Five common consumer mistakes that could cost you
From school deposits to peeling paint, rusted dishwashers, dodgy car sales and hidden home defects, these real-life cases show why it pays to question everything, read the fine print and push back when something’s not right.
Did a school you applied to for your child make you pay a “non-refundable” deposit when you cancelled?
The SA Schools Act - which applies to State schools - and the Consumer Protection Act - which applies to private ones - make it illegal for schools to have a blanket “no refund” policy on those deposits.
They can deduct their actual costs related to your cancellation, but they can’t refuse to refund anything.
Schools cry about last-minute withdrawals, but if they fill the spot, keeping your cash is an enrichment on their part.
Fight!
2. Rusty Dishwasher Baskets - an expensive problem
George wrote to me to complain that the baskets in his just over three-year-old dishwasher have rusted. He wanted to know: “Why does this happen with an appliance that’s designed to work with water?"
It happened to my own one - replacement baskets cost R2,350 versus R5,000 for a new unit. So got the pricey new baskets.
Rust mostly kicks in post-warranty, especially with cheaper China-made dishwashers, according to an industry source.
The coating chips from harsh soap or rough use, especially with pots, and once the metal’s exposed rust starts developing.
What to do? Check coatings before buying; the thicker the better, and treat those racks with care.
3. About that car sales pitch - get it in writing
Frank bought a BMW X3 in December, lured by a salesman’s “all features included” pitch. Three months later —surprise!—those nice driver aids vanished; turns out the apps were provided a three-month trial basis, something the salesman definitely didn’t mention to him. Parking assist alone would cost him R6,500 extra on his base model, he was then told.
The dealership shrugged and told him he had no proof of that false promise.
I took up his case with BMW SA - Wendy Assist, haha - and Frank’s now getting some of that assistance free.
Lesson: don’t swallow slick sales talk—some sales folk fib. Demand that every perk be put in the contract.
4. Peeling Hyundai Paint? Push for a Free Fix
Connor Coyles’ 2014 white i20 was peeling, but his Hyundai dealership told him it was “too old” to qualify for Hyundai SA’s free fix, being older than 10 years.
Hyundai SA vowed to fix these UV-defect cases, in-warranty or not, after I exposed the issue last August.
They claim that it’s “case-by-case” for older models, but I’m hearing of too many outright rejections based on age.
After my intervention, they’re being done.
Let me know if you have one of these affected models and if you need my help.
5. Buying a Home? Inspect or Regret
Are you in the market to buy a home?
Don’t trust that “Property Condition Form” the agent hands you as many sellers hide flaws with quick fixes and pretend to no nothing.
A Westville house buyer recently found mouldy cupboards post-move—a professional company put the damp levels at 70%.
Please be prepared to spend around R3,500 for a pro inspection before signing. HouseCheck’s John Graham says only 3-5% of buyers bother. Some of those will go on to discover damp, dodgy roofs, illegal geysers and more. And post-storm insurance claims will be rejected by your insurer if their assessor finds that your wall or roof wasn’t built according to the regulations.
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Contact Wendy Knowler:
Get in touch with Wendy via her website or her Facebook page. Please note that Wendy is not able to personally respond to every email she receives. If she is able to take up your case, she will contact you directly. Here are other avenues for you to consider.