Hirsch's
Reviews and Complaints

On 05/02/2020 I took delivery of a Defy Tumble dryer. 05/02/2020 @ 9:11 I contacted Hirschs customer service centre to inform them that there is a problem with the tumble dryer. A technician was sent out to fix the machine.

22/02/2020 @ 8:37 I contacted Hirschs customer service centre once again because the tumble dryer has damaged a set of very expensive linen. It was covered in black marks that doesn't wash out. A technician was sent out to access the machine and a call was logged to replace both the machine and damaged linen.

23/02/2020 @8:37 Sent Kayla @ Hirschs photos of the damaged linen. Got confirmation for Kayla that the unit will be replaced and somebody from Defy will contact me regarding the damaged linen.

5 emails and numerous phone calls to both Kayla and Bradley and the faulty unit has still not been replaced. They keep promising me that the faulty unit will be replaced and that Defy will contact me regarding the damaged linen and nothing happened.

02/03/2021 @ 8:19 Eduard from Defy replied to my email to say that Defy will not do refunds and he can only escalate it in a weeks' time.

02/03/2021 @ 9:50 Got a phone call from the Hirschs service department to find out if I am happy with the service I received from them regarding the ticket I logged on 22/02/2021. The ticket status is listed as closed and resolved.

Invoice no. 7250131/ job card no. 239934. Name: Nisha Behairylall

I am sitting with an expensive samsung tv thinking that this was the best brand on the market and not after just over a year the tv does not have any picture and is still under warranty. i phoned Hirsch Strubens valley and lodged the problem with Jodan on the 27/01/2021 and have not received any feedback either from Samsung or Hirsch to date. I have called Jodan several time and twice on the 01/02/2021 but he cannot give me any feedback as he is waiting for a response from Samsung. I left a message for the manager at reception whom i believe is by the name of Keshan but my call was not returned. is this service i need to get with a tv which i have paid over R 30 000.00 for. disgusting. most definitely my husband received a call from samsung requesting for a survey on their service when my tv has not been attended to.

I purchased a washing machine as a gift and when it was delivered the box was in a bad condition torn opened tampered with the connection were not inside pathetic it was a gift look how disgusting condition this machine came in its so embarrassing and to see the connections the pipes are missing I want this machine to be collected and replaced with a new one or I want my money as it was delivered today!

I went into Hirsch's Hazeldean Pretoria today. My fridge/freezer is broke and they told me to come in and pick another fridge. The lady that phoned me was Tanya and a lovely lady. I got there this morning and the security would not let me in because I had one of the see-thru masks on with cover my nose and mouth right down to my chin. I have been wearing this mask for weeks in Menlyn, Woolworths, Pick N Pay, Makro and Spar and never have they stopped me going in the Store. The security called the manager over and he also would not let me in. I explained to him, I only have one lung and have cancer so with the cloth masks I can't breath. Lesson learned today don't go in Hirsch's again

I ordered a Hisense TV online with the website showing it was in stock at Gateway, as I live close by, I decided to collect it the next morning.
When I arrived, I was told that there was no stock, or that any of the Hirsch's branches. How can an item be listed as "ex-stock" when it is not so?
I am duly going to cancel the order and buy it from Makro. I will go and demand a refund this morning!

I purchased an Elba 60 cm hob from Hirsch Hillcrest on the 21 November. I had it installed on the 10 December 2020 by a qualified electrician. Two of the 4 plates were not working. I called Hirsch and they said a technician would be sent out within 72 hours. I waited 3 days and no one attended to the faulty apparatus. On Thursday, 17 December I contacted Hirsch again and the technician came out on Friday only to report that it was a faulty unit and had to order parts for repair. I contacted Hirsch again and informed them I was not happy with a repair because I purchased a new item. I was told to wait because paper work and request numbers had to be done. After speaking to the assistant manager, she instructed the sales person to replace the faulty unit immediately. I collected another unit on the 19 December and after installation the problem still exists now. So now I have to follow the same procedure of waiting until a technician arrives. I asked the sales lady to check if the units were from the same batch and she cannot do that. They cannot check if the other branches have a different batch neither can she check if the unit is working before we take delivery. Service from Hirsch is extremely pathetic and very disappointed in the quality of the merchandise that is being sold. There is no sense of urgency to resolve matters.

