IS
Istore South Africa
Unclaimed Business
IS
Istore South Africa
Unclaimed Business
193 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Istore South Africa faces severe criticism across virtually every dimension of its customer experience. The overwhelming majority of reviews describe frustrating encounters with unresponsive communication, delayed refunds, misleading stock information, and dismissive staff. While a small number of customers praise individual employees and specific branches, the dominant pattern reflects systemic failures in service delivery, warranty handling, and order fulfilment.
Top Strengths:
- •Staff & In-Store Experience: A handful of customers praise specific employees by name for exceptional product knowledge and patience, particularly at Clearwater, Cavendish, Eastgate, and Woodlands branches. These standout individuals represent isolated bright spots.
Service Quality Ratings
MetricScoreIndustry AvgBest in Class
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
2.3
Score
Ranking
#7
in Phones & Computers
NPS Score
-85
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.4|193 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(5.7%)
4(1.7%)
3(1.1%)
2(4.6%)
1(86.9%)
5(5.7%)
4(1.7%)
3(1.1%)
2(4.6%)
1(86.9%)
Recent reviews (193)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceAM
Andrew M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Mar 2026, 15:06
iStore Cavendish Click n Collect a Waste of Time and Effort
I placed an order on Tuesday at 10:48 for a Click n Collect order worth over R28,000. I chose Click n Collect because I needed the equipment urgently. I followed up with the call centre later in the day on Tuesday and they said it can take 2 - 24 hours for a collection notice to be sent. This is not what their website said and I was expecting to be able to collect it in 1 hour as I live close to a number of stores in Cape Town! (https://www.istore.co.za/delivery-times) I was patient and allowed this to play out until the next day. When I had heard nothing I followed up on Wednesday and was told by a representative at the Cavendish branch that the items had been sold and they had sourced the device from another store with expected delivery that afternoon (the latest Thursday morning) but she would phone me back in 1 hour. Again, I had to remain calm because at this point I could have already received my order if I'd not chosen Click n Collect and had it delivered. I received no follow up call that day (or since!). I then chased again yesterday (Thursday) and received an email from the manager (Ashley) to say the device was still en route to the store and that they expected to only receive it today and that she would notify me as soon as it had arrived and was ready for collection. I rep**** to the email saying that this was unacceptable, and asked if the Constantia Village branch had stock (as I would have gone to get it there since I needed the device urgently) and that I wanted an area manager to call me before the end of the day. No response to my email and no call from an area manager. Today I followed up via the call center and was told that the items did arrive today and that Ashley is "prioritising" it and will call to try and arrange to have it delivered to me as I have said that I am no longer interested in collecting it myself. This service is completely unacceptable. The fact that Ashley felt it not only appropriate to ignore my email yesterday afternoon but to have sent an email herself in the first place rather than phone me to discuss the problem tells me all I need to know about the manager of the Cavendish branch and I won't be using that store ever again. I have still received no call - just a notice that my order is now ready for collection. They can forget it. I am done and the order will be cancelled.
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Andrew M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Mar 2026, 15:06
iStore Cavendish Click n Collect a Waste of Time and Effort
I placed an order on Tuesday at 10:48 for a Click n Collect order worth over R28,000. I chose Click n Collect because I needed the equipment urgently. I followed up with the call centre later in the day on Tuesday and they said it can take 2 - 24 hours for a collection notice to be sent. This is not what their website said and I was expecting to be able to collect it in 1 hour as I live close to a number of stores in Cape Town! (https://www.istore.co.za/delivery-times) I was patient and allowed this to play out until the next day. When I had heard nothing I followed up on Wednesday and was told by a representative at the Cavendish branch that the items had been sold and they had sourced the device from another store with expected delivery that afternoon (the latest Thursday morning) but she would phone me back in 1 hour. Again, I had to remain calm because at this point I could have already received my order if I'd not chosen Click n Collect and had it delivered. I received no follow up call that day (or since!). I then chased again yesterday (Thursday) and received an email from the manager (Ashley) to say the device was still en route to the store and that they expected to only receive it today and that she would notify me as soon as it had arrived and was ready for collection. I rep**** to the email saying that this was unacceptable, and asked if the Constantia Village branch had stock (as I would have gone to get it there since I needed the device urgently) and that I wanted an area manager to call me before the end of the day. No response to my email and no call from an area manager. Today I followed up via the call center and was told that the items did arrive today and that Ashley is "prioritising" it and will call to try and arrange to have it delivered to me as I have said that I am no longer interested in collecting it myself. This service is completely unacceptable. The fact that Ashley felt it not only appropriate to ignore my email yesterday afternoon but to have sent an email herself in the first place rather than phone me to discuss the problem tells me all I need to know about the manager of the Cavendish branch and I won't be using that store ever again. I have still received no call - just a notice that my order is now ready for collection. They can forget it. I am done and the order will be cancelled.
