Harbour Bay Cellular
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#9
in Electronics & Technology
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
Jun '25 - May '26
Harbour Bay Cellular has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 2 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Harbour Bay Cellular across 3 total reviews. 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
Okay, this is a long post, so maybe go to the bathroom before you start reading, or heck, maybe just take your phone with you to the bathroom (don’t be all like ‘eww, I would never do that’)- we all know you do that 😛 Harbour Bay Cellular - an honest review of the worst shop in the world. I've been into this store many times over the years, and I'm sorry to say that my experience — and those of others in the Simonstown community — have left me with serious concerns. First off, the prices they charge are absurd. We're talking about normal, often low-quality (sometimes clearly Chinese-manufactured) goods, marked up to ridiculous levels. It's not just overpriced — it's exploitative. If you take something in to get fixed, they’ll tell you they’ll “have a look and get back to you.” What they don’t tell you is that “having a look” means opening your device, then calling you later with a repair quote that could only be described as fantasy-level — a Zillion Rands, give or take. If you decline the quote, they inform you (surprise!) that you owe them for an hour’s work… just for opening the device. No prior warning, no signed agreement, nothing. Just suddenly: “Pay up.” They only accept cash. No card facilities. No EFT. No e-wallets. Just good old-fashioned, off-the-record cash. Which, by the way, means no receipts either — unless you specifically ask (and even then, good luck). When my uncle was visiting from Australia, he innocently bought a pair of generic headphones there for R500 — definitely not Apple, just cheap imports. Being unfami**** with local pricing, he didn’t realize he was being taken for a ride. When we went back that same day to return them, they refused — no refund, no receipt, and no proof of purchase (because he paid cash, and they don’t issue receipts). I’ve avoided buying from them myself, but one day, in a rush, I had no choice. My phone was damaged, pieces falling out, and I needed a cover to hold it together until I could get it properly repaired (definitely not by them). I paid R649 for a basic phone cover. Yes, really. R649. Nothing fancy. Just a plastic case. And it's not just me — I’ve heard from others in town with nearly identical stories. One Simonstown local brought a tablet into the store, to be repaired, as it was running out of battery very quickly, after just being charged. The Manager (I assume he’s the Manager, as I never see any staff working there said “leave it with me and I will take a loom at it later and give you a call.” She asked for some kind or receipt so that she could feel comfortable leaving her property there, but she was promptly told that ‘it wasn't necessary, he would just take a look and call her later that same day. She then received a call about 2 hours later, from the Manager and he said her battery is old and needs to be replaced. He quoted her R2700 to put in a new battery for her. She gasped, she gulped and silently in her head said (what the ****), she said to him, “I am sorry, but I can’t afford that”. He then said to her, “Well, I can offer you a generic Chinese battery and that will be about R1900. She gasped, she gulped and silently in her head said (what the actual ****), she again said to him “I am sorry, I still cannot afford this enormous amount for a new battery.” So, she said “I am just going to have to leave it and get it fixed another time”. She went down to the shop and asked for her tablet and the Manager said “I have to charge you R600 for the time and labour or I can’t close up the tablet or give it back to you. Keep in mind, this was NEVER discussed beforehand . So, being the logical and kind person she is, she said “okay, just put in the generic battery and I can pay you and get my tablet back. He did so. She then pulled out her credit card and the Manager said “sorry, we only take cash here”. She couldn’t believe this. Now, once again, no card, and once again… no receipt. This isn’t just poor business practice. It feels like something else is going on here. Very little stock. Cheap products at sky-high prices. Cash-only, no paper trail. Honestly, it’s starting to feel like the store doesn’t care if they actually sell anything — almost like it’s a front for something else. I won’t say it outright… but I am saying it between the lines. I’m not trying to be “a Karen,” but I am concerned. For my community. For the people of Simonstown, who deserve honest businesses and fair treatment. Problem areas: - Very little stock - Hardly any stock - Exorbitantly overpriced items - Cash only (no card, no trace) - No receipts - Dubious repair quotes followed by “surprise” labor charges Stories from multiple locals echoing the same concerns After this, I’ll be looking into contacting the CPA (Consumer Protection Act), the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority), the Police, or The Avengers. This store NEEDS to be looked into. Enough is enough. If anyone has now read this post of mine and made it to the end, has anyone else heard any stories about this ‘shop’?