Woolworths South Africa
reviews and complaints

I purchased the chocolate mini digestives biscuits at a woolworth's store and to my surprise when I was packing my children's lunch boxes I noticed the packet felt empty it has one whole biscuit inside, packet is still sealed I feel they already overpriced for the amount of biscuits they contain inside the pack and to have a packet with one whole biscuit is rather disgusting.

Where is the quality control woolworths!

Every week I visit Woolworths Umlazi mega city to buy fruits and vegetables. I prefer woolies because is well known for quality even if you know you will pay more because of trust you do pay more. Since December 2022 I started to notice a negative shift in the quality when for numerous occasions when I bought robot peppers. When I cut the peppers, the inside is rotten inside. I would throw that and believed maybe it's not their fault.

Then the same thing happened with the red apples. I always buy red apples because each morning I eat an apple with my daughter. But Today when this happened, I said enough is enough, something is definitely wrong with the quality of their fruits and vegetables. I have lost so much money trying to cover this up. I am not happy at all with this when we pay so much

Regards

Aurelia Miya

I bought groceries for Christmas lunch and there were a few items not available and they send me more expensive items and I spoke to store in Grove where the packing happens I will send it with driver and I then send it back with driver and signed the form of initial order.

No correspondence about my refund for 2 weeks and then I called them last week. I have been on the phone for almost 10 days trying to get a manager to resolve this issue. I then received a mail Thursday with gift card details that didn’t work at all. I called and explained and again I send another email with a screenshot of message on App. No correspondence the consultant Elvina and Nakita said a Manager will call me. I called again on Monday morning I was told manager is busy and can’t talk now but she will call me back. I waited another day and no manager again. Then Tuesday I called and insisted to speak to her now . She took my call and said she will look into the matter but she was not aware of my query which made me more angry. She took two days to get back to me with a refund and then the consultant Janica called today to ask if I am happy now. I asked her for my compensation as I called every time and I feel I should be compensated as I spend days on the phone for almost one hour explaining myself n query. I asked Janeca for the fuller details of Manager and Regional manager as they said Woolworths policy is not to give out names and surnames of their staff. I need to complain in writing only. I told Janeca she is rude and disrespectful towards customers as I have never had such a horrible experience at Woolies. I told her please go check my online profile and you will see the amount of spending and shouldn’t be treated like this. I also told her all my calls are recorded and she mentioned to me and then said she will drop this call now.

I am disgusted with the online customer service from consultants and manager.

Please advise urgently as I want my compensation for all the phone calls to you guys.

On Friday 30 December 2022 we did shopping at the mens department in the Menlyn Woolworths store.
There was an incident where my daughters IPhone was stolen in the store.
We immediately reported the incident to the security lady on duty.
She did absolutely nothing and just pulled up her shoulders.
We reported the incident at the MTN store 50 meters away and was told by MTN that the theft of cellphones in Woolworths store is taking place on a regular basis, nearly on a daily basis.
We returned to Woolworths and spoke to the manager, she told us that the security cameras did not cover all parts of the store.
She undertook to investigate and will keep us informed via cell phone.
No response received to date

Purchased a pre-pack of Free Range Lamb Leg Chops on the 31/12/2022 at the Galleria branch. Cooked the meat on a braai the same evening. My guests nor any member of my family could eat the cooked meat, owing to it being very tough. I paid an amount of R171.19 in cash and did not retin the till slip. However I still have the cooked meat as well as the tray with the labelling.

We purchased the new Cutie Pie Gateau Cake for my mom's birthday on the 27th December we bought the cake in the morning as it was a cake for the birthday and we had people over. We've been buying cakes for all birthdays from Woolworths due to the satisfactory quality we usually receive but this time with this cake it was a terrible experience. The sponge of the cake was extremely tasteless and crumbling apart it also had some funny bitter taste this was extremely disappointing as we intended to make the day special for my mom but instead had a cake that had absolutely no taste and just brought down the entire mood. None of the guests could even finish their pieces and it had to all just be thrown away.

We purchased duck, Gammon and Lamb from Woolies yesterday for Christmas eve dinner.

EVERYONE that ate the duck became violently I'll 2 hrs later last night and most of today the 3 family members are still suffering.

