Telkom & Sell Direct a bad combination!

During December 2017 I received numerous sms's to tell me I can upgrade my contract which was due to be upgraded in April 2018. I visited a Telkom store where a consultant confirmed the information was not correct and only due for the upgrade in April 2018. I accepted the information and put it down to a system glitch.

On 26th February 2018, Navlon form Telkom Sales Team said he had a special offer for me and I could immediately upgrade. I had previous bad experiences with Sell Direct and he confirmed he did not work for Sell Direct but Telkom itself. He offered to upgrade my contract immediately with no additional cost besides the prorated amount which I understood. Telephonic contract was concluded on 26th February 2018 around 10h00. He reassured me I was due for the upgrade earlier than April 2018 as it was a special offer.

I wads told the device would reach me within 7 working days. Eventually the device reached me around 9th March 2018. I then saw the packaging was from Selll Direct. I swore to myself previously i would never do business with Sell Direct due to previous false information given to me on an extra contract I took out. Navlon **** to me. He was dishonest and misleading.

Then their was activation of my new sim card. which took another 5 days. Eventually on 15th March 2018 I spoke to Tasneema on ********** at Sell Direct to ask why my sim was not active. I was told the number was not due for an upgrade yet and she will ensure the problem is sorted out. I asked if I should return the device or keep it till April 2018 when the upgrade is due? She said she will get Tasreeq to handle the activation for me. Eventually the device went active two days later...

Bill for end April 2018 arrives and I scrutinize it. I see the prorated amount and the amount for April 2018 and accept it but I nearly had @#$% heart attack to see I was billed R870 for a device obligatory carryover. What the @#$% does this mean. Never before have I been billed for this when I have upgraded my contracts. I have been in business with Telkom for 5 years and this has not happened. I cannot get through to Telkom because their lines are currently down 10h00 on 06/04/2018. The only reason I can think of being charged the extra R870 is because my contract was upgraded before my due date due to a GREEDY SALES PERSON FROM SELL DIRECT giving me inaccurate and false information.

I want this matter resolved ASAP by TELKOM. I will cancel my debit order if I have to but I will not pay this bill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am currently drafting an email to the Ombudsman as well. I am tired of SELL DIRECT and Telkom having dealings with them.

Seth Schuller ********** 528 Account Number: ********** 27