0
Replies (0)JT
Joshuan T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 13:51
*****ulent actions from iStore Sandton Drive
I inquired about stock availability for an iPhone in October 2024, when discussing upgrade options as they are able to do carrier upgrades like Telkom in store, I was advised by sales assistants Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell that I could trade in my existing iPhone, a few months before the contract ends, and put that as a deposit into the new contract. We go through this process and 95% done, with the new device out of the safe now, they inform me that the system is requiring a cash penalty payment of the remainder of the contract, AFTER verifying and activating the new contract, and sending communication to Telkom that I have taken the device. I did not want to pay this, but for whatever reason, they did not want to help further even with the option of payment and insisted we cancel and the device was returned, which would BLACKLIST my Telkom account for the next few months. I go back and forth with Telkom about this problem (which it actually isn't their problem to solve) and basically discover this sales assistant botched my entire Telkom profile and most people I ask to help have no authority to fix it or escalate it, which istore Sandton Drive should've fixed it. These people are ******! I'M SURE THIS SALES ASSISTANT ZANELE HAS MADE COMMISSION ON TAKING OUT A PHONE CONTRACT IN WHICH I DONT HAVE THE PHONE! I am still being debited every month for the new device in March 2026, 2 1/2 years later. The remainder of my old device's contract would've ended long ago in 2025 but it's not even on my profile anymore because of them. If you want to purchase at this store, make sure you DO NOT use the contract option, especially if Zanele Malatsi or Kelsey Cannell are helping you!
Helpful (0)
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Joshuan T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 13:51
*****ulent actions from iStore Sandton Drive
I inquired about stock availability for an iPhone in October 2024, when discussing upgrade options as they are able to do carrier upgrades like Telkom in store, I was advised by sales assistants Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell that I could trade in my existing iPhone, a few months before the contract ends, and put that as a deposit into the new contract. We go through this process and 95% done, with the new device out of the safe now, they inform me that the system is requiring a cash penalty payment of the remainder of the contract, AFTER verifying and activating the new contract, and sending communication to Telkom that I have taken the device. I did not want to pay this, but for whatever reason, they did not want to help further even with the option of payment and insisted we cancel and the device was returned, which would BLACKLIST my Telkom account for the next few months. I go back and forth with Telkom about this problem (which it actually isn't their problem to solve) and basically discover this sales assistant botched my entire Telkom profile and most people I ask to help have no authority to fix it or escalate it, which istore Sandton Drive should've fixed it. These people are ******! I'M SURE THIS SALES ASSISTANT ZANELE HAS MADE COMMISSION ON TAKING OUT A PHONE CONTRACT IN WHICH I DONT HAVE THE PHONE! I am still being debited every month for the new device in March 2026, 2 1/2 years later. The remainder of my old device's contract would've ended long ago in 2025 but it's not even on my profile anymore because of them. If you want to purchase at this store, make sure you DO NOT use the contract option, especially if Zanele Malatsi or Kelsey Cannell are helping you!
0
Replies (0)JT
Joshuan T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 13:48
***** on Telkom contract from Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell at istore Sandton Drive
I inquired about stock availability for an iPhone in October 2024, when discussing upgrade options as they are able to do carrier upgrades like Telkom in store, I was advised by sales assistants Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell that I could trade in my existing iPhone, a few months before the contract ends, and put that as a deposit into the new contract. We go through this process and 95% done, with the new device out of the safe now, they inform me that the system is requiring a cash penalty payment of the remainder of the contract, AFTER verifying and activating the new contract, and sending communication to Telkom that I have taken the device. I did not want to pay this, but for whatever reason, they did not want to help further even with the option of payment and insisted we cancel and the device was returned, which would BLACKLIST my Telkom account for the next few months. I go back and forth with Telkom about this problem (which it actually isn't their problem to solve) and basically discover this sales assistant botched my entire Telkom profile and most people I ask to help have no authority to fix it or escalate it, which istore Sandton Drive should've fixed it. My communication attempts with the sales assistants to fix this were unhelpful. These people are ******! I'M SURE THIS SALES ASSISTANT ZANELE HAS MADE COMMISSION ON TAKING OUT A PHONE CONTRACT IN WHICH I DONT HAVE THE PHONE! I am still being debited every month for the new device in March 2026, 2 1/2 years later. The remainder of my old device's contract would've ended long ago in 2025 but it's not even on my profile anymore because of them. If you want to purchase at this store, make sure you DO NOT use the contract option, especially if Zanele Malatsi or Kelsey Cannell are helping you!
