East Coast Radio - Catch Up Consumer Hacks with Wendy Knowler

Bought something online and the retailer has vanished? Here's what to do

Loading player...
An online retailer called Online Car Parts allegedly ignored the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, moved premises, and left consumers with incorrect parts or no refunds.

This case is a textbook warning about buying from unfamiliar online retailers. Before purchasing from any online store you don't recognise, Google the business name alongside the word "complaint" or "scam." Check whether they're registered with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud at cgso.org.za.

If a retailer disappears after taking your money, report them to KZN’s Office of the Consumer Protector or CGSO - both have powers to pursue non-compliant sellers, even if they've moved.
23 Jun English South Africa Education · Self-Improvement

Other recent episodes

How well do you know your rights as an online shopper?

Here’s Janet’s question to me: “I bought a pair of trainers on an online sale about 5 days ago. On delivery day I tried on and them to be too tight across my foot. I have been told I can’t return them because they were a sale item. I'm very…
26 Jun 1 min

Aquafresh changed Its formula — and hoped you wouldn't notice

When companies want you to know they've improved a product, they shout it on the front of the pack. When they'd rather you didn't notice, they quietly adjust the ingredients list. Haleon chose the stealthy route with Aquafresh, reformulating it from October last year with no front-of-pack disclosure whatsoever. The…
25 Jun 1 min

Read the fine print on bank fuel rewards — they're not automatic

Not all bank rewards programmes deliver what their advertising implies. Banking customers have to read the fine print if they want to get higher rewards on fuel spend. Many programmes require you to opt in, meet minimum spend thresholds, or pay with a specific card at specific fuel stations. Simply…
24 Jun 1 min

Airline damaged your bag? Invoke the Consumer Protection Act

Don't let airlines and their baggage handling partners fob you off with a pittance when their baggage handling partners damage your luggage. South African airlines often limit compensation using outdated international conventions, ignoring the Consumer Protection Act's protections. But the CPA entitles you to fair compensation for damaged goods -…
22 Jun 1 min

Are your valuables actually insured?

Wendy Knowler unpacks the insurance blind spots many South Africans overlook. From smartphones and laptops to prescription glasses and solar installations, she explains why standard home contents cover may not protect your valuables outside the home — and what consumers should review before discovering costly gaps during a claim.
19 Jun 1 min
All episodes