CL
Charlene L
Active since Jan 2014
4
Reviews
0
Industries
Reviews
4 reviews1 month ago
Lack of transparency, poor communication and excessive delivery charges
If it were possible to give zero stars, I would. On 30 December 2025 we placed an order with lighouse.co.za for a Volta bench at a price of R2 050.00. The product specifications were clearly listed (SPF wood blend, water-based stain, height 450 mm, depth 350 mm, length 1.5 m). However, delivery was not calculated or disclosed during checkout. The only information provided under the delivery tab stated the following (verbatim from their website when I checked it in January 2026): “Each piece is carefully handcrafted to order. Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks for manufacturing and an additional 1–2 weeks for delivery. Not sure if it’ll fit? Check our Furniture Measuring & Delivery Guide before you order.” There was no indication whatsoever that delivery could exceed the cost of the furniture itself. On 6 January 2026, we received an email from Arno Slabbert (sales consultant) advising that the delivery fee would be R3 740.00, which is almost double the price of the bench. We are approximately 3.5 hours’ drive from their warehouse, which made this amount completely unexpected. We contacted Mr Slabbert telephonically to ask whether there might have been a mistake. We were told that this is the amount charged by their courier and factory and that nothing could be done. The only options provided were to arrange our own courier or collect the item ourselves. Mr Slabbert was asked to let us know when the order would be ready for collection, but he never rep****. On 23 February 2026, we sent a follow-up email noting that 7 weeks had already passed. The only response we received (on 24 February 2026) was the following: “The system shows that the product is in die final stages of production and is almost completed I have asked the factory for more feedback and once they reply i will revert back to you I do sincerely apologize for the delay and inconvience” On 2 March 2026, I attempted to phone the Pretoria branch where the order was placed, but there was no answer. I then phoned the Cape Town branch, explained the situation, and was told that someone would get back to me. By 4 March 2026 no one had responded, and it had already been more than 8 weeks since the order was placed. I phoned again and spoke with a lady at the Pretoria branch (where the order was originally placed). I was informed that the bench had been sent for “finishing” the previous week. I was again told that there would be a follow-up and that they would get back to me. Over the years we have purchased many pieces of furniture online, including large and heavy items, and have never encountered a delivery fee anywhere close to this amount. Being told simply that “this is how they receive it from the factory” and that this is “the price of the courier they use”, was extremely disappointing. While customers were technically given alternatives (collection or arranging their own courier), the overall handling of the situation reflected no attempt to engage constructively or assist after the unexpected delivery cost was communicated. Charging R3 740.00 to deliver a R2 050.00 bench, and only communicating this after the order had already been placed and paid for, reflects a serious lack of pricing transparency. Prospective customers should be aware that delivery costs are not shown at checkout and may only be communicated after purchase. In addition, the 4–6 week manufacturing timeframe stated on the website did not apply in our case, as the order had still not been completed after more than 8 weeks, and updates were only provided when we followed up ourselves.
0 replies
5 months ago
Extremely Disappointed with Service
I placed an order with Online Braai Shop on 23 October 2025 and have had nothing but frustration since. After hearing nothing for over a week, I phoned on 31 October to follow up and only received an email later that afternoon stating that the collection for my order was created at 17:10 — meaning it hadn’t even been sent yet. On 4 November, I sent another message to ask for an update. It was read but completely ignored. By 5 November, I had to contact The Courier Guy directly, who informed me that their driver went to collect on 3 and 4 November, but nothing was handed over for pickup. I then sent yet another message asking what was happening with my order — still no reply. The lack of communication and accountability is completely unacceptable. I regret ordering from this company and would advise others to be cautious before doing the same.
0 replies
19 months ago
Outstanding Service from Fazlin Bock at OOBA Bond Originators
We recently had the pleasure of working with Fazlin Bock from OOBA Bond Originators, and we cannot recommend her highly enough! From the very first interaction, Fazlin demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to securing the best possible bond solution. Her communication skills are top-notch – she kept us informed at every stage of the process, patiently answering all of our questions, and always making us feel at ease. Fazlin went above and beyond to ensure that we understood each step. What truly sets Fazlin apart is her personal touch. She is not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable and kind, making the entire experience seamless and stress-free. Her dedication to delivering results is evident in the effort she puts in, ensuring that we felt supported throughout. If you're looking for someone who is knowledgeable, proactive, and genuinely invested in getting the best for you, we highly recommend Fazlin Bock at OOBA Bond Originators. Thank you, Fazlin, for your incredible service! Kind regards, Brandon and Charlene
53 replies
92 months ago
BENNA BOK = WORST COMPANY AND THIEVES!!
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM BENNA BO****! The worst company I have ever dealt with!! Thieves!!!! See for yourself on Facebook under the profile "Frank Vermeulen". They steal their customers money and then ignore their emails, block them on their facebook page (I have proof) and just don't pick up their phones. They keep on "apologizing" on their social media but do nothing further to rectify the "mistake". Ordered handbags form them, paid as per their instructions on 23 July 2018. Contacted them via email and facebook messenger to follow up on my order - they kept making excuses and empty promises. Never received my handbags!!!! I requested a refund, filled in the requested documentation as well as supplied them with extra documentation, I kept on following up on my refund via email which was ignored and as of yet - No refund!!!! When I commented on a Facebook post of their's requesting that they please respond to my emails - they deleted my post and blocked me on their page. All I want is a refund!! Do not come with stupid excuses, GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK!!
525 replies
Review Distribution
5 Star
1 (25%)
4 Star
0 (0%)
3 Star
0 (0%)
2 Star
0 (0%)
1 Star
3 (75%)