodwill.
Please note that any goodwill decision taken after the warranty has expired is
dependent on the merit of the situation and is at Volkswagen of South
Africa’s discretion.
Our Regional After-sales Manager, Mr Lutendo Mudau, has reviewed your
concern and due to the fact that the vehicle is out of warranty, we regret that
we are unable to cover the entire repair costs.
However, as a loyal customer and in light of your previous experience, we
will make a financial contribution of R13 595.16 inclusive of VAT toward the
cost of the turbo charger only.
This offer expires on 18 July 2011. Please notify the dealer of your
acceptance.
Any financial contribution after the warranty has expired is offered as a
gesture of goodwill and not is an admission of liability.
We trust that this will go a long way in restoring your trust in our commitment
to service excellence.
Best regards
Carol Petrus
Specialist: Customer Interaction Centre
So, this is my next response to them.
Dear Volkswagen
I refer to your web page - which is in the public domain, and therefore the VW "voice" to it's customers / clients / potential clients, where it is clearly stated that
"The benefits of servicing your vehicle at a Volkswagen Dealership are numerous, but aimed at providing you with an inexpensive, efficient and uncomplicated service
experience which is attractive both in terms of quality and expertise!
Volkswagen Dealers are equipped with special tools and equipment that have been developed to work on your vehicle. The technicians are well-trained and backed up
by an extensive After Sales support infrastructure.
Volkswagen Dealers are instructed to use only genuine parts, designed to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. All genuine parts carry a 12-month parts and labour
warranty that is valid at any Volkswagen Dealership."
To this end I therefore dispute your "good will " statement. The parts were replaced under the warranty terms of your service, and as such had to be done.
The fact is that this turbo has once again failed within this 12 month warranty period, and so should be replaced, at your cost.
Please advise....
Lets see what they have to say now -
Salagatle!
I recently lodged a complaint regarding the warranty terms, and replacement of a turbo in my car. I today met with the Regional Service Manager (or whatever his designation is) and presented the details of my problem / complaint to him. He has now come back with an offer which I do not find to my satisfaction.
Please advise what my next avenue is for raising this issue?
Or do I have to now peruse a legal route?
Vehicle details -
VW PASSAT 2.0 TDI
Reg:- xxx 000 XX
The problem is with the reoccurring failure of the turbo, every time within a 12 month period, and the fact that VW seems to be trying to hide behind some small print - Which does not appear on your website, which can then be construed to be misleading - which implies that the warranty is only valid if the client paid for the parts. In this case, it has been a warranty replacement 3 times, and each time within 12 months. The fact that the client may, or may not have paid for the part is irrelevant as your Mission Statement on the internet, The VW Web Page, does not make any reference to the above terms and conditions.
In fact, the statement, which did occur on older statements / invoices issued by the dealership did include the statement, but has been removed from your invoices, so I cannot see how this can be referenced as a term and Condition, if it is not posted / printed / explained anywhere.
My car has once again been in the repair shop now for more then 4 weeks. Again due to VW not wanting to make a decision (based on it's warranty terms). I am not going to go away. I need be, I will get legal opinion, and will also look at the Consumer Protection Act, to discover where this issue is covered.
X Xaaaaa
xxx xxx xxxx
A very, very unhappy client.
And got this response -
Dear Mr Xaaaaaa
Please see attached.
Best regards
Carol Petrus
Volkswagen Connect
Customer Interaction Centre
Tel: 0860 434 737
Email: support@vwconnect.co.za
Fax: +27 41 394 5170
(here is the contents of the attachment)
Dear Mr Xaaaaaaa
We refer to your e-mail received on 06 July 2011.
We have reviewed all previous correspondence and communication
regarding this matter and wish to comment as follows:
The previous two turbo charger repair costs (to the amount of R35 832.86 on
parts only) were covered as a gesture of goodwill.
Please note that any goodwill decision taken after the warranty has expired is
dependent on the merit of the situation and is at Volkswagen of South
Africa’s discretion.
Our Regional After-sales Manager, Mr Lutendo Mudau, has reviewed your
concern and due to the fact that the vehicle is out of warranty, we regret that
we are unable to cover the entire repair costs.
However, as a loyal customer and in light of your previous experience, we
will make a financial contribution of R13 595.16 inclusive of VAT toward the
cost of the turbo charger only.
This offer expires on 18 July 2011. Please notify the dealer of your
acceptance.
Any financial contribution after the warranty has expired is offered as a
gesture of goodwill and not is an admission of liability.
We trust that this will go a long way in restoring your trust in our commitment
to service excellence.
Best regards
Carol Petrus
Specialist: Customer Interaction Centre
So, this is my next response to them.
Dear Volkswagen
I refer to your web page - which is in the public domain, and therefore the VW "voice" to it's customers / clients / potential clients, where it is clearly stated that
"The benefits of servicing your vehicle at a Volkswagen Dealership are numerous, but aimed at providing you with an inexpensive, efficient and uncomplicated service
experience which is attractive both in terms of quality and expertise!
Volkswagen Dealers are equipped with special tools and equipment that have been developed to work on your vehicle. The technicians are well-trained and backed up
by an extensive After Sales support infrastructure.
Volkswagen Dealers are instructed to use only genuine parts, designed to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. All genuine parts carry a 12-month parts and labour
warranty that is valid at any Volkswagen Dealership."
To this end I therefore dispute your "good will " statement. The parts were replaced under the warranty terms of your service, and as such had to be done.
The fact is that this turbo has once again failed within this 12 month warranty period, and so should be replaced, at your cost.
Please advise....
Lets see what they have to say now -
Salagatle!
Friday, July 08, 2011
Volkswagen - Part V
Collected the broken turbo, and sent it in for a recon. Will get it fitted in the mean time, to get the car out and going. Then I'm selling it. In the meantime I'm giving them beans!!!
Have posted this on a page I created on Facebook in the meantime.
Volkswagen South Africa - Service Please
Have posted this on a page I created on Facebook in the meantime.
Volkswagen South Africa - Service Please
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Volkswagen - Part IV
So, today met with the goon from Volkswagen. Still not sure what his title is - but something like Regional Service Manager - so I will refer to him as RSM for now.
This dude just happens to be black. Does it matter? Yes it does. He thinks like a darkie, so he sees a White Man, who probably has money, not wanting to pay for the repairs to his car. So fuck him.
I met with the dude, and explained the situation. As expected he pulled the "The small print says..." line. I fucked him over with that one. If it's not on your web page along with the "12 month warranty" statement - it's rubbish. And as it no longer appears on the invoice (in fine print or any other) it's more crap. So although I hear what you say, I'm not buying it.
I then showed him a previous issue with a pump that had been replaced twice in 7 months. That put him back a step.
He conceded that they had done 2 x warranty replacements (Good will he called them) and that their investment had been ZAR36k. Anyway, we finished with me saying I want a response by end of business today, and I want to know what my next steps are if he does not give the go ahead. I also made sure he knew I was pissed off with the fact that the car had been in the garage for more than 4 weeks again!!!!
Got a call a few hours later. He says that as I have spent some money already, he's willing to go 50/50. Cost of Turbo replacement he says ZAR36k, so 50% is ZAR18k!
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!
I can buy a new turbo from Goldwagen for ZAR13,5k!!! And guess what - the parts come out of the same factory, just different packaging.
So I called them back, and told them I am not interested. I want a final response tomorrow.
In the mean time I have sent another email off to VW head office, asking them who my next contact should be, or if my next option is legal advice, with the Consumer Protection Act in tow.
Will wait a day or two, then go see my friendly lawyer!
Salagatle!
This dude just happens to be black. Does it matter? Yes it does. He thinks like a darkie, so he sees a White Man, who probably has money, not wanting to pay for the repairs to his car. So fuck him.
I met with the dude, and explained the situation. As expected he pulled the "The small print says..." line. I fucked him over with that one. If it's not on your web page along with the "12 month warranty" statement - it's rubbish. And as it no longer appears on the invoice (in fine print or any other) it's more crap. So although I hear what you say, I'm not buying it.
I then showed him a previous issue with a pump that had been replaced twice in 7 months. That put him back a step.
He conceded that they had done 2 x warranty replacements (Good will he called them) and that their investment had been ZAR36k. Anyway, we finished with me saying I want a response by end of business today, and I want to know what my next steps are if he does not give the go ahead. I also made sure he knew I was pissed off with the fact that the car had been in the garage for more than 4 weeks again!!!!
Got a call a few hours later. He says that as I have spent some money already, he's willing to go 50/50. Cost of Turbo replacement he says ZAR36k, so 50% is ZAR18k!
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!!!
I can buy a new turbo from Goldwagen for ZAR13,5k!!! And guess what - the parts come out of the same factory, just different packaging.
So I called them back, and told them I am not interested. I want a final response tomorrow.
In the mean time I have sent another email off to VW head office, asking them who my next contact should be, or if my next option is legal advice, with the Consumer Protection Act in tow.
Will wait a day or two, then go see my friendly lawyer!
Salagatle!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Volkswagen - Part II
So, went down to the garage this morning, had a chat to the Service Manager. Told him I expect a meeting THIS WEEK with the Regional Service Manager person.
Also informed him that last night I read through the Consumer Protection Act, and that I am quite willing to take this matter through the legal route, as well as via the media.
He just called to say he has requested the meeting - but the guy is coming around on the 6 July, if he can't get here this week.
Will see...
In the meant ime, here is a piece out of the VW website:-
The benefits of servicing your vehicle at a Volkswagen Dealership are numerous, but aimed at providing you with an inexpensive, efficient and uncomplicated service experience which is attractive both in terms of quality and expertise!