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Okay, this is a long post, so maybe go to the bathroom before you start reading, or heck, maybe just take your phone with you to the bathroom (don’t be all like ‘eww, I would never do that’)- we all know you do that 😛 Harbour Bay Cellular - an honest review of the worst shop in the world. I've been into this store many times over the years, and I'm sorry to say that my experience — and those of others in the Simonstown community — have left me with serious concerns. First off, the prices they charge are absurd. We're talking about normal, often low-quality (sometimes clearly Chinese-manufactured) goods, marked up to ridiculous levels. It's not just overpriced — it's exploitative. If you take something in to get fixed, they’ll tell you they’ll “have a look and get back to you.” What they don’t tell you is that “having a look” means opening your device, then calling you later with a repair quote that could only be described as fantasy-level — a Zillion Rands, give or take. If you decline the quote, they inform you (surprise!) that you owe them for an hour’s work… just for opening the device. No prior warning, no signed agreement, nothing. Just suddenly: “Pay up.” They only accept cash. No card facilities. No EFT. No e-wallets. Just good old-fashioned, off-the-record cash. Which, by the way, means no receipts either — unless you specifically ask (and even then, good luck). When my uncle was visiting from Australia, he innocently bought a pair of generic headphones there for R500 — definitely not Apple, just cheap imports. Being unfami**** with local pricing, he didn’t realize he was being taken for a ride. When we went back that same day to return them, they refused — no refund, no receipt, and no proof of purchase (because he paid cash, and they don’t issue receipts). I’ve avoided buying from them myself, but one day, in a rush, I had no choice. My phone was damaged, pieces falling out, and I needed a cover to hold it together until I could get it properly repaired (definitely not by them). I paid R649 for a basic phone cover. Yes, really. R649. Nothing fancy. Just a plastic case. And it's not just me — I’ve heard from others in town with nearly identical stories. One Simonstown local brought a tablet into the store, to be repaired, as it was running out of battery very quickly, after just being charged. The Manager (I assume he’s the Manager, as I never see any staff working there said “leave it with me and I will take a loom at it later and give you a call.” She asked for some kind or receipt so that she could feel comfortable leaving her property there, but she was promptly told that ‘it wasn't necessary, he would just take a look and call her later that same day. She then received a call about 2 hours later, from the Manager and he said her battery is old and needs to be replaced. He quoted her R2700 to put in a new battery for her. She gasped, she gulped and silently in her head said (what the ****), she said to him, “I am sorry, but I can’t afford that”. He then said to her, “Well, I can offer you a generic Chinese battery and that will be about R1900. She gasped, she gulped and silently in her head said (what the actual ****), she again said to him “I am sorry, I still cannot afford this enormous amount for a new battery.” So, she said “I am just going to have to leave it and get it fixed another time”. She went down to the shop and asked for her tablet and the Manager said “I have to charge you R600 for the time and labour or I can’t close up the tablet or give it back to you. Keep in mind, this was NEVER discussed beforehand . So, being the logical and kind person she is, she said “okay, just put in the generic battery and I can pay you and get my tablet back. He did so. She then pulled out her credit card and the Manager said “sorry, we only take cash here”. She couldn’t believe this. Now, once again, no card, and once again… no receipt. This isn’t just poor business practice. It feels like something else is going on here. Very little stock. Cheap products at sky-high prices. Cash-only, no paper trail. Honestly, it’s starting to feel like the store doesn’t care if they actually sell anything — almost like it’s a front for something else. I won’t say it outright… but I am saying it between the lines. I’m not trying to be “a Karen,” but I am concerned. For my community. For the people of Simonstown, who deserve honest businesses and fair treatment. Problem areas: - Very little stock - Hardly any stock - Exorbitantly overpriced items - Cash only (no card, no trace) - No receipts - Dubious repair quotes followed by “surprise” labor charges Stories from multiple locals echoing the same concerns After this, I’ll be looking into contacting the CPA (Consumer Protection Act), the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority), the Police, or The Avengers. This store NEEDS to be looked into. Enough is enough. If anyone has now read this post of mine and made it to the end, has anyone else heard any stories about this ‘shop’?
