I visited Boardmans (Bedford Centre, Bedford Gardens, Johannesburg) on 2018/01/26 since they had specials on a lot of merchandise (as indicated in their window displays).
I walked pass a stand containing specials with each special sign and the products contained in that special underneath. I saw that duvet covers was on special for R95. The special read "95 SELECTED DUVET COVERS". Right underneath that sign were a few plates (crockery) and underneath the plates were a about five duvet covers ranging from different sizes. So I asked one of the ladies on the floor are they all R95 OR are the priced as per the marked off red price on ALL of them. She replied yes they are all R95. I saw a QUEEN size (only one left) and took it from the shelf and took it amongst other things that I intended to purchase which were also on special at the same island or stand.
Upon the lady ringing up the duvet cover set I confirmed the price as indicated on the sign being R95. She called the manager (Joseph) to which he replied that item is not on special. His reason was that a customer had to put it there amongst the others that were on special. So I asked him what identifies the items as being marked down to R95, so he pulled out a scrabbled piece of A4 with a few names written on there in pen... not even typed or labelled with SKU codes to make it at least a bit formal. So I argued with him that that list needed to be there were the special sign is to CLEARLY indicate to the consumer which items are on special and which not to AVOID confusion and misleading the consumer.
He said no that is not the way they work. He refused, whilst being in direct contravention of the CPA (sections stated below) to sell the product as advertised. He did not only refused to deal with the issue but also humiliated me in front of other customers. I told him he has to sell something on the price it is advertised on because all the other Duvet Covers where marked exactly as the one I wanted to purchase as per the accompanied photo's attached. They were all marked down from the original price with a red price tag but where further marked down as per the sign on top. No indication whatsoever were made of which exact duvet covers where on special and what the marked down price was for each.
I decided to submit this complaint out of principle and out of the fact that he behaved himself unprofessionally and humiliated me in front of other customers. I work next to Boardmans in the Office Suites and I regularly visit this store but now I am discouraged to go there and do my shopping. I would, in future, rather support @Home which is directly opposite Boardmans.
Pictures 'Boardmans 3 and 4' clearly shows no difference in pricing structure, only the price difference. There is nothing else indicating that the one is further marked down and the other not. Picture 'Boardmans 3' depicts the set I wanted to purchase.
Clearly Boardmans' specials are misleading and confusing consumers therefor Boardmans is in direct violation of the CPA sections 23, 23(3), 24(1)(a) - (c), 24(2)(a) - (b). These sections clearly stipulate the law on price advertising and labelling and misleading consumers.
I want Joseph to be reprimanded as well as an apology from Boardman. I also request the item advertised on special to be sold to me as advertised. Furthermore I would like a report on what transpired in this investigation.
I thank you.
Regards
Johan La Grange
0730839721
[email protected]