HIUGE MISTAKE-I SHOPPED AT Hirsch's Samsung store in Gateway, Umhlanga.

In nov I purchased a samsung fridge from hirsch's samsung store.
They delivered the wrong model. When I contacted the salesman he insisted that the delivered model was the one that I had ordered and that I must pay more if I wanted the one I had actually ordered and paid for. Luckily I had sufficient proof of what I had ordered and paid for. When I asked for ceo details in order to escalate he offered me a floor model (idiot). When I insisted on escalating he reluctantly agreed to supply the one I had originally purchased. The correct model was delivered a week later. However the ice maker would not work. Samsung technicians eventually attended and confirmed that the filter was faulty. They stated that I needed to contact the store who were responsible for replacing the filter. I contacted the store and sent proof of the samsung technicians attendance. The salesman timothy listen insisted that I needed to purchase a new filter at a cost of r899? Really? I should pay for a supplied brand new samsung faulty water filter? I reminded him of the provisions of the cpa and asked for the necessary details in order to escalate. He has refused to communicate further.

Absolute arrogance and incompetence and disgusting behaviour by hirsch's all round.
I will have to call out a plumbed again to install a new filter. Will I have to pay for the plumber a second time round because hirsch's supplied me a faulty filter?

I have purchased all my large appliance for my home from hirsch. The reason for this was that they use to give a very good after service and had an excellent customer service.

1. I have been trying for two days to purchase a part for my washing machine which I purchased from Hirsch. I even came to the Umhlanga branch to speak to the assistant (Jermaine) I called 3 times on day one (23 Nov 2020) to get hold of him and even left messages. No calls returned. I called the next day and after 2 calls and messages I got through to Jermaine who said he could get the part and will call back with a price. He didn't call. Now on day 3 we called him again and after another 3 calls we got through to him. He said that he will look through the catalogue and will call back. Still no reply from him.
I called TM Electronics in Springfield Park for the same part. They gave me a price over the phone and in the next hour I got a proforma invoice for payment which I paid and my part is ordered. I will be getting it in a few days.

2. I went to the Hirsch Umhlanga branch in 18 July 2020 to purchase 2 x freezer 410lt. We brought in a price to match. The floor assistant at the entrance were on their mobile phones like kids. We did get a halfhearted assistance. The price we had could not be matched and we purchased our items for cash for Furniture king who had excellent customer service from the moment we walked in.

About two years ago I purchased a new Defy Oven and Hob (Gemeni Petit Thermo fan...) from Hirsch. Since installation we had problems and poor performance from the Defy Units.

1. The Hob plates are getting red hot after a few minutes of usage and likewise the entire Hob unit and not to mention the counter. It is a total frustration to operate like this.
2. The Oven glass door busted in pieces and the oven door does not seal properly. Again a major to use the oven for baking.

Will appreciate if you could send somebody with great knowledge and skills to evaluate this mess. If it cannot be fixed or done let me know in order to purchase new LG or any other product.

Appreciate your assistance and support and I can be contacted on my cell at [protected]

Kind regards
Jacolien Botha

I Bought a Russell Hobbs Kettle. Still under guarantee it broke.
Took it back to Hirsch's for repairs on the 25/06/2020
job number 574449. Every time i phone, i never get an answer, only
they still busy with repairs and will get back to me, which never happens.
In the meantime i was forced to buy another kettle.
Repairs was suppose to take 2 weeks, as per Hirsch's. Very disappointed.

[protected]@paintcor.co.za

I contacted HIRSCHs Carnival on Tuesday, 19 May 2020 to report the WHIRLPOOL washing machine, showing an E-27 error accompanied by the illuminated service light and received an SMS, quoting Job Number 175133 for this appliance.