Volkswagen Dealers are equipped with special tools and equipment that have been developed to work on your vehicle. The technicians are well-trained and backed up by an extensive After Sales support infrastructure.
Volkswagen Dealers are instructed to use only genuine parts, designed to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. All genuine parts carry a 12-month parts and labour warranty that is valid at any Volkswagen Dealership.
Volkswagen Dealers are trained to work according to standard procedures and prescribed labour times that cover all repairs as well as the standard maintenance services. This is done to ensure that your vehicle operates safely with associated low running costs. The vehicle also retains resale value when it has a complete service history exclusively performed at Volkswagen Dealerships.
Volkswagen Dealerships offer an extensive range of services and genuine accessories to compliment your vehicle.
The vehicle data shown in the service schedule of the owner's manual is intended to ensure that you able to acquire the correct parts and accessories for your vehicle.
The currently defined service intervals are based on extensive testing. The maintenance intervals make full use of the lubricating ability of the engine oil over the period indicated. All the required items of work have been combined into the appropriate service events, and comprise the necessary checks and replacement of parts and fluids to keep the vehicle in good working condition until the next service is due.
The stamped proof of service, which remains in your service schedule booklet, serves as confirmation that the service has been done. A complete service record is a pre-requisite for ensuring your vehicle warranty entitlement. Please remember to pass the in-car package, which includes the service schedule, onto the next customer, should you sell your vehicle.
The service intervals must be observed. When your vehicle is serviced regularly, it allows early detection of any additional items requiring attention.
Remember, your vehicle should be serviced every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has not been serviced in the last 11 months or 14,000km, please contact your preferred Volkswagen Dealership to arrange for the relevant service appointment.
So, the red bit refers to the 12 month warranty - and this is the part I aim to nail his arse with.
The blue bit is even more interesting.
Book trade (as of this morning - ZAR 102k
Retail - ZAR 124k
The Used car sales manager at the VW garage says - Cash buy out - ZAR 70 - 75k! EXCUSE ME?
And if I trade it in on a new VW product - up to ZAR20k trade in assistance depending on what I buy.
So, where's the "benefit" of proper maintenance, etc.
I WILL be using thier own web page to fuck them over with this issue as well!!!
Watch this space. A written commitment on a public space is just that - WRITTEN COMMITMENT!
Salagatle!
Also informed him that last night I read through the Consumer Protection Act, and that I am quite willing to take this matter through the legal route, as well as via the media.
He just called to say he has requested the meeting - but the guy is coming around on the 6 July, if he can't get here this week.
Will see...
In the meant ime, here is a piece out of the VW website:-
The benefits of servicing your vehicle at a Volkswagen Dealership are numerous, but aimed at providing you with an inexpensive, efficient and uncomplicated service experience which is attractive both in terms of quality and expertise!
Volkswagen Dealers are equipped with special tools and equipment that have been developed to work on your vehicle. The technicians are well-trained and backed up by an extensive After Sales support infrastructure.
Volkswagen Dealers are instructed to use only genuine parts, designed to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. All genuine parts carry a 12-month parts and labour warranty that is valid at any Volkswagen Dealership.
Volkswagen Dealers are trained to work according to standard procedures and prescribed labour times that cover all repairs as well as the standard maintenance services. This is done to ensure that your vehicle operates safely with associated low running costs. The vehicle also retains resale value when it has a complete service history exclusively performed at Volkswagen Dealerships.
Volkswagen Dealerships offer an extensive range of services and genuine accessories to compliment your vehicle.
The vehicle data shown in the service schedule of the owner's manual is intended to ensure that you able to acquire the correct parts and accessories for your vehicle.
The currently defined service intervals are based on extensive testing. The maintenance intervals make full use of the lubricating ability of the engine oil over the period indicated. All the required items of work have been combined into the appropriate service events, and comprise the necessary checks and replacement of parts and fluids to keep the vehicle in good working condition until the next service is due.
The stamped proof of service, which remains in your service schedule booklet, serves as confirmation that the service has been done. A complete service record is a pre-requisite for ensuring your vehicle warranty entitlement. Please remember to pass the in-car package, which includes the service schedule, onto the next customer, should you sell your vehicle.
The service intervals must be observed. When your vehicle is serviced regularly, it allows early detection of any additional items requiring attention.
Remember, your vehicle should be serviced every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has not been serviced in the last 11 months or 14,000km, please contact your preferred Volkswagen Dealership to arrange for the relevant service appointment.
So, the red bit refers to the 12 month warranty - and this is the part I aim to nail his arse with.
The blue bit is even more interesting.
Book trade (as of this morning - ZAR 102k
Retail - ZAR 124k
The Used car sales manager at the VW garage says - Cash buy out - ZAR 70 - 75k! EXCUSE ME?
And if I trade it in on a new VW product - up to ZAR20k trade in assistance depending on what I buy.
So, where's the "benefit" of proper maintenance, etc.
I WILL be using thier own web page to fuck them over with this issue as well!!!
Watch this space. A written commitment on a public space is just that - WRITTEN COMMITMENT!
Salagatle!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Volkswagen - Part I
So, over the past 2 yrs that GMan has owned this VW Passat 2.0 TDI it's been nothing but trouble. Each time we have something sorted you tend to think "OK, should be fine now, let's keep it", and each time another thing comes up. But the biggest problem has been the turbo.
So, not long after he got it, the turbo blew. Took it in, and after threatening VW head office, they replaced it. See, I had all the previous owners paperwork, and in there I found that the turbo had already been replaced, twice, and not more than 12 month prior. And, seeing as the back of the invoice / statement says "12 month warranty on parts" there was no way these fuckers were going to get away with their shit attitude. This was last year May/June.
So, in December, GMan is down in Balito. The cars computer warning system kicks in, and tells him to get the car to a shop. He goes down to VW in Umhlanga Rocks, where they attach it to their computers, and tell him - Turbo trouble. Take it back to the place that did the last one, it's still under warranty, and you can drive the car there, no problem. It had not 'failed" as yet, but was not working properly.
Anyway, he comes home, and we get the car into the shop. There we had over 5 weeks of run around from the VW head office again. Check this, test that, oil the waste gate hinges! (Are you fucking kidding me? Oil the waste gate hinges? Do you even know how much heat a turbo generates? How long do you fucking think the oil will last?) Test this part - and mostly we had to wait for a suitable "donor" car to come in, so that they could strip the matching part off of the car, fit it to ours, test it, and prove / disprove that this part was faulty.
Eventually, they did some work on the turbo which made it "better", and even though the workshop manager pointed out that it was not "right", the regional service manager deemed that the noise was "acceptable"! Acceptable? It's on this basis that I am going to fuck him over. I want him to prove (in a court of law if that's required) that he's qualified to "listen" to a turbo, and deem the noise to be within acceptable levels? Levels of what? That it will last another 10 days, 6 months?
Anyway, had it in there again after that, and another run around, and they replaced some "Harness" that had bad connections "Aluminum / copper corrosion / bad joints".
Ant the lights went off, for a while.
Eventually the turbo packed up again.
GMan had to tow the car in - got LuckyL to tow him. They removed the turbo, and confirmed it's stuffed. Cool I said. Talk to VW, tell them to replace it. And that's where this story starts. Initial response - no way.
So I email head office. Ask for someone to contact me. I get a missed call, and call back within 3 minutes, and the lady is out! OK, ask her to call me. She doesn't. So I call again later, and get hold of her. There's the usual, "we need to get the garage to submit a claim first" discussion. I tell her they have. She says they have not. I call the garage. They have. But it's an electronic request, and electronic response. There is no intelligence behind making the decision. It's based on the captured data - is this part under warranty? Oops, no, that expired 2 days ago. Sorry -no go.
So the bitch says she will contact the garage Friday (last week). Friday afternoon I call the service manager. Nope, didn't get any call. Monday I call her again. You didn't call I say. I did she says. Well I spoke to the workshop manager, who you said you would call, and you didn't. Well she has a recording she says. Nice I say, give me a copy so I can screw this bastard for lying to me. Oh, no she says, she spoke to the service assistant. EXACTLY I say, not the manager, so you didn't speak to the right person.
She goes on about how she needs him to supply the info, blah, blah, blah.
So, the service manager had raised the issue with the Regional Service Manager - and he said "No way". OK, I say, but I'm not accepting this. Well then, I will have to get the service manager to set up a meeting for you with the regional service manager person. No problem, I said, please arrange it - for this week. I've now been without a car for ore than 4 weeks!!!! (Didn't tell her we got a loan car from them).
So that's the current status. Now I'm going onto the South African Gov web page, to do some reading through the new Consumer Protection Act. Let's see if I can rape this bastard!!!!
If we don't come right, I have someone who does turbo reconditioning. Will cost me ZAR 3500.00, after which I'm flogging the car. GMan wil just have to buy something else. And this car will have to be on his name. I cant keep up with all the fines he's getting!!!!
Salagatle!
So, not long after he got it, the turbo blew. Took it in, and after threatening VW head office, they replaced it. See, I had all the previous owners paperwork, and in there I found that the turbo had already been replaced, twice, and not more than 12 month prior. And, seeing as the back of the invoice / statement says "12 month warranty on parts" there was no way these fuckers were going to get away with their shit attitude. This was last year May/June.