This is a disgrace and we expect better from Woolies.

Thanks for ruining our Christmas! I have my Woolies card number and copy of purchase for around R3600 if anyone is interested!

Woolies card no [protected].

Mike Vincent

[protected]

I am very unhappy with the service I received from Woolworths Randpark Ridge, we live in the area and shop at this store very often. Yesterday 25/11/2022, woolies had a promotion buy 2 for 3, my husband bought me 3 jeans, so as we understand it, you pay for the 2 highest items and the cheapest one is free. He had 3 jeans, one was R599, one was R399 and other other which was free was 399. So his total receipt was R998, (how it is split on the receipt is not my problem) however these jeans didn't fit and I needed to go back in today to exchange for sizes. Woolies is still running the promotion today the 26/11/2022, so I spend quite an extensive amount of time at the store looking for sizes to exchange these items, the 3 jeans I took today was R549, R399, and R399 which in total is less than what my husband paid. The consultant exchanges the 399 ones and then says I must pay her more for the 549, so I asked her why, she says on the slip it's showing 427, at this time I'm trying to explain to her that the promotion is 3 for 2 and today's items are worth R49 less than yesterday's items, she still arguing and says yesterday it was on special, so because it didnt make sense why I had to pay more, I told her please cancel everything and put it on the gift card, as this lady didn't want to understand. So then that seemed a problem for her aswell, until I said I want the total funds of R998 on the gift card.

She continually says I'm not understanding and there are clients in the line, this consultant does not use a name badge. The manager Charlotte, was standing there the entire time and tells her in Zulu I'm not understanding and then does it again while processing the gift card, yet she didn't come and check the receipt to find out why I need to pay more?

I'm very disappointed and displeased with this branch at Randpark Ridge Mall, as now I wasted so much of my time as well as fuel, I could have went to a better branch with better customer service.

I'm so upset. I'm so upset.

The experience I had at the store when I went to make a payment onto my card turned into a horrid and horrendous one that caused me to miss a client meeting.

The store called me back into the store. That was just another blow after a stressful experience.

The worst part was that no one considered my time, how late it was, and how dangerous it was for me.

I was called back into the store without any explanation as to why I was called back into the store after they did processes incorrectly. I found out that they were calling me back because of their incompetence and irresponsible actions by not knowing how to resolve their problems at the right time.

Returning back to your store made me miss an important client meeting

I was unable to sit down and have dinner

Almost choked from having to eat while returning back to the store.

This was the worst experience of my life. I couldn't even begin to describe my level of frustration and anger over the fact that choosing to do a basic transaction in store turned out to be what ruined my day. Merely deciding to give you my money and being a local customer turned into the worst customer experience of my year.

You know, the disgusting part is when the girl who caused all of this didn't even say thank you or sorry.

A simple 'Thank you for taking the risk to leave your safety in the middle of the night to help me with my till, which is short of money, and now we are trying to balance it my wasting your time and balancing your till.

Not a thank you for helping,

Not a thank you for wasting my time or even considering my time and my business.

The only time they said thank you was when you were wasting my time.

How embarrassing. Imagine a customer in the store even asked me if I was lost or okay and if I needed help because I was standing there for so long, not even being updated on what was happening.

They took my card away from me in store and went away from where I can see what actions were being completed and no one told me what was happening when my card was away. You are not supposed to take my card away from me outside of my eye reach.

Then the manager says, 'don't worry, I'll compensate you after I told her that I do not want to be there at night, not considering anything that could happen to me, as though being compensated will keep me safe in the middle of the night.

Who compensates me for having to return from my house back to your store?

I missed a meeting because I was standing in the middle of Woolworths sorting out your problems, you had the audacity to chase me with a packet of Chuckles saying you are compensating me for losing 499.0 USD.

As a result of your incompetence and the putrid capacity of your team, I put myself in danger in this rape culture world.

This has really ruined the relationship I have with Woolworths, I've been with you as a loyal customer, and even now I was making a payment I did not need to make at this time.

I'd really appreciate it if you could.

Balance my account, run a debit order for everything, and close the accounts.

I'm good.

