Understanding the Game Return Policy in South Africa is essential before you buy anything online or in-store. The policy looks straightforward, but several hidden terms can affect your refund rights, delivery experience, and warranty claims. This guide breaks it down in plain language so you know exactly what to expect when returning an item to Game or dealing with delayed deliveries.
Before going into detail, here are key takeaways from the policy:
• Returns are only accepted within 7 days for “change of mind” purchases.
• Clothing bought online must be returned in-store, not via courier.
• Game disclaims liability for courier-related damage.
• Refunds are made using your original payment method only.
• Repairs can take up to 21 working days or longer if suppliers delay.
How the Game Return Policy Works
The Game Return Policy South Africa gives customers a short period to return items if they change their minds — exactly seven days from the date of delivery. The goods must be unused, in their original packaging, and sealed. Game also notes that customers may be charged the direct cost of returning the goods.
While this complies with South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA), the seven-day limit is shorter than what most retailers offer. The CPA does not require stores to accept non-defective returns, but Game’s tight window means you have little time to inspect or test your product before losing your right to a refund.
If you buy online and simply wish to cancel, you must email websupport@game.co.za or call 0861 426 333 to log a return request. Small and medium items can be dropped off at any Game store nationwide, while large items require a collection request with photos of the packaging and product.
Clothing and Apparel Purchases
For online clothing orders, Game’s policy is more restrictive. You cannot send clothing back via courier. All returns or exchanges must be made in-store within seven days of purchase. This means if you live far from a Game branch, you must travel at your own expense to return your order.
Socks and underwear are excluded completely due to hygiene reasons. Refunds for clothing are processed in the same method used for payment — so if you paid by card, the money goes back to that same account.
This approach limits the convenience of online shopping and may discourage buyers from purchasing apparel through Game’s website.
Damaged, Wrong, or Faulty Items
If your product is damaged or incorrect when delivered, you must contact the Online Support Centre immediately to arrange collection. The product will then undergo an assessment to confirm the fault before Game issues a replacement or refund. This process can take several days to weeks depending on stock availability.
A key issue here is that Game shifts responsibility to the courier. The policy states that they cannot be held liable for damage “to the extent permitted by law” once the item is with the delivery company. This contradicts the Consumer Protection Act, which holds the retailer responsible until the goods are in the customer’s possession.
Always inspect your delivery before signing the waybill. If there’s visible damage, note it on the courier document and reject the parcel. Once you sign, it’s assumed you accepted the goods in good condition.
Warranty and Repairs
The Game Return Policy South Africa provides a six-month warranty for goods with manufacturing defects. During this time, Game will repair, replace, or refund you — but only after a technical assessment confirms that the defect is not caused by misuse.
If the issue occurs after six months, Game will send your product to the manufacturer for inspection under the manufacturer’s warranty. If that warranty has expired, Game can still arrange a repair at your cost. However, an assessment fee may be charged even if you decline the repair.
The policy mentions that repairs should take no longer than 21 working days, but this excludes supplier or courier delays. In practice, some customers report waiting much longer.
Delivery and Collection Rules
Deliveries take between 2–5 working days, or up to 7 days if you live outside a major city. However, Game does not commit to these time frames. The policy includes a disclaimer that deliveries “may take longer due to issues outside our control,” meaning they can delay indefinitely without offering compensation.
Game also lists several areas they do not deliver to, including parts of Alexandra, Mamelodi, Vosloorus, and Katlehong — which excludes many township residents. This information only appears deep in the policy and may not show at checkout.
If no one is available to receive your parcel, Game allows the courier to hand it to anyone at your address and treat that as authorised acceptance. If a parcel goes missing after being signed for by another person, the responsibility falls on you.
Refunds and Payment Methods
Refunds are only made using the same payment method used to complete your purchase. If your card has expired or your bank details have changed, the process can become complicated. The policy does not specify how long refunds take to reflect, leaving customers uncertain after returns are approved.
This lack of a clear refund timeframe is one of the weaker parts of Game’s policy, as it gives the company flexibility to delay payments without penalty.
What Customers Should Watch Out For
The Game Return Policy South Africa meets the minimum legal requirements but includes several loopholes that can catch consumers off guard:
• Short return window: Only seven days to return unused items.
• Limited liability: Game denies full responsibility for courier damage.
• Restricted online clothing returns: All must be done in-store.
• Assessment delays: Repairs and refunds can take weeks due to “technical checks.”
• Unclear refund timeline: No stated number of days for money to reflect.
The Game Return Policy South Africa gives customers basic protection under the Consumer Protection Act but leaves plenty of room for delay, confusion, and inconvenience. Always read the fine print before purchasing, especially for large appliances or online clothing orders.
Inspect every delivery before signing, keep your proof of purchase, and log return requests as soon as possible. The safest approach is to document everything — emails, photos, and courier notes — so you have evidence if problems arise. In South Africa’s retail landscape, being informed is your best defence against unfair return practices.