Most unpleasant "Shopping" experience EVER!

<p>After being at one of the leading Cellular Networks for the past 20 years, I have decided to port to Telkom Mobile, due to very poor coverage at my home address. I was also very impressed with the excellent deals they offer with the Free Me Special Offers.</p> <p>I attempted to apply online, but when I was informed that I had to wait 5 to 7 working days for the handset to be delivered, I decided to rather apply at one of the stores. I wanted the forms sent through to me, and find out what documentation they required from me and find out whether they had the handset I want in stock; before just going into a store. I searched for the closest stores on the Internet. I found the phone numbers for 5 stores and called every single one of them: Both stores in Alberton City, The Glen, Eastgate and Rosebank. I then went to one of the stores but they did not have the handset I wanted, and when I asked if they could find out from another branch where I can get the handset, I was told no, I had to go to the store. In other words, you have to drive from store to store and stand in queues every time, just to find out that they perhaps also do NOT have stock of the handset require. Best option I had then, was to apply online, as they did have stock of the handset I required. I app**** online, and was told that my handset would be delivered in 5 to 7 working days. Waited 6 days and phoned to find out when it would be delivered to ensure I was available for delivery - I had to hold on for 57 minutes before my call was answered. To my shock and horror, I was told that my application was declined - I was not even notified that my application had been declined. When I asked the reason, I was told that my personal information did not match with ITC. I explained that I have not changed my name, ID number, or address and the only possible explanation was that the Sales person captured some of my details incorrectly (this is all done telephonically, no forms). I then asked what the conflict was between what was captured and what is displayed on ITC, and I was just told that this information is not available to te customer. I then aksed to speak to a manager and insisted that they provide me with this information. I gave them my personal details again and insisted they check the details that were captured and get back to me, so as to get to the bottom of this. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE BEEN SO INSULTED AND HUMILIATED. - Telkom Mobile have made me feel like a ******** and a *********! I have an excellent credit record, never ever missed a single payment in my life and I have never ever been refused any account or credit anywhere! I spoke to Leto at 11:00 on 2016-08-18, who promised to call me with feedback within the hour - I am still waiting. I called again 2016-08-19, was on the phone for 42 minutes. Spoke to Moses, who promised he would escalate the matter and call me back to ensure that someone had given me feedback before the end of the day-do I need to mention that he also has not called me back...! I cannot believe that Telkom Mobile are treating me like a ******** and refuse to investigate what went wrong, as the conflict is my personal details on ITC (which were captured by someone that obviously made a mistake).</p> <p>I am a high value client at the current Cellular network, and if Telkom Mobile realize how much revenue they are going to lose (if I stayed with them for the next 20 years, as planned), they might have been a bit more diligent in offering a decent Customer Service, answering the phones in their stores, employing more staff to ensure future customers do not have to hold on for an hour before the call is answered, and employ staff who are able to accurately capture customer details, or at least have efficient staff to investigate why applications have been declined due to clearly obvious possible capturing errors or problems that can easily be resolved. Until now, nobody has been able to check what details were captured on their system and tell me what the conflict is! To ensure customers aren’t declined due to details that are captured incorrectly and to keep the customer informed, surely the online application can be e-mailed to the customer and the captured details can be verified by the customer? It would also be really nice to be informed whether the application has been approved or declined-here I was sitting for a week, expecting for my handset to be delivered any minute-completely unaware that my contract was not even approved. I am convinced that there might just have been a spelling mistake that was made with my application - and now Telkom Mobile refuse to allow me to take out a contract with them. From the minute I attempted to get hold of Telkom Mobile for a contract, it has been the most unpleasant shopping experience of my life.So, perhaps it is better that did not sign into a 2 year contract with them. If I couldn't even get hold anybody at any of the FIVE Telkom Mobile stores, imagine what I would have had to go through every time I needed to call them... I guess everything happens for a reason, so I will find a reputable Cellular Service Provider -I DESERVE BETTER!!! So before you decide to do any business with Telkom Mobile, Google "Telkom Mobile" and see the endless complaints re: Telkom's service. Then also do yourself a favour and looik up the telephone number listed on the Net for your (or any other) Telkom Mobile store, and dial the number. Your call will not be answered - GUARANTEED! Just to make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for, look up the telephone number for Customer Service and see how long it takes for your call to be answered.</p> <p>I know there are many other Cellular Service Providers that would not hesitate to offer me a contract! I would rather pay a bit more and get a decent Service Provider that care about their customer's, provide a good service and ensure that the customer’s experience is a pleasant one. </p>