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I've been into this store many times over the years, and I'm sorry to say that my experience — and those of others in the Simonstown community — have left me with serious concerns. First off, the prices they charge are absurd. We're talking about normal, often low-quality (sometimes clearly Chinese-manufactured) goods, marked up to ridiculous levels. It's not just overpriced — it's exploitative. If you take something in to get fixed, they’ll tell you they’ll “have a look and get back to you.” What they don’t tell you is that “having a look” means opening your device, then calling you later with a repair quote that could only be described as fantasy-level — a Zillion Rands, give or take. If you decline the quote, they inform you (surprise!) that you owe them for an hour’s work… just for opening the device. No prior warning, no signed agreement, nothing. Just suddenly: “Pay up.” They only accept cash. No card facilities. No EFT. No e-wallets. Just good old-fashioned, off-the-record cash. Which, by the way, means no receipts either — unless you specifically ask (and even then, good luck). When my uncle was visiting from Australia, he innocently bought a pair of generic headphones there for R500 — definitely not Apple, just cheap imports. Being unfami**** with local pricing, he didn’t realize he was being taken for a ride. When we went back that same day to return them, they refused — no refund, no receipt, and no proof of purchase (because he paid cash, and they don’t issue receipts). I’ve avoided buying from them myself, but one day, in a rush, I had no choice. My phone was damaged, pieces falling out, and I needed a cover to hold it together until I could get it properly repaired (definitely not by them). I paid R649 for a basic phone cover. Yes, really. R649. Nothing fancy. Just a plastic case. And it's not just me — I’ve heard from others in town with nearly identical stories. One local brought in a tablet, was quoted an enormous amount for repairs, declined the service, and was then charged R600 just to have the tablet closed back up. They eventually agreed to go ahead with the repair just to avoid further cost, but — you guessed it — were told to go to the ATM, because it's cash-only. No card, and once again… no receipt. This isn’t just poor business practice. It feels like something else is going on here. Very little stock. Cheap products at sky-high prices. Cash-only, no paper trail. Honestly, it’s starting to feel like the store doesn’t care if they actually sell anything — almost like it’s a front for something else. I won’t say it outright… but I am saying it between the lines. I’m not trying to be “a Karen,” but I am concerned. For my community. For the people of Simonstown, who deserve honest businesses and fair treatment. Problem areas: Very little stock Cheap stock, extremely overpriced Cash only (no card, no trace) No receipts Dubious repair quotes followed by “surprise” labor charges Stories from multiple locals echoing the same concerns After this, I’ll be looking into contacting the CPA (Consumer Protection Act), the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) — maybe even the police, or if they don’t act, the Avengers. This store NEEDS to be looked into. Enough is enough.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I've been into this store many times over the years, and I'm sorry to say that my experience — and those of others in the Simonstown community — have left me with serious concerns. First off, the prices they charge are absurd. We're talking about normal, often low-quality (sometimes clearly Chinese-manufactured) goods, marked up to ridiculous levels. It's not just overpriced — it's exploitative. If you take something in to get fixed, they’ll tell you they’ll “have a look and get back to you.” What they don’t tell you is that “having a look” means opening your device, then calling you later with a repair quote that could only be described as fantasy-level — a Zillion Rands, give or take. If you decline the quote, they inform you (surprise!) that you owe them for an hour’s work… just for opening the device. No prior warning, no signed agreement, nothing. Just suddenly: “Pay up.” They only accept cash. No card facilities. No EFT. No e-wallets. Just good old-fashioned, off-the-record cash. Which, by the way, means no receipts either — unless you specifically ask (and even then, good luck). When my uncle was visiting from Australia, he innocently bought a pair of generic headphones there for R500 — definitely not Apple, just cheap imports. Being unfami**** with local pricing, he didn’t realize he was being taken for a ride. When we went back that same day to return them, they refused — no refund, no receipt, and no proof of purchase (because he paid cash, and they don’t issue receipts). I’ve avoided buying from them myself, but one day, in a rush, I had no choice. My phone was damaged, pieces falling out, and I needed a cover to hold it together until I could get it properly repaired (definitely not by them). I paid R649 for a basic phone cover. Yes, really. R649. Nothing fancy. Just a plastic case. And it's not just me — I’ve heard from others in town with nearly identical stories. One local brought in a tablet, was quoted an enormous amount for repairs, declined the service, and was then charged R600 just to have the tablet closed back up. They eventually agreed to go ahead with the repair just to avoid further cost, but — you guessed it — were told to go to the ATM, because it's cash-only. No card, and once again… no receipt. This isn’t just poor business practice. It feels like something else is going on here. Very little stock. Cheap products at sky-high prices. Cash-only, no paper trail. Honestly, it’s starting to feel like the store doesn’t care if they actually sell anything — almost like it’s a front for something else. I won’t say it outright… but I am saying it between the lines. I’m not trying to be “a Karen,” but I am concerned. For my community. For the people of Simonstown, who deserve honest businesses and fair treatment. Problem areas: Very little stock Cheap stock, extremely overpriced Cash only (no card, no trace) No receipts Dubious repair quotes followed by “surprise” labor charges Stories from multiple locals echoing the same concerns After this, I’ll be looking into contacting the CPA (Consumer Protection Act), the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) — maybe even the police, or if they don’t act, the Avengers. This store NEEDS to be looked into. Enough is enough.