MTN pre-order promotion

The below promotion was valid from February 26 - March 22nd.

I will start by saying that all the devices I own are Apple, including my phone and Apple Watch which I use for all my workouts / fitness tracking. While looking to get a new device, I started looking at the Samsung S9 and came across MTN’s offer, being the Samsung S9 complete with a R500 Samsung Voucher and a Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro free (worth R2500)

I found similar deals at Vodacom, offering the same package including the wireless charger (worth R899).

I decided to go for this deal at MTN, seeing as I could get the Samsung complete with a fitness tracker (as the Apple Watch only works with iPhone).

So I submitted the the order with the following dates; - March 3rd - confirmation from MTN regarding my preorder - March 7th - call from MTN and confirmation of the Sale Date - March 12th to March 16th - Chasing MTN everyday to follow up, via email AND calling (I had to send an email with all my supporting documents to 3 separate MTN staff in order for my case to be actioned) - March 17th (Sunday) - Got confirmation from MTN regarding my contract approval and was informed that DSV will deliver my device soon. - March 26th - Received my device from DSV

When I got my device I called to enquire about my “promotional watch” which I was told to download the Samsung Rewards App to redeem it, which I did. To my surprise there was no redeemable item. I called MTN and was told they cannot help me and to send an email to ********** with the following items and they ‘will’ help me get my device.. 1. Sale date: 7 March 2018 2. Date of contract approval: 17 March 2018 3. IMEI Number: ____ 4. Serial Number: ___ 5. Screen shot of Samsung rewards 'burn' screen 6. Date of phone delivery: 26 March 7. Reference number: MV **********

I did the above and Samsung rep**** saying the promotion had ended and "I must have purchased the device within the promotion period" which I did, seeing as the promotion dates were February 26 - March 22nd….

Samsung then rep**** that the device was out of stock, meaning I will not get the promotional item.

This is completely unacceptable from both Samsung and MTN. I just hope this post will help people in the future, who hopefully do some research beforehand, get some clarity on ‘promotional’ items well before making the commitment.