So, in December, GMan is down in Balito. The cars computer warning system kicks in, and tells him to get the car to a shop. He goes down to VW in Umhlanga Rocks, where they attach it to their computers, and tell him - Turbo trouble. Take it back to the place that did the last one, it's still under warranty, and you can drive the car there, no problem. It had not 'failed" as yet, but was not working properly.
Anyway, he comes home, and we get the car into the shop. There we had over 5 weeks of run around from the VW head office again. Check this, test that, oil the waste gate hinges! (Are you fucking kidding me? Oil the waste gate hinges? Do you even know how much heat a turbo generates? How long do you fucking think the oil will last?) Test this part - and mostly we had to wait for a suitable "donor" car to come in, so that they could strip the matching part off of the car, fit it to ours, test it, and prove / disprove that this part was faulty.
Eventually, they did some work on the turbo which made it "better", and even though the workshop manager pointed out that it was not "right", the regional service manager deemed that the noise was "acceptable"! Acceptable? It's on this basis that I am going to fuck him over. I want him to prove (in a court of law if that's required) that he's qualified to "listen" to a turbo, and deem the noise to be within acceptable levels? Levels of what? That it will last another 10 days, 6 months?
Anyway, had it in there again after that, and another run around, and they replaced some "Harness" that had bad connections "Aluminum / copper corrosion / bad joints".
Ant the lights went off, for a while.
Eventually the turbo packed up again.
GMan had to tow the car in - got LuckyL to tow him. They removed the turbo, and confirmed it's stuffed. Cool I said. Talk to VW, tell them to replace it. And that's where this story starts. Initial response - no way.
So I email head office. Ask for someone to contact me. I get a missed call, and call back within 3 minutes, and the lady is out! OK, ask her to call me. She doesn't. So I call again later, and get hold of her. There's the usual, "we need to get the garage to submit a claim first" discussion. I tell her they have. She says they have not. I call the garage. They have. But it's an electronic request, and electronic response. There is no intelligence behind making the decision. It's based on the captured data - is this part under warranty? Oops, no, that expired 2 days ago. Sorry -no go.
So the bitch says she will contact the garage Friday (last week). Friday afternoon I call the service manager. Nope, didn't get any call. Monday I call her again. You didn't call I say. I did she says. Well I spoke to the workshop manager, who you said you would call, and you didn't. Well she has a recording she says. Nice I say, give me a copy so I can screw this bastard for lying to me. Oh, no she says, she spoke to the service assistant. EXACTLY I say, not the manager, so you didn't speak to the right person.
She goes on about how she needs him to supply the info, blah, blah, blah.
So, the service manager had raised the issue with the Regional Service Manager - and he said "No way". OK, I say, but I'm not accepting this. Well then, I will have to get the service manager to set up a meeting for you with the regional service manager person. No problem, I said, please arrange it - for this week. I've now been without a car for ore than 4 weeks!!!! (Didn't tell her we got a loan car from them).
So that's the current status. Now I'm going onto the South African Gov web page, to do some reading through the new Consumer Protection Act. Let's see if I can rape this bastard!!!!
If we don't come right, I have someone who does turbo reconditioning. Will cost me ZAR 3500.00, after which I'm flogging the car. GMan wil just have to buy something else. And this car will have to be on his name. I cant keep up with all the fines he's getting!!!!
Salagatle!
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Service and "Made in China" - Part II
I recently posted here about some tie-downs that snapped, and my complaint to the importing company, and their response. If you want to re-read it go to this link.
So Earlier this week I call them to say "Hey guys, did something go wrong? Did you lose my details?" I had not yet received my refund. The guy apologised profusely. Seems he landed up in hospital, and no one stood in for him, and stuff didn't happen. No Problem I said, will wait. "Nah," he says, "will get to you by tomorrow morning latest."
About 2 hours ago, I get called to reception. A lady here to see me. She's from Moto-Quip, and has a big box for me. I sign, she leaves, and take my box for a walk. Not only did I get a cheque (dated 10/05/2011) for R447.00, but in the box 4 complete sets of tie downs! Yup, 4 sets. He said he was going to replace the two broken straps. And, these are of a stronger makeup than those I originally purchased and complained about.
So the moral of the story is:-
a) If you have kak service and don't complain, that's your won fault
b) If you have clients, and get a complaint, handle it properly and you will win back their confidence, and possibly get more business.
Ultimately, this gesture will not cripple their business. And, I will not go and lodge an official complaint with the Retailers where I bought the stuff. And, I must concede, maybe our new "Consumer Protection Act" might have had something to do with this.
Salagatle!
So Earlier this week I call them to say "Hey guys, did something go wrong? Did you lose my details?" I had not yet received my refund. The guy apologised profusely. Seems he landed up in hospital, and no one stood in for him, and stuff didn't happen. No Problem I said, will wait. "Nah," he says, "will get to you by tomorrow morning latest."
About 2 hours ago, I get called to reception. A lady here to see me. She's from Moto-Quip, and has a big box for me. I sign, she leaves, and take my box for a walk. Not only did I get a cheque (dated 10/05/2011) for R447.00, but in the box 4 complete sets of tie downs! Yup, 4 sets. He said he was going to replace the two broken straps. And, these are of a stronger makeup than those I originally purchased and complained about.
So the moral of the story is:-
a) If you have kak service and don't complain, that's your won fault
b) If you have clients, and get a complaint, handle it properly and you will win back their confidence, and possibly get more business.
Ultimately, this gesture will not cripple their business. And, I will not go and lodge an official complaint with the Retailers where I bought the stuff. And, I must concede, maybe our new "Consumer Protection Act" might have had something to do with this.
Salagatle!
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Laptops and anger management
So, two things don't mix - laptops, and anger. Enuff said on that - I will now take you through the official version of my dilemma.
So the other morning I take my stuff (Personal Laptop, company laptop, lunch, cigarettes, 2 x cellphones) and go out to the car to go to work. I put it all down, so as to get the keys to open the car boot. At this time the builders arrive, and buzz the gate intercom. I turn to open for them, at the same time making sure the dogs don't dart out into the street, and then close the gate, and move around the car to move it so that the truck can come past the car going down the drive. And I reversed over my personal laptop!
Dead. Broken, smashed - all of which do not begin to explain the condition of said laptop!!!
Man, this is so broken it.
Anyway, Later in the day I call the insurance company. Seems that even though it's not specified, because the damage occured on my premisis I am covered.
Get a quote to repair / to write off. Send us a claim form, the quote, and replacement value, as well as proof of purchase (not sure why) and they will sort it.
So I take out the hard drive. Whats the odds it will still work? I make some calls, and get a company close to work who do "Data Recovery". Yea right. I go see them. There is the usual long story of how complicated it is, time consuming, no guarantees, etc. I say "Can't you just plug it into something, and check if it works?" Yea he can it seems. He has this "empty" external drive box, that is made for such times. Plugs in the drive, connects it to his PC, and there you go! Drive spins a dream, all the data is available!!!
So, want me to recover the data? Minimum ZAR 2,500.00. Ahem, no, hang on there, let me see if the insurance will pay for it! But, can you get me a price on a majic box like you have there? I ask, refering to the "empty" external drive unit. Ah, he says, usually this is only available to businesses like meine that use it for data recovery, but they cost ZAR575.00 excluding VAT. And yes, he can get me one if I want. Let me chat to the insurance first I say, and I will get back to you.
On the way home, I pop into Incredible Corruption to look at laptops. Need to find a replacement now. While I'm there I ask about the availability of "empty" external drive boxes and stuff.
Off the shelf, readily available @ ZAR 149.00! Sold!!!! Took it home, put in my hard drive, connect to my work laptop, and recovered all my data. Vat So!!!!!
Now the insurance. I get to an authorized repair shop. They give me a "Beyond economical repair" quote. Submit claim, plus quote, plus original invoice, and include a request to buy the hard drive from them for ZAR 250.00, my motivation being I can recover some of the data, alternatively pay someone to do it.
At first they say, No the complete unit must be returned to them (Scrap value I suppose). So I ask them to give me the nearest depot.
next thing I get a call. I can buy the drive for ZAR 250.00, and by the way, seeing as the machine is completely stuffed, I can keep it as well.
So, Full payout of value of machine (Current replacement value) less Excess R500, less Hard Drive buy back R250.
Bargain. And good service to boot.
Will post pics of the laptop later....
So I get to go and buy a new laptop. Any advice? I just had that De Ja Vu feeling)
Oh, I didn't get to the anger management part of this post - ah well, will keep that for another day..... No time now!
Salagatle!
So the other morning I take my stuff (Personal Laptop, company laptop, lunch, cigarettes, 2 x cellphones) and go out to the car to go to work. I put it all down, so as to get the keys to open the car boot. At this time the builders arrive, and buzz the gate intercom. I turn to open for them, at the same time making sure the dogs don't dart out into the street, and then close the gate, and move around the car to move it so that the truck can come past the car going down the drive. And I reversed over my personal laptop!
Dead. Broken, smashed - all of which do not begin to explain the condition of said laptop!!!
Man, this is so broken it.
Anyway, Later in the day I call the insurance company. Seems that even though it's not specified, because the damage occured on my premisis I am covered.
Get a quote to repair / to write off. Send us a claim form, the quote, and replacement value, as well as proof of purchase (not sure why) and they will sort it.
So I take out the hard drive. Whats the odds it will still work? I make some calls, and get a company close to work who do "Data Recovery". Yea right. I go see them. There is the usual long story of how complicated it is, time consuming, no guarantees, etc. I say "Can't you just plug it into something, and check if it works?" Yea he can it seems. He has this "empty" external drive box, that is made for such times. Plugs in the drive, connects it to his PC, and there you go! Drive spins a dream, all the data is available!!!
