!!Somebody call Optimus Prime and the rest of the Transformers, something out of this world is happening!!!

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.