Whether you are checking a review detail, want to share your own experience with a product, or need help navigating the site, there is a straightforward way to reach us. We keep the process simple and reply with practical answers, not templates.
Most questions about a specific review or buying guide can be answered by email. If your query relates to a product you have tested yourself, mention the model and how long you have used it, so we can respond with relevant context.
For review corrections, product questions, or feedback on a guide, send a message to our inbox. We read everything and reply during business hours.
info@michaelpolkinghorne.comPrefer to talk through a warranty experience or a tradesperson issue? A quick call often resolves things faster than email.
+27 41 093 0826Email queries are answered within two business days. If you are reporting a factual error in a review, we prioritise those and usually respond within 24 hours. Phone calls are returned the same day when possible, or the next business day if we are out testing products.
Before you write in, check the FAQ section on the support page. Many common questions about how we test products, how to submit a verified purchase review, and how we handle corrections are already answered there. If your question is not covered, emailing us is the quickest route.
How the review process works
Every review on this site follows the same path. We buy the product or hire the service like any other customer, then live with it for several weeks before writing anything. Here is the timeline we stick to, so you know exactly what goes into each recommendation.
Week 1
We buy the item at full retail price from a standard store or online retailer. No review units, no press samples, no special treatment. We note the packaging, the included accessories, and how straightforward the initial setup is for an average person.
Weeks 2–3
The product goes into our regular routine. We use it the way most households would, keep a running log of small annoyances, and test the features that matter for everyday life rather than the ones that look good in a spec sheet. For services, this is when we schedule the work and observe how the tradesperson communicates.
Week 4
We look at how the item holds up after a month of use. Does the finish scratch easily? Is the kettle hard to descale? Does the warranty registration actually work? These are the details that only surface after the initial excitement wears off.
Weeks 5–6
We compare the product against similar models we have tested before, weigh the pros and cons for different budgets, and assign a rating based on value for money, not just performance. If the item is a service, we verify the final invoice against the original quote.
Week 7
The review goes live with a clear rating breakdown and honest pros and cons. We also note any warranty claims or after-sales issues that come up later, so the review stays useful even after the initial testing period ends.
Every review on this site follows the same practical path: buy it, use it for weeks, then write down what actually happened. Here is what that means for you before you spend your money.
Products are tested over several weeks in normal household conditions. We boil the kettle daily, run the washing machine on the cycles you actually use, and let the geyser leak long enough to understand the real problem.
No vague praise and no dramatic complaints. Each review lists what worked, what annoyed us, and whether the issue would bother a typical buyer or only someone with specific needs.
A product can be excellent and still wrong for your situation. We explain where each item sits in its price range and who should spend more, who can save, and what you give up either way.
The purchase is only the start. We document what happens when something breaks, how long the repair takes, and whether the support team actually honours the warranty terms.
Each product gets a clear score across the criteria that matter: build quality, ease of use, performance, and support. You can scan the numbers and decide in under a minute whether the full review is worth your time.
When several similar products compete for your money, we put them side by side. The comparison tables show where one model wins, where another cuts corners, and which choice makes sense for a typical South African household.