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

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’?