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)JT
Joshuan T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Mar 2026, 13:48
***** on Telkom contract from Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell at istore Sandton Drive
I inquired about stock availability for an iPhone in October 2024, when discussing upgrade options as they are able to do carrier upgrades like Telkom in store, I was advised by sales assistants Zanele Malatsi and Kelsey Cannell that I could trade in my existing iPhone, a few months before the contract ends, and put that as a deposit into the new contract. We go through this process and 95% done, with the new device out of the safe now, they inform me that the system is requiring a cash penalty payment of the remainder of the contract, AFTER verifying and activating the new contract, and sending communication to Telkom that I have taken the device. I did not want to pay this, but for whatever reason, they did not want to help further even with the option of payment and insisted we cancel and the device was returned, which would BLACKLIST my Telkom account for the next few months. I go back and forth with Telkom about this problem (which it actually isn't their problem to solve) and basically discover this sales assistant botched my entire Telkom profile and most people I ask to help have no authority to fix it or escalate it, which istore Sandton Drive should've fixed it. My communication attempts with the sales assistants to fix this were unhelpful. These people are ******! I'M SURE THIS SALES ASSISTANT ZANELE HAS MADE COMMISSION ON TAKING OUT A PHONE CONTRACT IN WHICH I DONT HAVE THE PHONE! I am still being debited every month for the new device in March 2026, 2 1/2 years later. The remainder of my old device's contract would've ended long ago in 2025 but it's not even on my profile anymore because of them. If you want to purchase at this store, make sure you DO NOT use the contract option, especially if Zanele Malatsi or Kelsey Cannell are helping you!
0
Replies (0)DR
David R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Mar 2026, 10:12
No stock - anywhere!!!
How does any istore survive when one is ready to purchase a new laptop / desktop only to be told that no stores have stock??? No iMac, no MacBook Pro/ air etc etc. it’s rather pathetic and I’m afraid the store not only lost a sale but also a life long Apple consumer - get your act together and stock up!!!
Helpful (0)
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David R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 Mar 2026, 10:12
No stock - anywhere!!!
How does any istore survive when one is ready to purchase a new laptop / desktop only to be told that no stores have stock??? No iMac, no MacBook Pro/ air etc etc. it’s rather pathetic and I’m afraid the store not only lost a sale but also a life long Apple consumer - get your act together and stock up!!!
0
Replies (0)SM
Sipho M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 08:48
iPhone 17 is uselss and iStore is no help
Do not buy the iphone 17, it will be a night mare. I pre-ordered the phone September and it has been hell. Early October I experienced problems took it to the store, they found nothing just restored software. Again early Dec I experience problems took it in February we seating in March they give me same response that nothing wrong with my phone, I ask how when it gives me problems. Now they keeping the phone with no resolution. The store was kind to loan me a phone but also that phone is a nightmare. Stay away.
Helpful (0)
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Sipho M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 08:48
iPhone 17 is uselss and iStore is no help
Do not buy the iphone 17, it will be a night mare. I pre-ordered the phone September and it has been hell. Early October I experienced problems took it to the store, they found nothing just restored software. Again early Dec I experience problems took it in February we seating in March they give me same response that nothing wrong with my phone, I ask how when it gives me problems. Now they keeping the phone with no resolution. The store was kind to loan me a phone but also that phone is a nightmare. Stay away.