On 22 May 2020, I received a phone call from the Whirlpool Service Agents, Appliance365, informing me that Nkosi Sibanda will be visiting me later on the same day, to attend to the problem.

Nkosi checked the E-27 error on the washing machine and reported that it may be a suspected electrical motor problem.

He promised to send all details of his assessment through to Lisa and Kuhle at HIRSCHs Strubensvalley, for authorization to proceed with the repair.

I phoned Nkosi again on 26 May 2020 to check on progress with the repair-authorization on the washing machine. Nkosi confirmed that he emailed Lisa, to give feedback on both appliances, but received no authorization to proceed with the repair as yet.

I then phoned HIRSCHs Strubensvalley ( 26 May 2020 ) to follow up on the requested repair on my washing machine.

Charlene assisted me with my query and spoke to Kuhle, to check whether he received any feedback from Nkosi Sibanda.

Kuhle responded that he did not receive any email from Nkosi and could not trace Job Number 175133, logged at HIRSCHs Carnival.

Charlene then assisted me to rebook the washing machine at Strubensvalley : Job Number 570867.

Kuhle promised to email Nkosi directly to trace the feedback on his assessment of my washing machine, done on 22 May 2020.

I emailed Kuhle and Lisa at Strubensvalley on 06 June 2020, after lodging an official complaint on 30 May 2020 for poor service regarding this warranty claim :

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 12:34 PM
To: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; lisa.[protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; Appliance 365 ; Dawn Pretorius
Subject: Re: Job Number: 570867 on Extended Maintenance Contract 181691 : J. M. Pretorius.

Good afternoon,

This is now one week later and all I have is the promise from Kuhle that the new motor for my washing machine is on order, with a ten day lead time from Monday, 01 June 2020. Nkosi already completed evaluating both the Washing Machine and Dishwasher on 22 May 2020.

Kuhle responded later that afternoon :

From: kuhle Ngubne
Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 2:30 PM
To: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Cc: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; Appliance 365 ; Dawn Pretorius ; Lallie Maharaj ; Kayla Swartz
Subject: Re: Job Number: 570867 on Extended Maintenance Contract 181691 : J. M. Pretorius.

Good Day Sir

I do apologize for the experience you had to endure with us .

We do not keep spares in stock, as we order per customer jobs .
Please note that the technician will be calling out on Monday to complete the repair on your machine .

The technician did advise that spares was ordered eta on the spare was 2 weeks, but we managed to get the part required in earlier then expected .

The tech will definitely be calling out on Monday. He will be able to confirm time in he morning .

Thanks

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Monday, 08 June 2020, Kuhle again sent an email to Nkosi Sibanda, asking him when he will be calling-out to Mr Pretorius.

NOTHING HAPPENED - I was left hanging for the whole week again.

On Saturday, 13 June 2020, I phoned Neren at Hirsch's Meadowdale to ask for advice on this issue, considering that he was able to resolve the issue with replacement of my WHIRLPOOL Dishwasher on 10 June 2020.

He put me through to Fiona, who promised to follow up on this case and revert back to me. She traced my first complaint regarding the Whirlpool Dishwasher, now resolved, and phoned me to come through to the store on Saturday, 20 June 2020, for the replacement washing machine.

My wife and I were both very excited that this matter will finally be resolved, only to find out from Chrissie Nortman, Branch Manageress at Hirsch's Meadowdale that Head Office in KZN decided to repair my washing machine now, four weeks after the matter was first reported to them.

I received an SMS message on Tuesday, 23 June 2020, informing me that Hirsch's now have the part on order with the supplier and will advise when the parts come in and arrange for the technician to call out.

This once again proves that there is a systemic problem regarding extended warranty claims and a disconnect between the after-sales service team at Hirsch's and the technicians at Appliance 365.

This level of poor service forced me to Plan-B :

Buy a new AEG Washing Machine, promptly delivered on 10 June 2020.

