This common online shopping mistake could void your warranty
From a simple online shopping mistake that could void your warranty to car buying risks and voucher myths, Wendy Knowler shares practical consumer hacks to help you avoid costly pitfalls.
- Don’t let third-party vendors “rob” you of your warranty
Buying from major platforms such as Takealot doesn't always guarantee a smooth warranty claim if the item is from a third-party seller. If a product fails, you need a valid tax invoice to claim on the warranty, which some "marketplace" sellers fail to provide. However, the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud maintains that intermediaries are responsible for ensuring you have access to your transaction records. Always download and save your official invoice immediately after purchase. If a vendor vanishes, hold the platform accountable for the replacement or refund, as they facilitated the sale. - Don't buy a car 100% online
Many people who contact me for help about their car purchase nightmares have this in common - they didn’t see the car up close, much less drive it. That may seem cool and convenient, but trust me, it’s madness. Unless you have a clued-up friend or paid professional, check it out for you before you commit. Never sign bank finance documents until you have done full background checks - on everything from mileage verification to accident history - and understood every term of the contract. A good place to start your checks is with firstcheck.co.za. All you need is the car’s VIN. - Not all vouchers have to be valid for three years
Many consumers believe the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) requires all vouchers to be valid for three years. But this only applies to pre-paid vouchers where you’ve exchanged cash for value. If a store issues a voucher as "compensation" for poor service or as part of a loyalty programme, they can set whatever expiry date they want—even three months. Also, “special deal” vouchers - bought on group discount sites - can be valid for shorter periods, but if you don’t redeem the voucher on that specific offer within that short validity period, the company must allow you to credit the amount paid for it and then use it on other offers within three years of purchase. - If a store doesn’t stick to its end of the lay-by contract, they owe you - a lot
If you’ve been paying for an item you lay-byed in a store and when you’ve finally paid it off and go to collect it, it’s no longer available, the Consumer Protection Act requires the store to compensate you properly. They must offer an equivalent or better item than the one you lay-byed, or refund you double what you have already paid, as compensation. Don't just settle for your money back; if they messed up, the law says they must pay for that. - RECALL - recently sold Land Rover Defenders
Jaguar is recalling 2026 model-year Land Rover Defenders, which went on sale in SA between 3 November 2025 and 21 February 2026 at authorised dealerships. Sixty Defenders are affected. The third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket may contain a weld stud of insufficient strength due to material contamination during manufacturing, Jaguar said. This defect could prevent the seatbelt from working correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to take their vehicles to the nearest authorised Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships for repairs. The necessary repair work will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.
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