So, want me to recover the data? Minimum ZAR 2,500.00. Ahem, no, hang on there, let me see if the insurance will pay for it! But, can you get me a price on a majic box like you have there? I ask, refering to the "empty" external drive unit. Ah, he says, usually this is only available to businesses like meine that use it for data recovery, but they cost ZAR575.00 excluding VAT. And yes, he can get me one if I want. Let me chat to the insurance first I say, and I will get back to you.
On the way home, I pop into Incredible Corruption to look at laptops. Need to find a replacement now. While I'm there I ask about the availability of "empty" external drive boxes and stuff.
Off the shelf, readily available @ ZAR 149.00! Sold!!!! Took it home, put in my hard drive, connect to my work laptop, and recovered all my data. Vat So!!!!!
Now the insurance. I get to an authorized repair shop. They give me a "Beyond economical repair" quote. Submit claim, plus quote, plus original invoice, and include a request to buy the hard drive from them for ZAR 250.00, my motivation being I can recover some of the data, alternatively pay someone to do it.
At first they say, No the complete unit must be returned to them (Scrap value I suppose). So I ask them to give me the nearest depot.
next thing I get a call. I can buy the drive for ZAR 250.00, and by the way, seeing as the machine is completely stuffed, I can keep it as well.
So, Full payout of value of machine (Current replacement value) less Excess R500, less Hard Drive buy back R250.
Bargain. And good service to boot.
Will post pics of the laptop later....
So I get to go and buy a new laptop. Any advice? I just had that De Ja Vu feeling)
Oh, I didn't get to the anger management part of this post - ah well, will keep that for another day..... No time now!
Salagatle!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Some stuff I have done in my life.... Part 4
One Friday night I'm driving to visit some friends. We are driving in the Princess's Golf GTI. GMan is in the baby chair on the back seat. Princess is very pregnant with LuckyL. So, GMan was probably 2.5 - 3 yrs old. We take a slip road to the left, and a car traveling towards us, also turns, right, into the same road we going into. It's two lanes in both directions, so I keep to the left, expecting him to keep to the right hand lane. Then he sideswipes my car. I look right, and see 4 niggers in the car. I show him to pull over, but he swings into my car again. HIJACK my brain screams, I put the car back a gear or two, floor it, and whip out the trusty 9mm Para. he's accelerating to keep up with me, so I lean out of the window, and blow his engine away! (Kind of getting used to this by now!) Immediately the other car swerves to the right, across the oncoming lanes, up the kerb, and into the veld, stopping about a meter short of the railway fence. I don't bother stopping. It's full speed to my mates house now, drop off the Princess, GMan and unborn child, pick up my mate, and we back again to the scene of the shooting. Nothing. Gone. I look around, and collect all 9 of my cartridge casings! Yup, 9 of them. No fucking around here boys!!!
So I drive down to the local police station, tell the clowns there what happened, "No, I didn't see any registration number. No, I'm not sure what kind of car it was. And, no, I don't think I hit anyone, I shot into the engine compartment - plan was to disable the vehicle!"
A few weeks go by and I ge a court summons. Eish! Once again, attempted murder / reckless discharge of a firearm in a built up area.
We go to court. here i find out that all 4 the people in the car suffered gunshot wounds! WTF? How?Ok, so it's easy. One bullet blew the battery apart. One hit the engine block, ricocheted through the firewall, through the passenger's side, through his seat, into the passenger behind him, hitting him in the leg! Nice shot bro! Another (probably my final, parting shot) went through the windscreen, hitting the driver in the shoulder. And another ricocheted bullet, hit the other passenger on the back seat. 4 out of 4, and I wasn't even trying!!!
Anyway, got a lawyer and an advocate as this is serious shit now. Take the evidence of all the plaintiffs to pieces. They all claimed they could recognize me, and that was definitely me. Even described my look, hair clean shaven face, etc. Only problem for them was, what I went to meet with the prosecutor and the judge a week before the court case, I had seriously long hair, and a beard which predated the incident. So, they both knew what I looked like at the time of the incident - noting like the smart, clean shaven, short haired guy in the court at the time!
So, basically, there was no way of tying the two incidents (My reported shooting and their reported getting shot) together. No case. However, I did have a previous conviction for negligent discharge of a firearm in a built up area. And the Public Prosecutor asked that because I had done so again (no way I was going to tell them otherwise) there should be some finding.
Ok, says the judge, ZAR 1000, and get the guns you own onto your wife's name!!!! Nice, thanx Judge!So we did. the wife applied for the licenses of the guns, but I have never had mine cancelled. Although I don't have the new card but my ID book still has the original. Just a matter of telling the cops, Eish, I lost my card, have applied for a new one, waiting for it! (They have a 24 - 36 month backlog, so no problem there). However, I don't carry it all the time like I used to. In fact, we only take it with sometimes when we going to be on the road late at night, or if we driving long distance, and then the Princess is with me, so there is no issue.
Salagatle!
So I drive down to the local police station, tell the clowns there what happened, "No, I didn't see any registration number. No, I'm not sure what kind of car it was. And, no, I don't think I hit anyone, I shot into the engine compartment - plan was to disable the vehicle!"
A few weeks go by and I ge a court summons. Eish! Once again, attempted murder / reckless discharge of a firearm in a built up area.
We go to court. here i find out that all 4 the people in the car suffered gunshot wounds! WTF? How?Ok, so it's easy. One bullet blew the battery apart. One hit the engine block, ricocheted through the firewall, through the passenger's side, through his seat, into the passenger behind him, hitting him in the leg! Nice shot bro! Another (probably my final, parting shot) went through the windscreen, hitting the driver in the shoulder. And another ricocheted bullet, hit the other passenger on the back seat. 4 out of 4, and I wasn't even trying!!!
Anyway, got a lawyer and an advocate as this is serious shit now. Take the evidence of all the plaintiffs to pieces. They all claimed they could recognize me, and that was definitely me. Even described my look, hair clean shaven face, etc. Only problem for them was, what I went to meet with the prosecutor and the judge a week before the court case, I had seriously long hair, and a beard which predated the incident. So, they both knew what I looked like at the time of the incident - noting like the smart, clean shaven, short haired guy in the court at the time!
So, basically, there was no way of tying the two incidents (My reported shooting and their reported getting shot) together. No case. However, I did have a previous conviction for negligent discharge of a firearm in a built up area. And the Public Prosecutor asked that because I had done so again (no way I was going to tell them otherwise) there should be some finding.
Ok, says the judge, ZAR 1000, and get the guns you own onto your wife's name!!!! Nice, thanx Judge!So we did. the wife applied for the licenses of the guns, but I have never had mine cancelled. Although I don't have the new card but my ID book still has the original. Just a matter of telling the cops, Eish, I lost my card, have applied for a new one, waiting for it! (They have a 24 - 36 month backlog, so no problem there). However, I don't carry it all the time like I used to. In fact, we only take it with sometimes when we going to be on the road late at night, or if we driving long distance, and then the Princess is with me, so there is no issue.
Salagatle!
Some stuff I have done in my life.... Part 3
So, I'm driving back to another girlfriends house, in her car. My car was kaput (Chev Firenza, not sure which engine it had in it at that time), and I have no idea where my bike was then. (This was before I met the Princess). I had been to the mine recreation club. Anyway, there's a car riving in front of me, weaving all over the road. I flash my lights to him, more to get his attention that I am behind him, than for any other reason. Seems we are going the same way, so I don't try to overtake him, as I'm worried he will drive into me. So I keep my distance. At a 4 way stop, he stops (Yup, he actually did!). I slowed down to give him time to pull away. He does, very slowly, and I crawl to the stop line, and stop. By now he's half way across the intersection, suddenly stops dead, puts the VW beetle into reverse, and slams into the front of my car. It dies, his does not, and he tries to drive away! I'm out of the car, 9mm Para in hand, and blow the VW engine to smithereens in about 3 or 4 shots! Fuck you mother F....!!!
The VW stops, dead, fluid pouring out of the engine room, onto the tar. The driver stays put.The people around there come out of their houses, very carefully, and I shout to the nearest one, "Call the Police please".I walk over to the VW, open the door, and this drunken clown is sitting there, absolutely shocked, with blood pouring out of his shoulder!!
FUCK!!!
So he gets out, I make him sit down, and soon enough the SAP arrive, sort him out with an ambulance. Get his car towed. I give my statement, get my car started, and go home. No problem. Yea right!!!
Soon enough I got a summons for "Attempted Murder" alternatively "Illegal discharge of a fire arm in a built up area"! Double FUCK! Anyway, cut a long story short, I got away with a ZAR1000 fine (a damn lot of money in those days) and a warning, and "Guilty of discharge of a firearm in a built up area".
The other driver survived (P035), but dies a few years ago in an unrelated event. In fact, I never did see him again after thatnight, even though he lived close to where I did, and my folks do, and we worked on the same mine. Maybe he made a point of saying away from me.....
Salagatle!
The VW stops, dead, fluid pouring out of the engine room, onto the tar. The driver stays put.The people around there come out of their houses, very carefully, and I shout to the nearest one, "Call the Police please".I walk over to the VW, open the door, and this drunken clown is sitting there, absolutely shocked, with blood pouring out of his shoulder!!
FUCK!!!
So he gets out, I make him sit down, and soon enough the SAP arrive, sort him out with an ambulance. Get his car towed. I give my statement, get my car started, and go home. No problem. Yea right!!!