I was at Woolworths Airport Cape Town International

Thulisa Peter

On the 11th of November 2022, when I went to Woolworths Cresta Mall to credit a Levis jean that was bought by my wife. The management told me that this is not heir jean, and it was worn, therefor they won't exchange for me. I tried to explain to them that it was bought there on the weekend. With confidence the manager told to take that jean to where I bought it,

I was really humiliated and harassed in front of the customers and Woolworths staff. I never thought that would happen to me especially at that store as I always do my shopping there, I am really disappointed with the management.

I always do my shopping at the same Woolworths, when I went there to report it look like my case was not taken seriously. Therefore I have decided to consult with my lawyers maybe they will take me seriously.

Good day, I purchased a packet of chicken rashes from the woolworths in malvern (engen garage) durban, on the 09-11-2022 the sell by date is 17 november, I fried the packet yesterday morning for my family breakfast and the product tatsted sour and off, please bear in mind this is a firm favourite in our household and I was very dissapointed with this. Thankfully I tasted it and didnt serve it to my kids, who would of probably suffered from food poisoning. I am extremely upset and digusted. Please can you call me to further discuss the matter. Thank you

In the last month, I have purchased Woolworths pies from the Chatsworth branch. The first time I purchased the chicken and mushroom pies. The eating of the pie was a disappointing experience as the pie had mainly gravy and hardly any chicken.

On my second trip to the same shop,I decided to try out the roast chicken pies to see if it was any different. Again my expectations were not met. The pie had mainly gravy and a few pieces of chicken.

Woolworths products are meant to be a cut above the rest especially with the high price tag yet its disappointingly ordinary. I can say that the pies we buy from the Breadmill Essenwood are well worth their expensive price. Feeling extremely disappointed,I will not be purchasing pies from your store again.

Hi there, I am a regular Woolies customer branch Woolworths Queensquarters. I purchased Soya cultured yogurt on 8 November 2022 and when I got home that evening and the next morning I noticed that the yogust was gone off. Looked at the expiry date and it w 2 or 4 November 2022. I took it back to Woolworths yesterday, 9 November 2022 with my receipt and obviously the staff was embarrased as apparently this has never happened. They said that either they can refund the money or I can take a new product to that value R46,99 each got back R94.00. I informed the Manager that if it was another store and on the discretion of the manager (and as agreed by a couple of the staff at Woolworths) that the product would be given free and my money would also be returned. The manager refused to do so and I informed them that I will put this on faceback/social media. I even though I did not make a fuss but there were other customers that was aware of the fuss going on and some of them turned back and looked and smiled. The manager just shrugged his shoulder and worked away while the supervisor at the front desk (by the cashers) assisted me. Even though this did not happen and the reason why I did not make a scene or fuss at the store is because they are the nicest staff members but I hope that this does not happen again as next time it could be a very irate customer who could be different to me.

Oh good luck and this would not stop me from shopping there as I am diabetic and some of my products I buy from Woolies and as I leave about 5 minutes away this is the ideal place to shop. PS : Don't stop selling your wonderful soya cultured yogurt products as Woolies is the only store I can get them from.

Please note that I am not complaining but it is the principle that counts as of the Manager's attitude. Also please check your products, especially the expirty date/s on the the shelves and fridge.

All the best and have a wonderful festive season and holidays. Good luck and God Bless

A few months ago, I purchased 2 sets of 3 pure cotton socks from 2 different Woolworths stores in different towns. See the attached photos. I was not in need to wear them immediately. I used a pair after a while and yesterday took out another pair to wear. After wearing them I noticed a hole in one of the socks. See attached pictures. These are expensive socks and am thus requesting a refund for the pair.

Norma Loate employee number 7160098. You dont deserve to be part of woolies stuff. This employee thinks she is making customers favours by collecting thier approved already store cards just to collect. She made wait for 2 hours just to collect my card because of my green id booklet being lose. Rude and has a attitude forgetting she is on duty to help not create problems. I had to ask for assistance from the manger , which he was so helpful. Lastly would like to thank kelebogile matlabyana for saving the day, woolies need such employees who love what they do. She toke over and i got my card within 2mins, after being delayed for 2 hours from a very rude and so wena be a manger Norma and think its her family shop and thinking she can treat customers with no respect. She will be the course woolies lose customers acting like she is in charge. Again woolies i really appreciated stuff like kelebogile . She is an asset and keeps woolies name flying high. Woolies in Northgate mall

On 09/10/22 I ordered 4 x Rye Bread, 2 x Probiotic Yoghurt and onion flakes. 3 Items which cost me R60.00 to have delivered.