Hirsch's has an excellent sales team with a wide product range, but whoever is in charge of after sales service and support sadly lets the team down and should be taken to task for failure to meet customer expectations.

Head Office needs to wake up and decisively deal with this problem before alienating loyal customers, who supported them for many years.

Awaiting your reply.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius
24 June 2020

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: Saturday, June 6, 2020 12:34 PM
To: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; lisa.[protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; Appliance 365 ; Dawn Pretorius
Subject: Re: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 & 570867 on Extended Maintenance Contract 181691 : J. M. Pretorius.

Good afternoon,

This is now one week later and all I have is the promise from Kuhle that the new motor for my washing machine is on order, with a ten day lead time from Monday, 01 June 2020. Nkosi already completed evaluating both the Washing Machine and Dishwasher on 22 May 2020.

On 26 May 2020 the Dishwasher again failed ( third instance ) with the same F-6 / E-1 error, first reported at the end of November 2019.

To add insult to injury, to date no response from Kershen Govender, listed as Strubensvalley Branch Manager on the HIRSCH's website.

Based on the above, I now conclude that there seems to be no urgency in honoring the terms of the extended warranty contract.

This leaves me with no other option that to seek legal advice, in an attempt to get HIRSCH's to improve their level of after-sales service and support.

Johannes Pretorius
[protected]

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 1:58 PM
To: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; Appliance 365 ; Dawn Pretorius
Subject: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 & 570867 on Extended Maintenance Contract 181691 : J. M. Pretorius.

Good afternoon Gentlemen,

I hereby wish to lodge an official complaint for extremely poor after-sales service and support with relation to the above mentioned Job Numbers for appliances,
covered under the Extended Maintenance Contract 181691 - J. M. Pretorius.

Below I am attaching all correspondence, related to this matter, for your urgent attention :

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: 11 February 2020 11:06 AM
To: [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: Dawn Pretorius
Subject: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

Good morning,

I bought a WHIRLPOOL Dishwasher, ADP7570IX, on 14 June 2015 and also took the 5-Year maintenance contract, number 181691, as additional cover for this machine.

I contacted HIRSCH Service Centre at the end of November 2019, reporting a suspected spray-water-pump failure, giving an F6-E1 error on this particular machine.

The technician visited me at the start of December 2019 and informed me that he would have to order a replacement pump for this machine.

At the start of January 2020, I again contacted HIRSCH Service Centre to enquire about progress with sourcing of this replacement water pump.

I was informed that this job has been closed. I again reported that the dish washer was faulty and informed them that I am still waiting for the replacement pump.

The technician visited me the following Saturday and attempted to fit the supplied replacement part, only to discover that the electrical connection points were incompatible.

The technician removed the pump, to be taken back to HIRSCH Service Centre as sample, and promised to have the correct part delivered and installed before the end of January 2020.

I requested that he must phone me when visiting, to be present to witness pump installation and machine testing, to ensure that the dish washer is in good working order.

Upon arrival at home, after work on 10 February 2020, I was informed that the HIRSCH technicians came through to repair the dish washer in question.

My wife and I were very excited to finally have an operational dish washer and proceeded to test the repaired unit later that evening, only to find the same F6-E1 error again.

My patience has run out now - After having spent R 40 000-00 on Whirlpool appliances, this level of after sales service is simply unacceptable.

I do have appreciation for the fact that Whirlpool now falls within the K.I.C. stable, but my maintenance contract is still valid and binding.

Considering the fact that my current dishwasher now seems to be irreparable, Maintenance Contract 181691 general conditions : Point 7.8 now comes into play.

Please arrange for the following at your earliest convenience :

1. Collection of the irreparable WHIRLPOOL dishwasher from my premises.

2. Delivery of a new replacement dishwasher, according to Point 7.8.

3. HIRSCH Banking Details for E.F.T. payment of the agreed replacement cost.

I have 13 and 14 February 2020 available in my diary to supervise and pay for the above.

