Sense and Sensor Bill It Ease (With apologies to Jane Austen)

I purchased a Euromann throttle body sensor on 14 October 2023 for R350.00. The sign at the shop indicated that one could only return an electronic part if it was in its original wrapping.

The throttle body sensor was found to be faulty. SNAG 1 I returned to the store and was told to contact an individual at another company which turned out to be the wholesaler. They quite reasonably indicated that it was for the retailer to resolve. SNAG 2 I returned to the retailer who indicated that they would only issue a refund if they received a printout from the vehicles onboard computer showing the affected sensor to be faulty. SNAG 3 I then handed over the problem part to the vehicle electronic technician and he approached the retailer, saying that the vehicle was a 2003 Toyota Condor and it wasn`t possible with that model to get a printout from the vehicles onboard computer. SNAG 4 The retailer inquired whether he was RMI accredited which he wasn`t ( he had been in the past, but didn`t consider it worthwhile maintaining). The retailer then advised that they would on those grounds not issue a refund SNAG 5

I then approached the local public prosecutor, who advised that in order to be compensated, I would have to go to Empangeni (20km away) and lodge a claim with the small claims court. That could take the good part of a day to get finished. SNAG 6 The small claims court would then set a date, and a retailer representative and myself would then be required to attend to resolve the case This could take the better part of another day. SNAG 7