The SA Consumer Complaints (SACC) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) are some of the avenues available to consumers who are having difficulties with car dealerships.
RMI renders the facilitation of a mediatory service in relation to disputes between consumers and businesses (RMI members) in the motor industry. The RMI follows a process of facilitation and attempts to reach amicable resolutions to disputes in a manner that is cost effective for all parties concerned.
In an ideal situation, where the retailer or the supplier is a member of the RMI, the consumer affairs office will attempt to intervene and facilitate the mediation process between the parties to achieve an amicable resolution. The facilitation process is informal, and therefore no legal representation is allowed.
“During these proceedings, the RMI remains neutral and impartial. To achieve success, both parties (consumer and the dealer) must be willing to participate with a view of achieving a win-win resolution.
The service is free of charge. The RMI’s consumer affairs officer facilitates disputes that are [from] not more than six months after delivery of goods or service to the consumer,” said RMI regional manager Jeff Molefe.
SACC also assists desperate consumers.
“We can also assist the consumers to motivate their case and provide them with the necessary ammunition to take the dispute to MIOSA (Motor Industry Ombudsman SA). Our standard fee is R3,500 and if the outcome is negative we will assist the consumer to take the matter to the next level,” said SACC professional arbitrator and mediator Duon Odendaal.
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