Soon enough I got a summons for "Attempted Murder" alternatively "Illegal discharge of a fire arm in a built up area"! Double FUCK! Anyway, cut a long story short, I got away with a ZAR1000 fine (a damn lot of money in those days) and a warning, and "Guilty of discharge of a firearm in a built up area".
The other driver survived (P035), but dies a few years ago in an unrelated event. In fact, I never did see him again after thatnight, even though he lived close to where I did, and my folks do, and we worked on the same mine. Maybe he made a point of saying away from me.....
Salagatle!
Some stuff I have done in my life.... Part 2
We had gone to the then Eastern Transvaal (today known as Mpumalanga - LIU) for the Easter long weekend. We being the motorbike club I rode with at the time. We had been doing this every year for a few years now, as it's just such a fantastic place for motorbiking, long twisty turns, uphills, down hills, mountain roads.... all the right stuff for great biking!
Doing one of the preplanned runs on the Saturday morning, I was riding in about 4th or 5th position. (We usually rode in tight formation, literally wheel to wheel, but for the twisters we made sure we had some space between us). I noticed that there was a taxi (see picture) up front, and he was not quite keeping to the left of the lane. This meant that, at the high speeds we were riding, we had to move across to the oncoming lane to pass him, even though, if he kept more left, we could safely pass him without crossing the barrier line. The guy riding two bikes ahead of me slows down, and shows the driver to move over to the left a bit. He kind of does, but as the guy in front of me comes past, I see the driver make a mock swerve towards him, and the biker had to swerve into the oncoming lane to keep clear! Nice, I thought, so, slowing down, I removed my helmet from my head, using my left hand. Drove up carefully till I was next to the taxi driver door window, and proceeded to smash it to smithereens, with a single blow! he got such a fright, he swerved hard left, and ploughed through a farm fence, into a Citrus plantation! And that's where I last saw him.....
Not 10 km further down the road, (or was it up the road?) another taxi seemed to be giving the bikers some road trouble. This time I didn't bother with the helmet trick, as I was concerned about getting glass chips inside it. Uplift 1 x 9mm Para from hip holster (left hand of course) drive up to drivers side window, and proceed to smash same with barrel of pistol. Worked a treat! Another taxi through the fence, into a field. And we carried on on our way. Damn taxi drivers!!!!
Salagatle!
Doing one of the preplanned runs on the Saturday morning, I was riding in about 4th or 5th position. (We usually rode in tight formation, literally wheel to wheel, but for the twisters we made sure we had some space between us). I noticed that there was a taxi (see picture) up front, and he was not quite keeping to the left of the lane. This meant that, at the high speeds we were riding, we had to move across to the oncoming lane to pass him, even though, if he kept more left, we could safely pass him without crossing the barrier line. The guy riding two bikes ahead of me slows down, and shows the driver to move over to the left a bit. He kind of does, but as the guy in front of me comes past, I see the driver make a mock swerve towards him, and the biker had to swerve into the oncoming lane to keep clear! Nice, I thought, so, slowing down, I removed my helmet from my head, using my left hand. Drove up carefully till I was next to the taxi driver door window, and proceeded to smash it to smithereens, with a single blow! he got such a fright, he swerved hard left, and ploughed through a farm fence, into a Citrus plantation! And that's where I last saw him.....
Not 10 km further down the road, (or was it up the road?) another taxi seemed to be giving the bikers some road trouble. This time I didn't bother with the helmet trick, as I was concerned about getting glass chips inside it. Uplift 1 x 9mm Para from hip holster (left hand of course) drive up to drivers side window, and proceed to smash same with barrel of pistol. Worked a treat! Another taxi through the fence, into a field. And we carried on on our way. Damn taxi drivers!!!!
Salagatle!
Some stuff I have done in my life.... Part 1
The stories I am going o relate here could get me dismissed from my place of work, so treat with the utmost confidence, you all know what mean!
So, on the back of my post regarding my management of poor service, I though, why not write about some of my less attractive (yet still delivering the required results - or kind of...) experiences.
So, where to start - I will just capture them as I recall them. No timelines, or specific order.
I Was at my folks house one day, with my then girlfriend (the Princess no less). We left rather late, me on the motorbike, and she in my car. Can't for the life of me remember why we were there in two separate modes of transport, but it does not matter.So, a few kilometers from the folks home, there is a turn off the main national road, to the local location (Those days they were locations, today we refer to them as townships, or low cost housing areas, or squatter camps). Anyway, as we approached the intersection, with right of way to us, a big Putco bus crossed over, right in front of the Princess, without stopping. Nearly collided with her (in my car!). I was following her and saw what happened. No problem to me.
I pull up next to the bus, and motion the driver to pull over. At first he didn't seem keen to, so I nudged the bike in front of the bus, and started to slow down, forcing him to stop! (In those days we still elicited the level of respect we deserved!)
Once he stopped, I parked the bike across the front of the bus, got off, banged on the bus door for him to open, and climbed in. The bus was full! (Probably about 60 passengers, none of which said a word!) I took the keys out of the ignition, got off the bus, threw them as far as I could into the veld, (Remember it was now dark) and said the the driver, "Next time I will shoot you!" and walked away. Got on the bike, rode up to where the Princess was waiting for me, and showed her all is fine, let's go home!
I did carry a gun back then, all the time. It was part of my hip..... and I mean all the time, and, as further stories will show, I didn't mind pulling it out, or even using it. This time I didn't need to!
Salagatle!
So, on the back of my post regarding my management of poor service, I though, why not write about some of my less attractive (yet still delivering the required results - or kind of...) experiences.
So, where to start - I will just capture them as I recall them. No timelines, or specific order.
I Was at my folks house one day, with my then girlfriend (the Princess no less). We left rather late, me on the motorbike, and she in my car. Can't for the life of me remember why we were there in two separate modes of transport, but it does not matter.So, a few kilometers from the folks home, there is a turn off the main national road, to the local location (Those days they were locations, today we refer to them as townships, or low cost housing areas, or squatter camps). Anyway, as we approached the intersection, with right of way to us, a big Putco bus crossed over, right in front of the Princess, without stopping. Nearly collided with her (in my car!). I was following her and saw what happened. No problem to me.
I pull up next to the bus, and motion the driver to pull over. At first he didn't seem keen to, so I nudged the bike in front of the bus, and started to slow down, forcing him to stop! (In those days we still elicited the level of respect we deserved!)
Once he stopped, I parked the bike across the front of the bus, got off, banged on the bus door for him to open, and climbed in. The bus was full! (Probably about 60 passengers, none of which said a word!) I took the keys out of the ignition, got off the bus, threw them as far as I could into the veld, (Remember it was now dark) and said the the driver, "Next time I will shoot you!" and walked away. Got on the bike, rode up to where the Princess was waiting for me, and showed her all is fine, let's go home!
I did carry a gun back then, all the time. It was part of my hip..... and I mean all the time, and, as further stories will show, I didn't mind pulling it out, or even using it. This time I didn't need to!
Salagatle!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
As promised to Jayne - Service please part II
So, over the years I have become more and more the customer from hell. Actually, if I get good service, and good products for my money, I will be back again and again, not even bothering to shop around for better pricing, cause being in the Services game I know that sometimes you pay a bit more for better.
However, if you cross my path, give me shit service, or worse still give me a shit product that does not meet up to the specifications on the packaging, as this is the minimum I would expect.
So, where to start.
Game stores - a large local retailer, selling almost anything. LIU! So, every week, as an insert in the local newspaper, they have a couple of pages of their "Week specials". Usually limited numbers available, for this weekend only, blah, blah, blah.
Usually, I just page through, not really needing anything, but you never know. Maye I spot something I'd like to have, and if it's priced right, I'll buy it. So this time they have a special on a Electric Circular hand held saw.
So, as I didn't have one, and always have to pay to have my boards cut to size, and as it was really discounted I figured, "What the hell", let's go get one. So, Friday morning, first day of the "Sale", on the way to the office, I pop in at the nearest Game store, and wait outside the shop for opening time. As the doors open, I'm first inside, scream down to the DIY Section and grab...... nothing. No saws. Call one of the "wakkers" there (illiterate son of a savage) and ask him where the saws are. I show him the brochure and he says "Eish Sah, the stock has not arrived!". Now for those of you who know South Africa, and specifically the stores that belong to the MassMart Group (they who were currently being considered for take over by that big American Company known for it's employee abuse), you will know that they are renowned for ?Eish, the stock has not arrived". So I go "Call me a Manager!". And he does. And this short little, now disgruntled little man comes towards me, and I can see he's planning on being cocky...... I understand the stock has not arrived? I say. No, he says, we sold out! Izzzitt I say, strange that, as the sale only started today. But I tell you what, lets go down to your computer, and pull the records. And lets check how many of these you have sold in the past month, no wait, 3 months!!!! I know the information is there, I sold your company the software to be able to do it! And his face goes blood red... I don't have to show you anything , he says.
Shweeeeet, I reply, by now I've memorized his name on his "Store Manager" name tag. I'll have a chat to your bosses. And I leave. Now I am livid.
Back at the office, a quick Google of the company, and link to "Contact us" and email. then, phone, fuck the email, takes too long. A quick chat to "complaints" who pass me onto Customer Relations, and a promise for a swift call back. An hour later I get the call. Please provide us with a delivery address. I do, my work one. 3 Hours later, a very sheepish, and now more disgruntled than ever "Store Manager" is standing in the lobby of my place of work, with the saw (in it's box) and a verbal apology - No cost to me! Free saw, delivered to my address! Nice. Thanx - next time *P035* show some respect!
