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Lizard1977

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#284217 8-Apr-2021 09:19
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I have no idea if this is related to the Kogan purchase of Mighty Ape but I'm feeling a bit grumpy about the length of time it is taking Mighty Ape to deal with a simple return.  I bought a USB hub at the start of March, and found on delivery that 4 out of the 7 USB ports weren't working at all.  It was an easily demonstrated and replicable problem, and got in touch with MA to organise a return and replacement.  Each step of the way it's taken several days for MA to respond to emails.  I eventually got sent a courier ticket to return the hub, and then was told it would take 3-5 business days to assess it (due to large volumes of returns - is that a good thing to admit?), and maybe longer if it required being sent to the manufacturer for assessment.

 

I could understand the delays if I had to send it overseas, or if it was a particularly complicated or delicate device.  But it's a pretty straightforward (and not especially expensive) USB hub.  I've ordered plenty from MA before, and never had any problems (but also never had to return anything).  This current experience isn't exactly endearing them to me, and I would be wary of buying anything from them again unless I had no real alternative.  In this particular case, I ordered from MA to save a few bucks.  I would be inclined to stick with places like PB Tech in future, if this is how things are likely to go.

 

 

 

/rant


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freitasm
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  #2688155 8-Apr-2021 09:30
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I had the opposite experience: bought a HDMI cable which caused TV to occasionally lose sync with the source. Mentioned to Mighty Ape and was offered a refund or replacement. Asked for a refund and they told me to dispose of the cable.

 

Just a few weeks back pre-ordered something supposed to be in the country by 31 March. One item was pushed back to the end of April and the other disappeared from the catalogue entirely. Contacted them and although it took a couple of days for the initial reply when someone took the case resolution was quick - cancelled order, refund processed. This was over Easter so count the holiday time too.

 

Consider that they may have a larger than ever volume of queries, seeing a lot of purchases moved online.

 

 





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Inphinity
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  #2688402 8-Apr-2021 16:13
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I have noticed a significant decline in levels of service (and quality/value of offering) since the acquisition. Given everything else that's gone on in the world, I have no idea if it's a coincidence or not. I have gone from being a reasonably heavy user (multiple orders per week) to rarely ordering (less than once a month) as a result.


Lizard1977

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  #2688412 8-Apr-2021 16:34
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I wouldn't classify myself as a frequent customer, but I always considered Mighty Ape and solid and dependable outlet, alongside places like PB Tech and Computer Lounge, with the added advantage that it was a bit more general than just computer gear.  But now I will be much more circumspect about using MA in the future.  I've dealt with plenty of online retailers for returns, and this is by far the slowest (and that includes overseas retailers).  They admit they are dealing with high volumes of queries, which is understandable in the current situation, but that doesn't just give them free rein to let things slide.  CGA refers to a "reasonable" time to remedy a claim where a product is faulty.  Going on six weeks is starting to push things past reasonable in my books - if it was complex, or not easily replicable, then I would be more understanding.  But this is not a complicated story - five minutes in front of a PC will demonstrate the failure.  Simple solution - swap the unit.  




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  #2688483 8-Apr-2021 17:26
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I've usually had pretty good responses from MA regards to returns/faulty goods. Not done any since the Kogan takeover though but dont see why it wouldve changed unless MA have done what they said they wouldn't, and that was hand all customer service over to Kogan... if that's occurred then good luck. 

 

 





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Zigg
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  #2693276 15-Apr-2021 14:28
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They seem to be slower even shipping "in stock" items now. Ordered something a couple of weeks ago that was in stock "ships tomorrow". 5 days later it shipped. Ordered something last night, in stock/ships tomorrow, so hope I will actually get it tomorrow but won't count on it.


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  #2693279 15-Apr-2021 14:34
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I pickup (only few KM from where I live) and thats always prompt. 

 

Wonder if they're just overworking the available couriers.... :)

 

 





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Lizard1977

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  #2693283 15-Apr-2021 14:47
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Update: MA emailed me on Friday (after following up yet again) and they finally decided to accept the fault.  They don't have the same item in stock so they offered a refund.  I responded on the spot - yes please, then went immediately on the hunt for a replacement.  I went with a TP-Link model from Computer Lounge.  Ordered it on Friday mid-morning, it landed on my doorstep (in PN) less than 24 hours later, and was installed in my new desk setup an hour later.  Brilliant, and well worth the $20 premium over the MA item.  Lesson learned.

 

Meanwhile, almost a week later, MA send another email asking - would I like a refund or (ha!) account credit? Ignoring (or ignorant) that they've already asked this and been given the answer.  So here I am still waiting for a simple refund, yet CL provides consistently excellent service.  I know where I will go next time.


 
 
 

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  #2693367 15-Apr-2021 18:47
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xpd:

 

I've usually had pretty good responses from MA regards to returns/faulty goods. Not done any since the Kogan takeover though but dont see why it wouldve changed unless MA have done what they said they wouldn't, and that was hand all customer service over to Kogan... if that's occurred then good luck. 

 

 

This is what they always say, and usually eventually (even if it's a couple of years down the road) they go back on their word. Every. Single. Time. It's like an unwritten rule of business.


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