Based on recent customer reviews, Exclusive Books receives strong praise for its in-store atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and curated book selections at branches like Waterfront and Tygervalley. However, recurring frustrations dominate feedback around the online store, including severe delivery delays, poor email responsiveness, and a problematic e-voucher system that fails to deliver digital purchases promptly. Gift voucher expiry policies have upset multiple customers who feel their funds were unfairly forfeited. Refund processes and inconsistent staff attitudes at certain branches, notably Centurion and Pavilion, also draw criticism.
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#53
in Retail
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
May '25 - Apr '26
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Exclusive Books at the Waterfront is more than just a bookstore — it feels like a peaceful home for dreamers, readers, and people with stories to tell. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by inspiration, knowledge, and the kind of quiet atmosphere that makes you want to sit down and write your own life into pages. As a person who is busy writing my own story, this store gives me hope. It reminds me that every great author once started with a dream, a pen, and a heart full of truth. The staff are always professional and helpful, and the store is beautifully organised with an amazing selection of books for every kind of reader. Exclusive Books is a place where stories are celebrated — and one day, I truly hope to see my own book standing proudly on their shelves, inspiring someone else the way this store inspires me. A beautiful space, excellent service, and a powerful reminder that dreams do come true. 📚✨
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Exclusive Books at the Waterfront is more than just a bookstore — it feels like a peaceful home for dreamers, readers, and people with stories to tell. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by inspiration, knowledge, and the kind of quiet atmosphere that makes you want to sit down and write your own life into pages. As a person who is busy writing my own story, this store gives me hope. It reminds me that every great author once started with a dream, a pen, and a heart full of truth. The staff are always professional and helpful, and the store is beautifully organised with an amazing selection of books for every kind of reader. Exclusive Books is a place where stories are celebrated — and one day, I truly hope to see my own book standing proudly on their shelves, inspiring someone else the way this store inspires me. A beautiful space, excellent service, and a powerful reminder that dreams do come true. 📚✨
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had an amazing experience at Exclusive Books in the Waterfront. They have a diverse selection of books, magazines, stationery and gifts. The staff are knowledgable and always eager to assist.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had an amazing experience at Exclusive Books in the Waterfront. They have a diverse selection of books, magazines, stationery and gifts. The staff are knowledgable and always eager to assist.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I discovered a gift voucher given to me on my birthday January 2019. T's & C's on the card stated it was valid for 36 months. (Issued before the legislation for gift vouchers was changed) I took it to EB @ Clearwater Mall hoping that it was still valid. It had expired some years ago, I was so disappointed in my own negligence. But a week or two later they contacted me stating that the full value of R500 had been reinstated. I was amazed! Excellent service. Friendly helpful assistance.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I discovered a gift voucher given to me on my birthday January 2019. T's & C's on the card stated it was valid for 36 months. (Issued before the legislation for gift vouchers was changed) I took it to EB @ Clearwater Mall hoping that it was still valid. It had expired some years ago, I was so disappointed in my own negligence. But a week or two later they contacted me stating that the full value of R500 had been reinstated. I was amazed! Excellent service. Friendly helpful assistance.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Centurion mall exclusive books, very unprofessional today 2 feb 2026 wife's bday purchased atomic habits work book and power of subconscious mind was assisted by a lady that was so rude...didn't want to wrap my gifts,I asked of other items she told me no stock yet I took a Pic 2 days ago than all sudden she finds it...worst part gave my loyalty number nd I am told no system is off can't allocate points are they *****ing our points because I spent over 1500 with other items and I cannot get points what thievery is this
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Centurion mall exclusive books, very unprofessional today 2 feb 2026 wife's bday purchased atomic habits work book and power of subconscious mind was assisted by a lady that was so rude...didn't want to wrap my gifts,I asked of other items she told me no stock yet I took a Pic 2 days ago than all sudden she finds it...worst part gave my loyalty number nd I am told no system is off can't allocate points are they *****ing our points because I spent over 1500 with other items and I cannot get points what thievery is this