The saw still works fine.
So, a few years later, at Xmas time, Makro (another one of the MassStore group) has a special on pool tables. The kids really want one, and pool their Xmas money for one. I go down to the store and ask for one. Sorry sir, all sold out. Now I have no problem with that. It's Xmas, the tables are on special, everybody's kids wants one. But, "Can you see if there is one in another branch?" "No, I'm too busy!" "WHAT?"" Are you fucking kidding me?" "MAAANNNNAAAGGGEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!" (At this point I open a can of petrol, pour it over the nearest combustible items, take 3 steps back, and light up my Zippo). One quickly comes across to me.
I explain that I really want one of the Pool tables, and just want them to check availability. And I tell him about the savage who's too busy. Not only does said savage get a thorough bollocking, but I get confirmation that these are no tables to be had in any Makro store, but I also get a voucher to say that when the next batch arrive, irrespective of the cost, I can get one at the "Xmas Spacial Price". And I did, near end of January, but who cares! By then, the new batch on the floor were up 20% on the original floor price! Thanx Makro!
I drove a Renault Espace for a while, or at least, the Princess did. A magnificent piece of work, but, build By Pierre and Jean-Marc in France, it could never have been properly maintained By Piet and Sipho in South Africa. And that was the problem.
So, when it did give shit, it came with massive headaches with regards actually identifying the point / cause of failure, and then the remedy thereof. However, one way or the other, we always did. But, what did get to me was the cost of parts and spares for this thing. One day, I'm at the garage, we know it needs a water pump.... So whilst the mechanic and foreman are discussing the computer printout, I walk over to the spares guy, and ask him to check availability of the part. He calls it up, and I can see the screen. Yup, they can help me. I also see the price - ZAR 1250.00 on the screen. Not sure if it's the Shelf Price / retail or trade price - BUT, I see this price. So, I walk over to the Service Manager, and confirm "They have the part". He goes over to the parts desk, chats to the same guy I did, and then comes back, with a printed quote for the supply and fit of the water pump.
Never mind the labour cost - Parts - ZAR7500.00!!!!! What the FFFFFFFFFFFF!!??!?!?!?!?!?
That's when I take him on, ask for the Dealer Principle, and the number for Renault South Africa - all in the same sentence! And, we get into a discussion of note. Needless to say, I eventually had the pump fitted at a TOTAL cost to me of ZAR2500.00, including labour.
The reality was, if they had not met me at my price, I would have escalated the issue to whatever level required. I would have written to every Car / Motoring magazine / Newspaper / Insert / On-line discussion board I could find. I would have trashed Renault South Africa till they threatened to sue me if necessary!!! But, I didn't have to - that time!!!
A similar problem raised it's head when I was owner and driver of a 1999 Mazda 2.5TD Double Cab.
So, it was a great bakkie. My brother had the same vehicle, but a Ford. (At the time, both these manufacturers came out of the same stable, so the vehicles were identical with only the badges differing).
Anyway, I really enjoyed the vehicle, and didn't have any problems. Towing was good, we took them on the beach ofter (From Richards Bay traveling North, before some moron decided to ban beach driving), and they were reasonably light on fuel.
At 120000km (or thereabouts) my brothers car developed a serious problem with the head. So, after getting a frightening quote from Ford for the replacement thereof, decided to get a second hand one, had it fitted, and sold the vehicle.
Then, a few months later, when my bakkie was around 120000km, it developed the same problem. I can't recall the exact symptoms, but the garage confirmed I needed a new head). Interesting. So I enquired as to the cause of the problem, and it was something to do with (according to them) the fact that I had only had it serviced every 15000km, and not every 10000km as per the recommendations in the service manual. HOWEVER, I had it in writing that the dealer, when I bought the vehicle, had aid that it only required a service every 15000km!!!
So, I made it their problem. Next, I did extensive research on the Internet. By contacting various motor engineering companies, I managed to build up a docket proving that many / most of the 2.5TD bakkies manufactured between 1997 and 1999 had suffered similar problems at around 120000km. Interesting.
Then I contacted the Mazda / Ford company. Playing the "promising customer" part, I said, to whomever I was taking to, that I was keen to buy a new (then 2003/4) 2.5TD bakkie, but was concerned that information I had heard was that they had an inherent manufacturing or design problem with the head. He confirmed to me that they had had design and manufacturing problems with the head of the 1997 - 99 models, but this flaw had been designed out by 2000, and all the newer bakkies manufactured since then had the new head on!!!! BINGO!!! Had them by the balls!!!!
Then I went back to the dealer, and had them set up a meeting with the Mazda / Ford area Technical rep. where I proceeded to present my findings, as well as the details given to me by the moron at their head-office, and offered to take the information to the press. That way, thousands of Mazda / Ford 2.5TD bakkiie owners could put a claim in for their losses!!!!
Needless to say, they fitted a "new generation" head to the vehicle, at no cost to me. All I paid for was the parts needed for the normal 120000km service.!!
I drove the bakkie for a while longer, till we needed something else in the family. I have, however, always wanted another double cab, but will look at a petrol version next time!
So, that's my experiences as a Good Consumer / Customer from hell.
I'm sure, after giving it some thought, I will remember a few more such incidents, and will then post another write up here.
Salagatle!
However, if you cross my path, give me shit service, or worse still give me a shit product that does not meet up to the specifications on the packaging, as this is the minimum I would expect.
So, where to start.
Game stores - a large local retailer, selling almost anything. LIU! So, every week, as an insert in the local newspaper, they have a couple of pages of their "Week specials". Usually limited numbers available, for this weekend only, blah, blah, blah.
Usually, I just page through, not really needing anything, but you never know. Maye I spot something I'd like to have, and if it's priced right, I'll buy it. So this time they have a special on a Electric Circular hand held saw.
Shweeeeet, I reply, by now I've memorized his name on his "Store Manager" name tag. I'll have a chat to your bosses. And I leave. Now I am livid.
Back at the office, a quick Google of the company, and link to "Contact us" and email. then, phone, fuck the email, takes too long. A quick chat to "complaints" who pass me onto Customer Relations, and a promise for a swift call back. An hour later I get the call. Please provide us with a delivery address. I do, my work one. 3 Hours later, a very sheepish, and now more disgruntled than ever "Store Manager" is standing in the lobby of my place of work, with the saw (in it's box) and a verbal apology - No cost to me! Free saw, delivered to my address! Nice. Thanx - next time *P035* show some respect!
The saw still works fine.
So, a few years later, at Xmas time, Makro (another one of the MassStore group) has a special on pool tables. The kids really want one, and pool their Xmas money for one. I go down to the store and ask for one. Sorry sir, all sold out. Now I have no problem with that. It's Xmas, the tables are on special, everybody's kids wants one. But, "Can you see if there is one in another branch?" "No, I'm too busy!" "WHAT?"" Are you fucking kidding me?" "MAAANNNNAAAGGGEEERRRRRRR!!!!!!" (At this point I open a can of petrol, pour it over the nearest combustible items, take 3 steps back, and light up my Zippo). One quickly comes across to me.
I explain that I really want one of the Pool tables, and just want them to check availability. And I tell him about the savage who's too busy. Not only does said savage get a thorough bollocking, but I get confirmation that these are no tables to be had in any Makro store, but I also get a voucher to say that when the next batch arrive, irrespective of the cost, I can get one at the "Xmas Spacial Price". And I did, near end of January, but who cares! By then, the new batch on the floor were up 20% on the original floor price! Thanx Makro!
I drove a Renault Espace for a while, or at least, the Princess did. A magnificent piece of work, but, build By Pierre and Jean-Marc in France, it could never have been properly maintained By Piet and Sipho in South Africa. And that was the problem.
So, when it did give shit, it came with massive headaches with regards actually identifying the point / cause of failure, and then the remedy thereof. However, one way or the other, we always did. But, what did get to me was the cost of parts and spares for this thing. One day, I'm at the garage, we know it needs a water pump.... So whilst the mechanic and foreman are discussing the computer printout, I walk over to the spares guy, and ask him to check availability of the part. He calls it up, and I can see the screen. Yup, they can help me. I also see the price - ZAR 1250.00 on the screen. Not sure if it's the Shelf Price / retail or trade price - BUT, I see this price. So, I walk over to the Service Manager, and confirm "They have the part". He goes over to the parts desk, chats to the same guy I did, and then comes back, with a printed quote for the supply and fit of the water pump.
Never mind the labour cost - Parts - ZAR7500.00!!!!! What the FFFFFFFFFFFF!!??!?!?!?!?!?
That's when I take him on, ask for the Dealer Principle, and the number for Renault South Africa - all in the same sentence! And, we get into a discussion of note. Needless to say, I eventually had the pump fitted at a TOTAL cost to me of ZAR2500.00, including labour.
The reality was, if they had not met me at my price, I would have escalated the issue to whatever level required. I would have written to every Car / Motoring magazine / Newspaper / Insert / On-line discussion board I could find. I would have trashed Renault South Africa till they threatened to sue me if necessary!!! But, I didn't have to - that time!!!
A similar problem raised it's head when I was owner and driver of a 1999 Mazda 2.5TD Double Cab.
 |
| Similar to this one..... |
Anyway, I really enjoyed the vehicle, and didn't have any problems. Towing was good, we took them on the beach ofter (From Richards Bay traveling North, before some moron decided to ban beach driving), and they were reasonably light on fuel.
At 120000km (or thereabouts) my brothers car developed a serious problem with the head. So, after getting a frightening quote from Ford for the replacement thereof, decided to get a second hand one, had it fitted, and sold the vehicle.
