South Africa's struggling retailers not interested in sales

 I'm typing this on my tablet, two fingers at a time. My laptop broke end of 2022 and I've not replaced it yet - I have been waiting for the right replacement; it will possibly be my last so it must be good. I'd like a MacBook but can't afford the inflated, aspirational price of Apples.

So more than once I've given Computermania, Incredible Connection, Asus online shop and a couple of others my requirements and budget: a good machine, not cheap but not very expensive either (well below a MacBook). 

But despite salesmen's (and one woman) polite, but bored interest in my queries and to spend a substantial sum, in excess if R20,000, they're unwilling to to make enquires on my behalf with their suppliers or head office. On occasion they say they would, and take my contact details, but don't. Mostly they can't be bothered. The same applies to emails to their "sales" address (why have that address if no selling is taking place?)

I've encountered similar attitudes at other retailers, not only computers - Diskem, Driftaway bedding, etc. It's as if they don't want to sell things. They may even blithely refer one to online shopping, their own group or other. But online shops I've made enquires about goods on offer are little better. 

There was a time when a if salesperson said they'd find out for a customer they meant it. Now they, at least most of them, don't care. I can see the attraction of online shopping - it's not necessarily cheaper though. 

But I can also see why the economy is struggling. Sales staff want to do as little selling as possible and business are not there to serve the needs if customers.