When the goods arrived the yogurt was not there nor was it replaced with a similar item as I instructed.

I look after a 82 year old bedridden lady with severe food intolerances and these are of the few foods she can take.

The driver informed me that everyone he is delivering to is shouting at him because half their orders are not being fulfilled.

The online woollies service has progressively been getting worse for the past 3 months, to the point where half the goods you order are not in stock and are not replaced - no matter what instruction you give on the delivery section. I have tried to get them to call to substitute but nothing.

Last month I ended up shopping at another shop rather than supporting them.

I have submitted a query online @ 12:20 on 10/10/22 and as at 21/10/22 there has been no effort to solve the query. Just passing the buck from one service desk clerk to another.

The online agent replied I should have chosen to have substitutes with out even looking at my order. The tone of the email was so condescending.

4 service agents later and they finally admitted that they have checked and I did in fact do as much.

For 4 days now they claim to have escalated it to a manager whose name they don't know, to an email address they cannot provide and still no call from said manager. The agent kept fobbing the issue off on the store.

No accountability has been taken in any way! None. They cannot even escalate it to their own internal department.

Buyer beware of them. Avoid at all costs if possible.

I will keep emailing on a daily basis, since it's the principle that counts.

I will not let this go.

How many other people are primary caregivers stranded looking after sick family members who cannot be left alone and they need what they order?

I am sure I am not alone, and for them I will fight this.

Hi,

So I have a credit card with woolies that I have being paying consistently. On the 26th of Sept I missed a payment, which I take full responsibility of.

However, on the 5th of Oct a consultant from their customer care, gave me a call to arrange a once off debit order of R1955 which went through successfully and reflects on my bank account.

When I go onto the woolies app, there’s nothing there. Shows no payment at all.

Can I tell you what, since then I’ve been receiving calls from every from everyone there, from different departments annoying me about a missing payment. I was asked to email proof of payment to “*********** which I did the whole entire week and also spoke to numerous unprofessional untrained call centre people with no manners.

Everyone tells me they cannot allocate my payment.

One the unprofessional people that I spoke to was Zaida Peterson…this one new nothing and sounded so tired and sleepy. I also spoke to a guy that had said he will log a fault to finance and another girl that said the same thing and many others. I have not had my email acknowledged nor received a single call for that nonsensical finance department. I have been told that the payments take a couple days to reflect from Absa bank and that finance takes a couple of days to respond too.

This morning, about an hour ago…I received a call Pamela Adonis that was also querying a non payment. I’m still in shock that she said there were no notes 😳 after I had spoken to almost 10 people. What a disaster 🚮

This Pamela was so apologetic and claimed she will have her manager call me straight away…clearly the politeness was fake and pathetic and I had told her that if I don’t get a call, I’m going to send a complaint. Obviously she didn’t care. No one cares really!

I am angry and frustrated! You guys are the most rude and unprofessional people. You lack customer service!

Yesterday I received an email from Nawaal Gladen asking me to send a proof of payment clearly he never read my other email. I’m just so frustrated that admits 2 weeks later my payment still forms f reflect. What kind of a business does that?

I received my bank statement as well which now shows that you guys will debit 2 payments.

I purchased the Raspberry & White Chocolate Mousse cake to serve at a dinner party on Saturday, 27 August.

The picture of the cake on the box was very inviting with a healthy filling of White Chocolate Mousse.

That was not the experience when we opened the box.

Attached are two photographs: One of the box lid and the other of the actual slice that was inside the box.

It was most disappointing.

I bought a 1kg bag of onions on Sunday the 14th of August 2022, I then opened bag on the 15th of August and took an onion out only for it to be rotting on the inside... I find this absolutely disgusting for the Woolworths promise. It is a long period of time before the expiration date, this is truly unacceptable. I am a constant shopper at Woolworths and have never experienced such. Also the lack of items is frustrating. You advertise special and when one arrives at the shop there's no stock. Woolworths standard is not as it use to be.