Always be sure to get disappointed by VODACOM (you should make this your slogan)

Before I start writing this experience/review, please understand that this Vodacom shop (Clearwater Mall) has always been (since 2007, back when I was living in Pretoria) the only Vodacom shop that I wanted to deal with. They just knew how to work and deal with their clients from friendly staff to good service. I never had a bad experience, never! However, as service goes within this country everything are sooner or later bound to go side ways, in the most insane way possible.

Saturday 28 September 2019: Went to the Vodacom Shop Clearwater wanting to upgrade my excising tablet contract with the iPad Pro 11.1". Service was as always good, polite and quick to offer help. The agent, who assisted me told me that unfortunately they no longer are allowed to keep the stock at the stores, but not to worry, they will place an order on Monday (30 September) with Vodacom head office and should get the stock by no later than Wednesday (02 October). Cool, not a problem I thought to myself. I will be honest. I was disappointed that the stock is no longer available immediately, but waiting for it a few more day might just make it worth it. I agreed with the consultant to order the Tablet for me, and off I went, no new device and no contract upgrade.

Wednesday 02 October: After having a very busy day at work running between meetings and getting tons of missed calls (no messages left) during the day, I thought that hopefully one of those missed calls were the Vodacom shop at Clearwater informing me that my new tablet is there and ready to be collected.

I decided to just drive there after work. I wish I had rather called them, but you will see why driving there is better. Keep reading.

I got to Clearwater at around 18:45. Rushed to the Vodacom shop before they close, at 19:00, as I entered the shop they closed the doors behind me, that is how closed it was on missing them. Again the staff was very friendly and informed me that the stock have not arrived as planned, but will defiantly be there tomorrow (Thursday, 03 October). Again I left without my new device.

Thursday 03 October: After no feedback from Clearwater Vodacom for the whole morning I decided to phone them this time around, as I really do not want to waste my time again going to the shop. I phoned them at 14:00 - No answer. I phoned them at 15:45 - No answer, I phoned them at 16:15 - No answer, I phoned them at 16:45 - No answer, I phoned them at 17:00 - No answer, I phoned them at 17:05 - No answer, Eventually at 17:35 I got hold of them. After having to explain to whoever answered the phone, as he did not introduce himself, that I want to find out if my device, which I have ordered with them have arrived. This took almost 5 minutes and after having to explain the difference between an iPhone 11 and iPad Pro 11.1 inch. I was told again that the stock have not arrived and again that it will be there tomorrow (Friday, 04 October). You can probably see where this is going.

Friday 04 October: Today, almost marks a week for Vodacom to take a device and ship it to one of their stores, Clearwater. Did they do it? Can a vast organization like Vodacom pull of a simple device allocation? No, no they can't. I phoned them again and this time around they did get stock and I was offered the 6th Generation, which have been replaced with the 7th Generation iPad. I politely told the consultant that I asked for the iPad Pro, not the 6th Generation. I was then told that they will order it again, but it might be backlogged. What happend to the first order? At this point I was just filled with anger, keeping me on a string for almost 7 days, ridiculous. I just hung up the phone.

Okay, so that brings me to my conclusion to this whole situation. Lets start with the Vodacom Shop Clearwater: 1. What demands an answer, but never asks a question? A PHONE!!! that thing, that is making a noise in your store is called a phone...answer it, and try to be polite. 2. Always keep your client updated, don't let them phone you, phone them, inform them on what is happening regarding their order. It is your obligation to ensure you give your clients a service that you would be proud of. 3. If you know a product is in high demand, tell your customers. This will make them understand that they might need to wait longer than a week, or two before they will get what they are looking for. This is called customer service and also will show that you take interest in your job. 4. Once you saw stock arrived, call your clients who have ordered it...it is your responsibility. I am so sorry if this is the first time that you hear this, but it is.

Now as for Vodacom it self: 1, Don't advertise a product if you cannot keep up with the masses, that is just pure stupidity at it's best. 2. If you see that you can't keep up with the stock, make a plan...this is part of business 101, go learn it. O wait, it is Vodacom, where pure lazyness rule, never mind I think there is a Youtube Video that you can watch. 3. Inform your shops ahead of time when you see that this might become an issue. that way you can avoid disappointing clients. It is called client services!!!! 4. Always check your stock...it's called stock taking. Spar and Checkers, I saw the other day doing it, maybe you should give them a call so that they can show you how to do an inventory of your stock. Just a thought. 5. Don't try and sell your clients something that has been replaced, and for the same amount of things. That is just to prove how uninformed Vodacom are.

Quick 5 steps that Vodacom can follow to become better, not that they will, but hey I tried.