0
Replies (0)BK
B K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Mar 2026, 10:53
Istore online provided second hand products
Ordered items online, for delivery - order # 103457333 The R400 screen protector was delivered without wipes and accessories and the screen protector looks to be used before with visible signs that the screen protector was app**** or attempted to be app**** to a device before now im R400.00 out of pocket for something i had to throw in the trash. tried to log a return - but their site greets you with a "under maintenance" page
Helpful (0)
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B K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Mar 2026, 10:53
Istore online provided second hand products
Ordered items online, for delivery - order # 103457333 The R400 screen protector was delivered without wipes and accessories and the screen protector looks to be used before with visible signs that the screen protector was app**** or attempted to be app**** to a device before now im R400.00 out of pocket for something i had to throw in the trash. tried to log a return - but their site greets you with a "under maintenance" page
0
Replies (0)zV
zak V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 23:50
Nxaa
Istore phone number just rang and listen to the person who ask you to select options and those options are not selectable . They have no branch number. Even online does not help with anything . Very poor customer service nxaaaa
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zak V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 23:50
Nxaa
Istore phone number just rang and listen to the person who ask you to select options and those options are not selectable . They have no branch number. Even online does not help with anything . Very poor customer service nxaaaa
0
Replies (0)SK
Slayde K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 08:40
iStore Sandton City Managers or Senior Team Members are Inept
Terrible experience that drove me, a 27-year-old who hates confrontation and would rather accept the wrong food order than complain, to actually write this. I had a genuinely uncomfortable experience that left a sour taste in my mouth after attempting to trade in my old device for a new one. I was greeted nicely and assisted immediately by what seemed to be one of the younger staff members, which was great. I was then handed over to a senior employee to assist with trade-in questions and evaluate my phone, and that’s when the experience went downhill. It felt like I had to keep begging for basic information about how the trade-in process actually works. I understand that my battery health would lower the value (I wasn’t expecting the highest payout possible) but even a brief explanation of how the amount was calculated would have helped. Instead, it felt like I was expected to already know everything, and any question I asked was an inconvenience. I eventually stopped asking altogether because it was clear she just wanted the interaction over. The longer I stayed trying to understand the evaluation, the more it felt like I was simply annoying her. My main issue, however, was with whichever senior staff member was on the floor that day, the one with the popped collar and undone buttons. He saw me being assisted and then followed me across the store when I went to look at the devices I was deciding between after my evaluation. I was with my girlfriend comparing phones when he suddenly walked up, smacked the side of the table/booth holding the display phones, which shocked both of us, and said, in a condescending tone, “You good?” while not even making eye contact. It didn’t end there. He then stood directly behind us for the remainder of our time in the store, shouting over us to other employees instead of walking over to speak to them. It was uncomfortable and unnecessary. I’m not sure whether he was worried I’d somehow detach the security cables from the display phones or what his issue was, but the entire situation made me feel like I was being treated as if I was going to ***** something or couldn’t afford to be there. That interaction is the reason I walked out still using my outdated 14 Pro Max that needs charging two to three times a day. I’m still an Apple user and will continue buying Apple products for I don't know what reason, just not from iStore again, especially not the Sandton City branch.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)SK
Slayde K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 08:40
iStore Sandton City Managers or Senior Team Members are Inept
Terrible experience that drove me, a 27-year-old who hates confrontation and would rather accept the wrong food order than complain, to actually write this. I had a genuinely uncomfortable experience that left a sour taste in my mouth after attempting to trade in my old device for a new one. I was greeted nicely and assisted immediately by what seemed to be one of the younger staff members, which was great. I was then handed over to a senior employee to assist with trade-in questions and evaluate my phone, and that’s when the experience went downhill. It felt like I had to keep begging for basic information about how the trade-in process actually works. I understand that my battery health would lower the value (I wasn’t expecting the highest payout possible) but even a brief explanation of how the amount was calculated would have helped. Instead, it felt like I was expected to already know everything, and any question I asked was an inconvenience. I eventually stopped asking altogether because it was clear she just wanted the interaction over. The longer I stayed trying to understand the evaluation, the more it felt like I was simply annoying her. My main issue, however, was with whichever senior staff member was on the floor that day, the one with the popped collar and undone buttons. He saw me being assisted and then followed me across the store when I went to look at the devices I was deciding between after my evaluation. I was with my girlfriend comparing phones when he suddenly walked up, smacked the side of the table/booth holding the display phones, which shocked both of us, and said, in a condescending tone, “You good?” while not even making eye contact. It didn’t end there. He then stood directly behind us for the remainder of our time in the store, shouting over us to other employees instead of walking over to speak to them. It was uncomfortable and unnecessary. I’m not sure whether he was worried I’d somehow detach the security cables from the display phones or what his issue was, but the entire situation made me feel like I was being treated as if I was going to ***** something or couldn’t afford to be there. That interaction is the reason I walked out still using my outdated 14 Pro Max that needs charging two to three times a day. I’m still an Apple user and will continue buying Apple products for I don't know what reason, just not from iStore again, especially not the Sandton City branch.
0
Replies (0)