I bought a franchise from Cape Town to open in Durban in an exclusive shopping centre. I used a designer apponted by the Franchisor, New Ideas Company, to do the design and other. Reluctant to use "out of town" designers but the designer assured me she was very capable and was able to deliver on time. What should have taken 7 days to complete according to our deadline schedule took 66 days... and still not correct. Plans were rejected by the centre's design committee for the duration of 2 months with numerous erros and discrepancies. The work was very slat dash. When finally "approved" on paper, the actual design did not meet the correct measurements of the store. Not being 1 or 2cm out but 1.5 metres incorrect, with other incorrect measurements. This designer then "resigned" mid job, having had enough verbal abuse from everyone concerned, and proceeded to keep the deposit of 60%, job not having been completed, plus billed me for hours worked fixing their errors in the plans. They are clearly not qualitifed and took on a job well above their capabilities. I just find it unbelievable that they can keep your money, job not completed and walk away with your deposit.
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