Then, a few months later, when my bakkie was around 120000km, it developed the same problem. I can't recall the exact symptoms, but the garage confirmed I needed a new head). Interesting. So I enquired as to the cause of the problem, and it was something to do with (according to them) the fact that I had only had it serviced every 15000km, and not every 10000km as per the recommendations in the service manual. HOWEVER, I had it in writing that the dealer, when I bought the vehicle, had aid that it only required a service every 15000km!!!
So, I made it their problem. Next, I did extensive research on the Internet. By contacting various motor engineering companies, I managed to build up a docket proving that many / most of the 2.5TD bakkies manufactured between 1997 and 1999 had suffered similar problems at around 120000km. Interesting.
Then I contacted the Mazda / Ford company. Playing the "promising customer" part, I said, to whomever I was taking to, that I was keen to buy a new (then 2003/4) 2.5TD bakkie, but was concerned that information I had heard was that they had an inherent manufacturing or design problem with the head. He confirmed to me that they had had design and manufacturing problems with the head of the 1997 - 99 models, but this flaw had been designed out by 2000, and all the newer bakkies manufactured since then had the new head on!!!! BINGO!!! Had them by the balls!!!!
Then I went back to the dealer, and had them set up a meeting with the Mazda / Ford area Technical rep. where I proceeded to present my findings, as well as the details given to me by the moron at their head-office, and offered to take the information to the press. That way, thousands of Mazda / Ford 2.5TD bakkiie owners could put a claim in for their losses!!!!
Needless to say, they fitted a "new generation" head to the vehicle, at no cost to me. All I paid for was the parts needed for the normal 120000km service.!!
I drove the bakkie for a while longer, till we needed something else in the family. I have, however, always wanted another double cab, but will look at a petrol version next time!
So, that's my experiences as a Good Consumer / Customer from hell.
I'm sure, after giving it some thought, I will remember a few more such incidents, and will then post another write up here.
Salagatle!
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Service and "Made in China"
So, week before the Margate Hardly Ferguson "rally", I bought another set of tie downs, as we were taking 3 bikes down. So, off to Builders Warehouse (Men's Woolies!) and picked our a nice set. Good buckles, and hooks, and the straps looked fine (rated for 270kg).
We used these to tie down the Truimph 675, as it was a new bike, and I didn't want to rick using our old tiedowns in case they 'gave". What a joke.
On the way back, for some reason, I was not too happy with the set up, so kept an eye on the bikes. And then I noticed the Triumph lean agains the black XJR 1200. Quick stop, and check whats going on! One of the new straps had snapped! and the bike had leaned over. Lucky only a small part of the bike was touching the other, so there was only a small scrape of paintwork. Retie the bikes and on our way.
Some way down the highway, I notice the Triumphs front wheel / steering, it turned at an angle? Again, quick stop, and find a second strap had snapped! this time I outed the trusty pocket knife and cut a section out, and redid the tie down and secured everything properly, again.
All the way home I had to keep an eye out for the bikes in case we had another strap break.
So, Monday morning, I'm on the internet and look up the importers. Quickly find them, and send off an email asking what I can do to a) get a refund, or b) get a replacement with better straps. I had quite a bit to say about the quality of their product, and made sure they understood that had the bike actually come off the trailer, they would have been in for considerable costs.
Tuesday, I'm back at work, and by lunch time, no answer. So I call the head office. No answer. Pop off anothe email. This time from my company address...... And I ge a call almost instantly. Forst, an apology cause their telephone cables have once again been stolen, so they have no phones. (Had by now bought sim cards and were doing business via cellphone). Than a request to resubmit my complaint via email to a direct address (to the guy who heads up the specific product).
Done. Get a call fro him, have a chat, and says he will get back to me. Wednesday morning I get a call to say "We are very sorry about what happened. We will call Builders Warehouse to find out what they cosy you, and will send you a full refund, as well as replacement straps for the two that broke!" Please emial me your prefered address for delivery! And that was it. Sorted.
Not sure if I will use their straps, but I have a 40m roll of top quality strap, so will make up my own tie downs, and just use their buckle ratchets and hooks.
I think, for once, I got the service I expected! But, I will not be spending any more oney on their product soon. Not for "safety stuff" anyway!
Salagatle!
We used these to tie down the Truimph 675, as it was a new bike, and I didn't want to rick using our old tiedowns in case they 'gave". What a joke.
On the way back, for some reason, I was not too happy with the set up, so kept an eye on the bikes. And then I noticed the Triumph lean agains the black XJR 1200. Quick stop, and check whats going on! One of the new straps had snapped! and the bike had leaned over. Lucky only a small part of the bike was touching the other, so there was only a small scrape of paintwork. Retie the bikes and on our way.
Some way down the highway, I notice the Triumphs front wheel / steering, it turned at an angle? Again, quick stop, and find a second strap had snapped! this time I outed the trusty pocket knife and cut a section out, and redid the tie down and secured everything properly, again.
All the way home I had to keep an eye out for the bikes in case we had another strap break.
So, Monday morning, I'm on the internet and look up the importers. Quickly find them, and send off an email asking what I can do to a) get a refund, or b) get a replacement with better straps. I had quite a bit to say about the quality of their product, and made sure they understood that had the bike actually come off the trailer, they would have been in for considerable costs.
Tuesday, I'm back at work, and by lunch time, no answer. So I call the head office. No answer. Pop off anothe email. This time from my company address...... And I ge a call almost instantly. Forst, an apology cause their telephone cables have once again been stolen, so they have no phones. (Had by now bought sim cards and were doing business via cellphone). Than a request to resubmit my complaint via email to a direct address (to the guy who heads up the specific product).
Done. Get a call fro him, have a chat, and says he will get back to me. Wednesday morning I get a call to say "We are very sorry about what happened. We will call Builders Warehouse to find out what they cosy you, and will send you a full refund, as well as replacement straps for the two that broke!" Please emial me your prefered address for delivery! And that was it. Sorted.
Not sure if I will use their straps, but I have a 40m roll of top quality strap, so will make up my own tie downs, and just use their buckle ratchets and hooks.
I think, for once, I got the service I expected! But, I will not be spending any more oney on their product soon. Not for "safety stuff" anyway!
Salagatle!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
LuckyL's new car
So recently posted here that we had got a car for LuckyL. Anyway. when we concluded the deal, I paid for it with a cheque. On of my own (not a bank guaranteed one). Basically, I knew the funds were there for it, and the dealer was happy enough to take my cheque as he knows me, and trusts my integrity. So a few days after I issued the cheque, the bank called (my bank, my branch) ans inquired if I had issued the cheque ("Yes, I did") and I told them it was OK. Didn't hear anything about it again. The last Monday the dealer calls, to tell me the cheque has been returned? What? Why? I asked. He said he didn't know, but I should look into it. Called the information desk immediately, and explained the situation. The lady got through to the branch, and asked if the Personal Banker could get back to me. Sure, no problem, here's my cell number.
Come 4pm, I thought, Well, will have to wait for tomorrow. Then my phone rang, and it was the lady from the bank. Told her my story, she called my account status up on the net, and confirmed the cheque had been returned. Could not tell me why. (You would think they would record the details online!). So she tried to explain that it might be an error on the cheque, double writing on it somewhere, maybe the figures and written amounts didn't match..... All this time I'm trying to interrupt her to explain..... SO I take control - "LADY, YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!!" And she stopped waffling..... I AM PISSED OFF BECAUSE I AM A *** LEVEL ACCOUNT HOLDER, I WAS CALLED TO CONFIRM THE ISSUE OF THE CHEQUE, BUT NO ONE BOTHERED TO CALL ME WHEN THEY DECIDED TO RD THE THING TO TELL ME, SO THAT I COULD MAKE A PLAN!!!!!
Then she listened. Basically, I accept that a cheque will get stopped if there is any "error" on it. However, if I had been called and told about it, I could have gone to my supplier and explained the situation to them, and sorted it out. No, had to hear from my supplier that my cheque had been RD's!!! Not good enough!!!
so she issued me with a complaint number for the Rd of the cheque, so that someone will come back to me to tell me why they did the RD.
And she gave me another number, for my complaint on the bad / poor service, so someone can come back t me to explain why I never got the call.
What really pisses me off is that they quite comfortable to say - Oh. the dealer should understand - Oh, you can just go issue another cheque - oh, OH - WHY don't you fuck off!!!
Anyway, I went past the dealer, explained what had happened, and he said it's OK, just rissue or pay by EFT.
Saturday morning I went into the bank. I asked to see the Personal Banker person. After they kept me waiting for 30 minutes I was getting seriously fucked off with the service. So I went over to the inquiry counter, and asked what would be the best option - EFT, or bank issued guaranteed cheque. (I tried to do an EFT online, but it exceeded my limit).
EFT she says, we would charge you for the cheque. Oh, you think so said I, like hell. Your cockup, your cost! However, seeing as she could help with an EFT, we opted for that. 3 Minutes later the deed was done, te money gone from my account, and into my suppliers! I called him and gave him the good news.
Now we wait to see how quickly my "queries" are responded to, and what excuses they come with.
Salagatle!