Please action.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius

________________________________________
From: Charlene
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2020 11:53 AM
To: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Subject: Read: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 8:59 AM
To: [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: 'johannes.[protected]@live.com'
Subject: FW: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

Good morning,

My Whirlpool Dishwasher, ADP7570IX, currently still on maintenance contract number 181691, again failed with the same E-1 error, as described in the email above.

This unit was repaired on 17 February 2020 and five weeks later I am again in the unenviable position to assume dish washing duties myself, right at the start of lock-down.

My patience has run out now - After having spent R 40 000-00 on Whirlpool appliances, this level of after sales service is simply unacceptable.

I do have appreciation for the fact that Whirlpool now falls within the K.I.C. stable, but my maintenance contract is still valid and binding.

Considering the fact that my current dishwasher now seems to be irreparable, Maintenance Contract 181691 general conditions : Point 7.8 now comes into play.

Please arrange for the following at your earliest convenience :

Collection of the irreparable WHIRLPOOL dishwasher from my premises.
Delivery of a new replacement dishwasher, according to Point 7.8.
HIRSCHs Banking Details for E.F.T. payment of the agreed replacement cost.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius

________________________________________
From: Charlene
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 9:38 AM
To: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Subject: Read: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

From: Lisa
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2020 3:57 PM
To: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR) ; 'Lallie' ; Rashika Chetty ; Charlene ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za ; Appliance 365
Cc: 'johannes.[protected]@live.com'
Subject: Re: FW: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

CAUTION: External E-mail

Hi Lallie

Please see below complaint.

Nkosi calling out today.

Please advise.

Thank you

Lock-Down for COVID - 19 then shut everything down...

From: Johannes Pretorius
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2020 12:24 PM
To: Lisa ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Subject: Re: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

CAUTION: External E-mail

Good afternoon,

I am following up on my query, dated 26 March 2020 and want to find out whether the Lock-down restrictions under Level 4 would allow you to resolve my query at this point.

Awaiting your reply.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius
Cell [protected]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As fate would have it, on the same evening of the email above, 18 May 2020, my washing machine joined the dishwasher on the out-of-order list, displaying an E-27 error with the Service Light Indicator illuminated as well.

I contacted HIRSCHs Carnival on Tuesday, 19 May 2020 to report the washing machine and received an SMS, quoting Job Number 175133 for this appliance.

I asked HIRSCHs Carnival to also follow up on Job Number 562153 for the dishwasher.

They referred me to HIRSCHs Strubensvalley for feedback on Job Number 562153 for the dishwasher.

On 22 May 2020, I received a phone call from the Whirlpool Service Agents, informing me that Nkosi Sibanda will be visiting me later on the same day, to attend to both appliances.

Nkosi reset the software program on the dishwasher ( Job Number 562153 ) and informed me to test the unit over the week-end.

Nkosi then checked the E-27 error on the washing machine and reported that it may be a suspected electrical motor problem.

He promised to send all details of his assessment through to Lisa and Kuhle at HIRSCHs Strubensvalley, for authorization to proceed with the repair.

I phoned Nkosi again on 26 May 2020 to check on progress with the repair-authorization on the washing machine. Nkosi confirmed that he emailed Lisa, to give feedback on both appliances, but received no authorization to proceed with the repair as yet.

I then phoned HIRSCHs Strubensvalley ( 26 May 2020 ) to follow up on the requested repair on my washing machine.

Charlene assisted me with my query and spoke to Kuhle, to check whether he received any feedback from Nkosi Sibanda.

Kuhle responded that he did not receive any email from Nkosi and could not trace Job Number 175133, logged at HIRSCHs Carnival.

Charlene then assisted me to rebook the washing machine at Strubensvalley : Job Number 570867.

Kuhle promised to email Nkosi directly to trace the feedback on his assessment of my washing machine, done on 22 May 2020.

