Months-Long Warranty Nightmare, Poor Communication, and No Resolution

In April 2025, I purchased a Telefunken 55" Full HD Smart Android TV from Takealot.

Purchase details:

Invoice Number: 202263320

Order Number: 178238515

Invoice Date: 25 April 2025

Amount Paid: R4,999.00

After the seven-day return period had passed, the TV developed a fault — horizontal white lines across the screen and a thin vertical line, making it defective and unusable. I reported this to Takealot, but instead of assisting further, I was instructed to deal directly with the supplier and warranty agents. From that point onward, Takealot removed itself entirely from the process, despite the purchase being made through their platform.

I was referred to Powercare, who logged the issue on a NU World Field Repair Form with the following details:

Make: Telefunken

Model: TLEDDS-55FHD3

Serial Number: 004125X-100344

Fault Logged: Horizontal white lines and a thin vertical line

Job number: 634898 RNR N***415

From August 2025 to January 2026, I repeatedly followed up with Powercare for updates. Communication was inconsistent, delayed, and unclear. I continuously asked whether emails had been received by the supplier, but I never received confirmations or meaningful progress updates.

In January 2026, without any prior communication, Julipo Couriers arrived at my home to collect the TV. I later confirmed that the collection was booked by NU World Industries, which was also stated on the collection receipt. This collection was arranged without notice, explanation, or any guidance on what would happen next.

After the TV was collected, no communication followed. Weeks passed with no updates. I then contacted NU World Industries directly. I was referred to customer care and instructed to send an email regarding the Takealot matter to tersia@nuworld.co.za, which I did, but I received no response.

I was later informed that Tersia handles Takealot-related cases. Since then, I have made over 10 phone calls attempting to speak to her. Each time I was supposedly transferred, the call either dropped mid-ringing or ended while on hold. I never managed to speak to her, and no one else took responsibility for assisting me.

As it stands:

My TV has been collected

I have no repair, no replacement, and no refund

I have received no clear updates or timelines

I have been passed between Takealot, Powercare, and NU World Industries with no accountability

This has been an exhausting and frustrating experience, reflecting a complete breakdown in after-sales service, communication, and responsibility across all parties involved.

Warren Motswadi