I am logging this complaint on behalf of one of my staff members who is
currently being harassed by Price and Pride, the home alliance and
furniture store, for her arrears account.

The reason I am contacting you is because I was horrified when presented
with her statement at the fact that she has already payed the value of
the goods twice over, and yet still stands with an outstanding balance
in the thousands.

According to her statements, she made one purchase in November 2007, to
the value of R6312.63 (cash price, plus sales tax.) Over the last three
years she has paid a total of R13 726.00 on this account.
Her outstanding balance is still a further R2 904.35.

On her account they have added further charges of:

* stamps?? - R194.08
* handling fees - R450.00
* insurance on the goods - R1 535.16
* life insurance - R1 531.20
* serve charges per month - R22.80
* financial charges - R2 247.55

These charges were added to the account before she even made her first
payment. None of the charges were discussed with her, or their purposed
explained.

Thus, before even making her her first payment, her account stood at R12
270.62!!!

Thereafter, the astronomical interest rate of 30.50% per annum has
grossly affected her bottom line whenever she short paid or had to miss
a payment. Since losing his job, she has also had to pay her son's
account at the same store, which has meant that she has had to alternate
payment on each account, leaving them both now heavily in arrears.

This is not the first time that one of my employees has had problems
with Price and Pride.

It grieves me greatly that they are allowed to continue to exploit the
previously disadvantaged communities in our country, who have never
received the education to understand the stipulations of the contracts
that they sign, and who instead are trusting whole-heartly in the ethics
of the retailer to do what is best for the consumer.

I am highly disgusted in Price and Pride's policy and hope that you will
look into this matter, to prevent more innocent and unknowing consumers
falling into their greedy trap.


Thank you for your time and attention to this matter,

Colleen Ferreira