John-Paul Camhee

The worst Western Union in the country

Western Union Eastgate Mall should actually shut its doors. That is how bad their service is. I understand that every organization has protocols and procedures but theirs does not make any sense, their staff's attitude and customer service is appalling. I wanted to send money to a family member by marriage (my uncles wife's brother). My uncle unfortunately could not send the money himself and asked me to do so. I had drawn the amount from my account, pulled a 3-month bank statement to show that it comes from my account and I had the person/receivers' details. I was told that I needed a valid reason for what the money will be used for (fair enough) but told that I am a 3rd party and I had no relation to this person (as if now i had to get to know this person on a personal bases before I could send money to them - I was honest that I knew him but not that well because they had lived in Taiwan), and that I could not send the money which made no sense because why would I send some random person money (it should be none of your business whether it's a friend , family member or Jesus Christ), where is the logic in that. Instead, I get told about SARS and the Reserve bank will enquire - strangely this has never been an issue prior. I then went to Western Union in ABSA - no such rules or cross questioning me what the money was for (it was a gift) or who this person was and their relation to me. efficient service, great customer service and people skills. . . The staff at the stand-alone Western Union branch can learn a thing or two on what is customer service and use their logic as critical thinking has gone out the window.