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I was at exclusive book in the Pavilion branch Durban wanting to return a book i had purchased it was no longer needed. I had the original docket on hand yet i think shes a supervisor told me that they had to return the cash to the card. Now shes stating that shes needing the bank slip to process the refund or i take something else yet i didn't need anything else. "Exclusive book will gladly refund or exchange purchases in perfect condition within 45 days of original purchase, provided you have an original receipt" Thats the policy stated at the back of the slip yet shes only quoting refund will be made according to the method of payment. if the bank slip is required when there is a refund why is it not stated or why do the cashiers advise the customer when making a purchase. Why don't they staple everything together if its needed? the manner and attitude which the issue was handles was disappointing, she needs training on how to handle customer or either learn from the cashier as she was the one with the right customer service.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I was at exclusive book in the Pavilion branch Durban wanting to return a book i had purchased it was no longer needed. I had the original docket on hand yet i think shes a supervisor told me that they had to return the cash to the card. Now shes stating that shes needing the bank slip to process the refund or i take something else yet i didn't need anything else. "Exclusive book will gladly refund or exchange purchases in perfect condition within 45 days of original purchase, provided you have an original receipt" Thats the policy stated at the back of the slip yet shes only quoting refund will be made according to the method of payment. if the bank slip is required when there is a refund why is it not stated or why do the cashiers advise the customer when making a purchase. Why don't they staple everything together if its needed? the manner and attitude which the issue was handles was disappointing, she needs training on how to handle customer or either learn from the cashier as she was the one with the right customer service.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
This platform has excellent education ebooks for different fields. The time was making this review, just passed my CIMA BA1 certification with help of NTKayz. Am forever grateful 🙏
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Exclusive Books Woodlands can’t process my vouchers. After a half hour I needed to leave to pick up my son. When I walked back to give my number the one assistant was laughing because I was complaining. In short they are scoring/*****ing a R1000?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Exclusive Books Woodlands can’t process my vouchers. After a half hour I needed to leave to pick up my son. When I walked back to give my number the one assistant was laughing because I was complaining. In short they are scoring/*****ing a R1000?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day, I am writing to bring to your attention a customer service experience I had at Exclusive Books at King Shaka International Airport on Friday, 9 January. While at the airport, I visited the Exclusive Books store upstairs to purchase a specific book. Unfortunately, the book was not available on the shelf. I approached a sales assistant, who kindly checked availability and informed me that there was only one copy left, located at the downstairs store. I was also advised that there were only five minutes remaining before closing. As there was no assistance available to retrieve the book, I proceeded downstairs myself. When I attempted to get the attention of the staff member downstairs, my request was not acknowledged. Upon entering the store, the first response I received from the salesman was that the shop was closed. I then explained that I had been sent from the upstairs store to collect a specific book and requested assistance in locating it. Despite this, the book could not be found. I was then informed that if only one copy remains, it is usually sent upstairs. This information was surprising, particularly given the earlier guidance I had received. I also felt that the staff member was unwilling to assist further. As a result, I left the store having purchased a different book that I had not originally intended to buy. While I fully understand and respect store closing times, I genuinely believe that more assistance could have been offered, especially as I knew exactly what I was looking for and had been directed between stores. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling that customer needs were not prioritised, and that closing time took precedence over service. I was disappointed by the level of customer service provided and feel that the situation could have been handled more professionally and supportively. I hope this feedback will be taken into consideration to improve future customer experiences. Yours faithfully, Bongekile Mseleku
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day, I am writing to bring to your attention a customer service experience I had at Exclusive Books at King Shaka International Airport on Friday, 9 January. While at the airport, I visited the Exclusive Books store upstairs to purchase a specific book. Unfortunately, the book was not available on the shelf. I approached a sales assistant, who kindly checked availability and informed me that there was only one copy left, located at the downstairs store. I was also advised that there were only five minutes remaining before closing. As there was no assistance available to retrieve the book, I proceeded downstairs myself. When I attempted to get the attention of the staff member downstairs, my request was not acknowledged. Upon entering the store, the first response I received from the salesman was that the shop was closed. I then explained that I had been sent from the upstairs store to collect a specific book and requested assistance in locating it. Despite this, the book could not be found. I was then informed that if only one copy remains, it is usually sent upstairs. This information was surprising, particularly given the earlier guidance I had received. I also felt that the staff member was unwilling to assist further. As a result, I left the store having purchased a different book that I had not originally intended to buy. While I fully understand and respect store closing times, I genuinely believe that more assistance could have been offered, especially as I knew exactly what I was looking for and had been directed between stores. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling that customer needs were not prioritised, and that closing time took precedence over service. I was disappointed by the level of customer service provided and feel that the situation could have been handled more professionally and supportively. I hope this feedback will be taken into consideration to improve future customer experiences. Yours faithfully, Bongekile Mseleku
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