Charl Gordon, 33, says he lost over R20 000, and now wants to warn mense not to place any orders with anyone claiming to work for him, as they will most likely not get their hampers at the end of the year.
“Last year I sold meat, luxuries and cool drink hampers and it did well. I then decided to go a bit bigger this year and I advertised for agents in different areas,” he explains.
“I got a good response from people wanting to make extra money, on condition monies are paid in full by November.”
However, his five agents are allegedly not giving him any money although they are collecting from customers and orders have been placed.
Charl says his meat hampers cost R3100, cool drink hampers R680, and the luxury hamper R710.
Many people make use of hampers as they can pay them off over the course of the year and receive them before Christmas.
“I don’t know how many customers have paid money to the agents, but my business is suffering and I have lost R20 000, which is a lot of money,” says Charl.
“I want these people to be exposed and residents paying them to be aware.
“Some people owe me monthly monies and others since January. I mean, these agents are collecting monies from people in my name.
“Every year you see stories in the Daily Voice about people not receiving their hamper packs and that is why I want to bring this up now.
“I don’t want people calling me at the end of the year asking for their hampers. I do not know what the agents are asking people to pay or what they have done with the money.
“When I do pitch up at the agents’ homes, they’re angry and rude.”
He says he tried to lay charges of fraud and theft with police, but was told to approach the courts.
“I have spoken to my lawyer and I will be taking this to the Small Claims Court.”
The Daily Voice contacted agent Kim Lee Bowman from Lavender Hill who confirmed she is selling hampers for Charl.
When asked about the monies she owes Charl, she slammed the phone down.
Another agent, Sheldon Mentor, says he will take responsibility but blames non-paying customers.
He owes Charl over R8 000.
“I was selling, but no more. Two people I thought were dependable turned out not paying and I had to run around for the money,” he says.
“I wish I was straight with Charl about the problems with those clients. I recently just started a new job and I will pay him back,” Sheldon said.
Charl says he no longer makes use of agents and customers should call him directly on 084 810 1736.