VS
Van Schaik Bookstore
Unclaimed Business
VS
Van Schaik Bookstore
Unclaimed Business
40 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Van Schaik Bookstore faces severe criticism primarily around its online ordering experience. Customers consistently report orders showing as in stock but never being fulfilled, express delivery payments going unmet, and extremely poor communication with no email responses, dropped calls, and unhelpful call centre agents. Refund processing is described as painfully slow, often taking weeks with no acknowledgement. In-store interactions have also drawn complaints about rude staff and rigid return policies. A few positive experiences highlight helpful individual employees and pleasant physical store browsing environments.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#53
in Retail
NPS Score
-89
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.2|40 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(5%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(2.5%)
1(92.5%)
5(5%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(2.5%)
1(92.5%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Schaik Bookstore
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (40)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceAN
Ayanda N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 10:41
Bad customer service
I placed an order online on the 9th of Feb for books that were marked "instock" and its the 11th of march I havent heard anything from them. I wrote an emil to their support center a ticket was opened and closed without any resolve or contacting me. I called the support center and I was left holding with no assistance.
Helpful (0)
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Ayanda N
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 10:41
Bad customer service
I placed an order online on the 9th of Feb for books that were marked "instock" and its the 11th of march I havent heard anything from them. I wrote an emil to their support center a ticket was opened and closed without any resolve or contacting me. I called the support center and I was left holding with no assistance.
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Kelebohile M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
27 Feb 2026, 12:28
Poor communication and delays
I am not happy with the service I received from Jessica Mshumi, she asks a question on the email, when I reply, she just keeps quiet and come back after days to ask another follow up question. I have been waiting for my books for three weeks now and I’m getting late with my assignments. When I called to check, they say my books have not been dispatched because they are waiting for one that will take 8 weeks, yet I told Jessica to send the available ones because the missing one is for next semester. Another thing, there is a risk book that I told her on the email that I need the one for the year 2022, she did the 2018 one, what must I do with an old book?
Helpful (0)
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Kelebohile M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
27 Feb 2026, 12:28
Poor communication and delays
I am not happy with the service I received from Jessica Mshumi, she asks a question on the email, when I reply, she just keeps quiet and come back after days to ask another follow up question. I have been waiting for my books for three weeks now and I’m getting late with my assignments. When I called to check, they say my books have not been dispatched because they are waiting for one that will take 8 weeks, yet I told Jessica to send the available ones because the missing one is for next semester. Another thing, there is a risk book that I told her on the email that I need the one for the year 2022, she did the 2018 one, what must I do with an old book?
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Louise M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:42
Pathetic customer care
I have ordered a book online on 4 February because the stores told me the book is not available with them, but it's available online.. When I ordered, it showed there's two (2) in stock. But by the Monday, when I check on the order, I was told it is out of stock. Van Schaik doesn't even bother communicating with their clients, nothing. Secondly, I asked a refund then last week, once again - no confirmation from their side. No acknowledgement at all! Pathetic.
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Louise M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:42
Pathetic customer care
I have ordered a book online on 4 February because the stores told me the book is not available with them, but it's available online.. When I ordered, it showed there's two (2) in stock. But by the Monday, when I check on the order, I was told it is out of stock. Van Schaik doesn't even bother communicating with their clients, nothing. Secondly, I asked a refund then last week, once again - no confirmation from their side. No acknowledgement at all! Pathetic.
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Faldilah V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:07
Van Schailk Online bookstore- The worst ever.
Unacceptable service I have received from Van Schaik Online Bookstore. My experience reflects a clear disregard for consumer rights as protected under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA). I purchased a book from the online store that was advertised as available. I also paid for express delivery, expecting timely fulfilment. Only after the delivery deadline passed and I called the company was I informed that the book was not in stock. This constitutes false advertising and misrepresentation, prohibited under: • Section 29 – Prohibits misleading marketing practices • Section 41 – Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations The Van Schaik online platform represented the item as available when it was not, which directly influenced my purchasing decision. Even after I was informed of the book being out of stock online it stills shows in stock. I paid for express delivery, yet the item did not arrive within the promised period. Under: • Section 19(2) – Goods must be delivered on the agreed date or within a reasonable time • Section 19(6) – If the supplier fails to deliver on time, the consumer may cancel the transaction without penalty I exercised this right and cancelled the order immediately. Despite my cancellation, the book was delivered a full week later. By this time, I had already purchased the book elsewhere—at a lower price—because Van Schaik failed to fulfil the order as promised. Delivering goods after cancellation is a breach of: • Section 20 – Consumer’s right to return goods and receive a refund • Section 21 – Unsolicited goods may not be charged for and must be collected at the supplier’s expense I contacted your team immediately to arrange a return and refund. A week has passed, and no action has been taken. This delay violates: • Section 20(4) – Refunds must be processed within 15 business days of return or cancellation • Section 54 – Right to timely performance and quality service Van Schaik failure to act is not only unprofessional but ******** If i could give this shop less than one star I would
Helpful (0)
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Faldilah V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 09:07
Van Schailk Online bookstore- The worst ever.