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I have just recently moved to Simonstown and have chosen Harbour Bay Mall as my shopping centre as the Woolworths there is just incredible. Anyway on the 23 Oct I walked into Harbour Bay Cellular with my Samsung S6 Lite Tablet that was not turning on, the gentleman behind the counter informed me that they would need to open up the device to see what the problem was, he then took down my number and said he would call me back within the hour. I left a little reluctantly as he had not given me any paperwork confirming that he had my tablet. Well about an hour later i receive a call to inform me that i needed to replace the battery and this was going to cost me R 2700.00 i told him i could not afford this - he then said that they could put in the chinese battery for R 2500.00 - to this i said i could not afford either of these transactions and that i would just have to wait to have it fixed. He then said that the tablet was open and that they would have to charge me to close it and reopen it again to fix it and I should leave it there until I had the money to fix it. At this point I am beside myself as I have no proof that he has my tablet and I am now aware that he will not release this to me until I have paid for the new battery. On the morning of the 24th October at 09h30 I decided to go into the store and collect my Tablet as I have no other recourse, I took out my Credit Card to pay and he refuses to accept this kind of payment and instructs me that he will only take cash, i then leave the store so upset and unsure of what to do - If you have camera's you will see me go into the shop, leave walk into pick n pay and then go over to the Capitec ATM Machine / I had on a brown dress with dark hair / you will also see from my demeanour how unhappy i am) I go to the ATM withdraw the cash - i go back into the store he counts the cash and hands me the tablet - for this transaction i receive NO paperwork at all (No invoice, receipt or old battery / let alone warranty on a new battery) - he does not give me the old battery to prove that he has even changed the battery - i now leave without any proof that this tablet was repaired by them - so should i encounter any issues i have no recourse at all - but this is not the worst part - i have subsequently googled cost of a new battery and the price is R 450.00. I am not a wealthy woman who at the age of 55 is still working really hard to survive so this little trip has cost me dearly. I have written a review on the Harbour Bay Mall site as I am sure that these people would never admit to this transaction or even reimburse me, but I thought that as Landlords you should be aware of the kind of tenants that you have in your mall. I am truly devastated at what has happened to me although I do accept that I should have put up a fight and not given my tablet to him in the 1st place. What a terrible situation to be in and I do believe that this man will do the same to all ladies who walk into his shop.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I have just recently moved to Simonstown and have chosen Harbour Bay Mall as my shopping centre as the Woolworths there is just incredible. Anyway on the 23 Oct I walked into Harbour Bay Cellular with my Samsung S6 Lite Tablet that was not turning on, the gentleman behind the counter informed me that they would need to open up the device to see what the problem was, he then took down my number and said he would call me back within the hour. I left a little reluctantly as he had not given me any paperwork confirming that he had my tablet. Well about an hour later i receive a call to inform me that i needed to replace the battery and this was going to cost me R 2700.00 i told him i could not afford this - he then said that they could put in the chinese battery for R 2500.00 - to this i said i could not afford either of these transactions and that i would just have to wait to have it fixed. He then said that the tablet was open and that they would have to charge me to close it and reopen it again to fix it and I should leave it there until I had the money to fix it. At this point I am beside myself as I have no proof that he has my tablet and I am now aware that he will not release this to me until I have paid for the new battery. On the morning of the 24th October at 09h30 I decided to go into the store and collect my Tablet as I have no other recourse, I took out my Credit Card to pay and he refuses to accept this kind of payment and instructs me that he will only take cash, i then leave the store so upset and unsure of what to do - If you have camera's you will see me go into the shop, leave walk into pick n pay and then go over to the Capitec ATM Machine / I had on a brown dress with dark hair / you will also see from my demeanour how unhappy i am) I go to the ATM withdraw the cash - i go back into the store he counts the cash and hands me the tablet - for this transaction i receive NO paperwork at all (No invoice, receipt or old battery / let alone warranty on a new battery) - he does not give me the old battery to prove that he has even changed the battery - i now leave without any proof that this tablet was repaired by them - so should i encounter any issues i have no recourse at all - but this is not the worst part - i have subsequently googled cost of a new battery and the price is R 450.00. I am not a wealthy woman who at the age of 55 is still working really hard to survive so this little trip has cost me dearly. I have written a review on the Harbour Bay Mall site as I am sure that these people would never admit to this transaction or even reimburse me, but I thought that as Landlords you should be aware of the kind of tenants that you have in your mall. I am truly devastated at what has happened to me although I do accept that I should have put up a fight and not given my tablet to him in the 1st place. What a terrible situation to be in and I do believe that this man will do the same to all ladies who walk into his shop.
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