Come 4pm, I thought, Well, will have to wait for tomorrow. Then my phone rang, and it was the lady from the bank. Told her my story, she called my account status up on the net, and confirmed the cheque had been returned. Could not tell me why. (You would think they would record the details online!). So she tried to explain that it might be an error on the cheque, double writing on it somewhere, maybe the figures and written amounts didn't match..... All this time I'm trying to interrupt her to explain..... SO I take control - "LADY, YOU ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME!!!!" And she stopped waffling..... I AM PISSED OFF BECAUSE I AM A *** LEVEL ACCOUNT HOLDER, I WAS CALLED TO CONFIRM THE ISSUE OF THE CHEQUE, BUT NO ONE BOTHERED TO CALL ME WHEN THEY DECIDED TO RD THE THING TO TELL ME, SO THAT I COULD MAKE A PLAN!!!!!
Then she listened. Basically, I accept that a cheque will get stopped if there is any "error" on it. However, if I had been called and told about it, I could have gone to my supplier and explained the situation to them, and sorted it out. No, had to hear from my supplier that my cheque had been RD's!!! Not good enough!!!
so she issued me with a complaint number for the Rd of the cheque, so that someone will come back to me to tell me why they did the RD.
And she gave me another number, for my complaint on the bad / poor service, so someone can come back t me to explain why I never got the call.
What really pisses me off is that they quite comfortable to say - Oh. the dealer should understand - Oh, you can just go issue another cheque - oh, OH - WHY don't you fuck off!!!
Anyway, I went past the dealer, explained what had happened, and he said it's OK, just rissue or pay by EFT.
Saturday morning I went into the bank. I asked to see the Personal Banker person. After they kept me waiting for 30 minutes I was getting seriously fucked off with the service. So I went over to the inquiry counter, and asked what would be the best option - EFT, or bank issued guaranteed cheque. (I tried to do an EFT online, but it exceeded my limit).
EFT she says, we would charge you for the cheque. Oh, you think so said I, like hell. Your cockup, your cost! However, seeing as she could help with an EFT, we opted for that. 3 Minutes later the deed was done, te money gone from my account, and into my suppliers! I called him and gave him the good news.
Now we wait to see how quickly my "queries" are responded to, and what excuses they come with.
 |
| My bank - Frigging morons. |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Vodacom - Service please
So, the new year brings more of the same - same shit job, same shit crime, and, same shit service! Ah well, at least its consistent!
So, Vodacom. What a bunch of fucking morons. GMan got an Apple i-Phone in November of 2009. The standard contract with Vodacom reads "Your cellphone has a 12 month Manufacturers warranty, and a further 12 months warranty from Vodacom". That's 24 months warranty. OK, so the i-Phone fucks out in month 13. No problem. Take it back to the store, they must send it in for repair / replacement. 3 Weeks later I get an sms to say the phone is ready for collection. I pop in to the store, only to find that a) the phone is not repaired, they say it's out of warranty?!?!, and b) they claim to have called twice with a quote for repairs, 2 calls I never received!!!
So I get the store manager to pull a copy of my contract, and there it is in clear words, 12 + 12. OK, so he calls the VodaCare number, and can't get through. Eventually I take the phone and paper work, and leave. During the day I call the VodaCare line must be 30 times? and every time as you get to where they say "Wait for the next available consultant" , it says, we regret that this call cannot connect at this time (or some other stupid fucking message in this vein), please try again later.
OK, so we go to their website. I find another number to call. First person listens, talks, asks me to hold on, and never comes back! No surprises there! I call again, person two tries to assist, puts me on hold, and comes back. But no luck. Puts me through to another servant, who is no more enlightened than the first two. So, my next move is to drive to Vodacom in Midrand, and present my self in the walk in serbvice centre. Yea right - service centre? Who you kidding.
So, the Nero behind the counter can't understand why I'm pissed off. He also can't help me, he is after all only a data capturer and can not make any decisions outside of the prescribed prompt sheet. So I ask for his manager. She comes out, eventually, and I explain the story to her. She also seems out of sorts with this problem. Places some calls, but an't help me! Are you kidding? Which part of "I will get my lawyer to assist, and haul your asre off to court for all the world to see" don't you understand?
OK, gimme the legal dept. number. She does. I call. Moron on the other end should be at home doing the ironing for the madam, not handing legal issues, but then I find out her job is debt collections - since when is that a legal job? So she puts me through to the Vodacom Legal Dept. The real makoy, that place where the guys with degrees sit and do arse covering work fr the morons who run and rob the company!!!
This moron, who should be back home mowing the lawn for the baas, says he will look into it and get back to me. I say "By tomorrow", he says "Yes"..... needless to say, 2 days later I have not heard from him. POES!!!
All this whilst I am still in the walk in help center..... So the "manager" who cannot read contracts or make decisions comes over with another number for me, on a piece of paper. As she passes it to me, she starts to tell me who this is.... but I cut her off with "Fuck it, you all are way too stupid to understand a legally binding contract, and so I will have my lawyer call instead", and I leave. I pop in to the Vodacom 4U shop next door, ask for a copy of their current agreements, and spot the problem. Their new contracts specifically address the problem with the i-Phones.... only 12 month manufacturers warranty, no extra 12 months Vodacom warranty!!! And that is probably why these fucking morons don't understand what's going on here! But hey, that's their problem. Changers to T's&C's are not implementable retrospectively!!!!
In the car I call the number. This guy, who should be home mowing the lawns.... (you getting the picture now) is the area manager for the East Rand. I live on the West Rand, the service provider is on the West Rand... what did the dumb bitch inside not understand? No problem, apart from the fact he had a screaming child in the background, he was good, and helpful. Gave me the contact details for the area manager on the West Rand. White chick, with brains!!! FUCK!!!! So I call her. No answer, I leave a messag.
Next morning I have not heard from her. I call, and try to leave a message, but the message machine is fucked. LOL. Anyway, about an hour later she calls me back. I explain the situation to her...... And she agrees with me! So I had to scan and email her the info, after which she says she will meet with the relevant outlet, and get them to accept liability and sort it out. So, I'll give her a day ot two, and then start to harass her. Can't wait to see how this pans out!
Salagatle!
So, Vodacom. What a bunch of fucking morons. GMan got an Apple i-Phone in November of 2009. The standard contract with Vodacom reads "Your cellphone has a 12 month Manufacturers warranty, and a further 12 months warranty from Vodacom". That's 24 months warranty. OK, so the i-Phone fucks out in month 13. No problem. Take it back to the store, they must send it in for repair / replacement. 3 Weeks later I get an sms to say the phone is ready for collection. I pop in to the store, only to find that a) the phone is not repaired, they say it's out of warranty?!?!, and b) they claim to have called twice with a quote for repairs, 2 calls I never received!!!
So I get the store manager to pull a copy of my contract, and there it is in clear words, 12 + 12. OK, so he calls the VodaCare number, and can't get through. Eventually I take the phone and paper work, and leave. During the day I call the VodaCare line must be 30 times? and every time as you get to where they say "Wait for the next available consultant" , it says, we regret that this call cannot connect at this time (or some other stupid fucking message in this vein), please try again later.
OK, so we go to their website. I find another number to call. First person listens, talks, asks me to hold on, and never comes back! No surprises there! I call again, person two tries to assist, puts me on hold, and comes back. But no luck. Puts me through to another servant, who is no more enlightened than the first two. So, my next move is to drive to Vodacom in Midrand, and present my self in the walk in serbvice centre. Yea right - service centre? Who you kidding.
So, the Nero behind the counter can't understand why I'm pissed off. He also can't help me, he is after all only a data capturer and can not make any decisions outside of the prescribed prompt sheet. So I ask for his manager. She comes out, eventually, and I explain the story to her. She also seems out of sorts with this problem. Places some calls, but an't help me! Are you kidding? Which part of "I will get my lawyer to assist, and haul your asre off to court for all the world to see" don't you understand?
OK, gimme the legal dept. number. She does. I call. Moron on the other end should be at home doing the ironing for the madam, not handing legal issues, but then I find out her job is debt collections - since when is that a legal job? So she puts me through to the Vodacom Legal Dept. The real makoy, that place where the guys with degrees sit and do arse covering work fr the morons who run and rob the company!!!
This moron, who should be back home mowing the lawn for the baas, says he will look into it and get back to me. I say "By tomorrow", he says "Yes"..... needless to say, 2 days later I have not heard from him. POES!!!
All this whilst I am still in the walk in help center..... So the "manager" who cannot read contracts or make decisions comes over with another number for me, on a piece of paper. As she passes it to me, she starts to tell me who this is.... but I cut her off with "Fuck it, you all are way too stupid to understand a legally binding contract, and so I will have my lawyer call instead", and I leave. I pop in to the Vodacom 4U shop next door, ask for a copy of their current agreements, and spot the problem. Their new contracts specifically address the problem with the i-Phones.... only 12 month manufacturers warranty, no extra 12 months Vodacom warranty!!! And that is probably why these fucking morons don't understand what's going on here! But hey, that's their problem. Changers to T's&C's are not implementable retrospectively!!!!
In the car I call the number. This guy, who should be home mowing the lawns.... (you getting the picture now) is the area manager for the East Rand. I live on the West Rand, the service provider is on the West Rand... what did the dumb bitch inside not understand? No problem, apart from the fact he had a screaming child in the background, he was good, and helpful. Gave me the contact details for the area manager on the West Rand. White chick, with brains!!! FUCK!!!! So I call her. No answer, I leave a messag.
Next morning I have not heard from her. I call, and try to leave a message, but the message machine is fucked. LOL. Anyway, about an hour later she calls me back. I explain the situation to her...... And she agrees with me! So I had to scan and email her the info, after which she says she will meet with the relevant outlet, and get them to accept liability and sort it out. So, I'll give her a day ot two, and then start to harass her. Can't wait to see how this pans out!
Salagatle!
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