Unacceptable service I have received from Van Schaik Online Bookstore. My experience reflects a clear disregard for consumer rights as protected under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA). I purchased a book from the online store that was advertised as available. I also paid for express delivery, expecting timely fulfilment. Only after the delivery deadline passed and I called the company was I informed that the book was not in stock. This constitutes false advertising and misrepresentation, prohibited under: • Section 29 – Prohibits misleading marketing practices • Section 41 – Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations The Van Schaik online platform represented the item as available when it was not, which directly influenced my purchasing decision. Even after I was informed of the book being out of stock online it stills shows in stock. I paid for express delivery, yet the item did not arrive within the promised period. Under: • Section 19(2) – Goods must be delivered on the agreed date or within a reasonable time • Section 19(6) – If the supplier fails to deliver on time, the consumer may cancel the transaction without penalty I exercised this right and cancelled the order immediately. Despite my cancellation, the book was delivered a full week later. By this time, I had already purchased the book elsewhere—at a lower price—because Van Schaik failed to fulfil the order as promised. Delivering goods after cancellation is a breach of: • Section 20 – Consumer’s right to return goods and receive a refund • Section 21 – Unsolicited goods may not be charged for and must be collected at the supplier’s expense I contacted your team immediately to arrange a return and refund. A week has passed, and no action has been taken. This delay violates: • Section 20(4) – Refunds must be processed within 15 business days of return or cancellation • Section 54 – Right to timely performance and quality service Van Schaik failure to act is not only unprofessional but ******** If i could give this shop less than one star I would
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Zimele Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Feb 2026, 03:31
Shocking Customer Experience
Ticket Received - 480424 - Re: 456384 - Books - Invoice Request (Two Separate Invoices). 22 Jan 2026 - Invoice Request. l placed an online email request for 2 books, no answer. 11 Feb 2026 - l called the Call Centre, they said they can see no one actioned the request and promised to send an invoice immediately. 20 Feb 2026 @ 14:01 Lukhona Mavalana l Call Centre Associate ( Intern )| Van Schaik Online | G017 . Thank you for your enquiry. Kindly accept our sincere apologies for the delayed response. Please let us know if you still require our assistance regarding your request. We will be happy to assist you further. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further assistance. Kind Regards, 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:42 Good day, Yes, please would you help me with the invoice for the book that is available. 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:43 Reference Number: 480424 We would like to acknowledge that we have received your request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will be reviewing your request and will send you a personal response, usually within 2 working days. Thank you for your patience 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:43 Dear Your ticket - Books - Invoice Request (Two Separate Invoices) - has been closed. We hope that the ticket was resolved to your satisfaction. If you feel that the ticket should not be closed or if the ticket has not been resolved, please reply to this email. Sincerely, Vanschaik Customer Support Support Team Comments Today, 21 Feb 2026, is exactly one month with no results. How are you a best bookstore when you have such a bad customer experience, just to get an invoice quote. Maybe to get a book will be one year. Book Express is the best, l got an invoice quote in two days on a Sunday, unfortunately my company bursary does not use Book Express as a vendor. Please note, l will also raise my experience with my employer to re-consider Van Schaik Bookstore as a preferred vendor for our studies.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)ZZ
Zimele Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Feb 2026, 03:31
Shocking Customer Experience
Ticket Received - 480424 - Re: 456384 - Books - Invoice Request (Two Separate Invoices). 22 Jan 2026 - Invoice Request. l placed an online email request for 2 books, no answer. 11 Feb 2026 - l called the Call Centre, they said they can see no one actioned the request and promised to send an invoice immediately. 20 Feb 2026 @ 14:01 Lukhona Mavalana l Call Centre Associate ( Intern )| Van Schaik Online | G017 . Thank you for your enquiry. Kindly accept our sincere apologies for the delayed response. Please let us know if you still require our assistance regarding your request. We will be happy to assist you further. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further assistance. Kind Regards, 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:42 Good day, Yes, please would you help me with the invoice for the book that is available. 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:43 Reference Number: 480424 We would like to acknowledge that we have received your request and a ticket has been created. A support representative will be reviewing your request and will send you a personal response, usually within 2 working days. Thank you for your patience 20 Feb 2026 @ 18:43 Dear Your ticket - Books - Invoice Request (Two Separate Invoices) - has been closed. We hope that the ticket was resolved to your satisfaction. If you feel that the ticket should not be closed or if the ticket has not been resolved, please reply to this email. Sincerely, Vanschaik Customer Support Support Team Comments Today, 21 Feb 2026, is exactly one month with no results. How are you a best bookstore when you have such a bad customer experience, just to get an invoice quote. Maybe to get a book will be one year. Book Express is the best, l got an invoice quote in two days on a Sunday, unfortunately my company bursary does not use Book Express as a vendor. Please note, l will also raise my experience with my employer to re-consider Van Schaik Bookstore as a preferred vendor for our studies.
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Replies (0)