Later that afternoon, I received the following email from Nkosi :

From: [protected]@appliance365.co.za
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 3:48 AM
To: 'Lisa' ; Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR) ; 'Lallie' ; 'Rashika Chetty' ; 'Charlene' ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: johannes.[protected]@live.com
Subject: RE: FW: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

Good day

Unit was fixed, needed reset

Kind Regards

Nkosi Sibanda

Technical Supervisor (Field)

Appliance 365

Mobile: +[protected]

Office : +[protected]

www.appliance365.co.za

[protected]@appliance365.co.za

On Wednesday morning, 27 May 2020, I found that the same F-6 / ​E-1 error on my dishwasher returned, after being reset on 22 May 2020.

I reported this via email, below :

From: Johannes Pretorius (Springs - PMR)
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 9:47 AM
To: [protected]@appliance365.co.za ; 'Lisa' ; 'Lallie' ; 'Rashika Chetty' ; 'Charlene' ; [protected]@hirschs.co.za
Cc: johannes.[protected]@live.com
Subject: RE: FW: Job Number: 558246 & 562153 J. M. Pretorius.

Good morning,

Sad news - My Dishwasher only did eight loads before the dreaded E-1 / F-6 Error returned on 26 May 2020, after Nkosi reset the unit on Friday, 22 May 2020.

With regards my Washing Machine and the F-27 error, Charlene created Job number 570867 on 26 May 2020 to capture Nkosi's detailed assessment, done on 22 May 2020.

I currently have two machines out of order, still on extended maintenance contract.

Please action at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius

[protected]

I phoned HIRSCHs Strubensvalley on numerous occasions from 28 to 30 May 2020, seeking feedback on the outstanding Job Numbers 562153 and 570867, to no avail.

This level of after sales service reflects badly on HIRSCHs, as company, as well as on WHIRLPOOL as reputable brand.

Kershen, I need you to take a final decision on this matter :

If the appliances cannot be repaired, instruct your team to replace these units in accordance with the general conditions, stipulated under Point 7.8 of my Extended Maintenance Contract Number 181691.

Awaiting your reply.

Thank you,

Johannes Pretorius

[protected]

I have purchased a washing machine this year, it is Still under warranty. A month ago I noticed that is does not spin the clothes dry and an error message comes on the screen then it stops working, we have to open the bottom of the machine and then we notice that clothes are stuck inside. It has being tearing our small clothes and staining clothes from the remains that are inside and not removed.
I have contacted Hirsch on the 27/11/2019 and they picked up the machine. To date I have no feedback as to when will I receive a new machine or my money back. I was told that they are waiting for feedback from Hisense. I am really disappointed with the service that I am getting from Hirsch in Durban because I did send my torn clothes with the machine and I was told that they found 2 more socks in the machine. Its clear that there is a problem with the machine, what is the delay to get a replacement or my money back. My job no is : 555966.
The reference number is [protected]

Bought a microwave & a deep freezer from you guys in the last 3 months, no issues, this time I looked to you guys to by a TV and then everything goes downhill. From a pitch of we can "price match" to sorry cant help you - Truly Pathetic. Oh and you guys can refund my payment which is in excess of R15000.00 that take 3+ days to reflect in my account meaning that I LOST OUT on the same TV at a far cheaper price from a competitor. When I was shopping around many sales people from different stores mentioned to me that your prices are inflated to compensate for the so called "discount" making it a barging to shop with yourselves - if only I had listened from the onset & took my business elsewhere. Mr Alan Hirsch, I truly hope that this matter lands on your table - It takes months to find a customer though seconds to lose one.

I bought a top range Defy top loader in December 2018. I have had endless trouble with it. Now it has been 3 months since i could last use it due to it slamming around on the spin cycle. Eventually a person came out and said it needed new shocks. Waited 5 weeks and still doing the same thing! Contacted manager at Hirsch Ballito, e mailed Mr Hirsch himself and still nothing. MAny promises to collect and repair and yet here I still sit with no use of my machine and it is still under warranty. Poor service does not come close to describe Hirsch!