1 reviews | Active since Mar 2009

14 May 2023, 19:01

Misrepresenting contract costs shortly before increases come into effect

I was called by Vodacom for an upgrade mid March. Package costs were discussed with me, and I agreed to proceed. A quotation confirming the agreed amounts was sent to me via email on 2 April.

I received an invoice for a higher amount. I queried this. Investigations were started. They were "sure" though that it would go off at the agreed amount, not the invoiced one. No feedback was received.

The higher amount went off, and the next statement indicted the higher amount as well. I queried this again. An investigator was appointed.

Today, several days later, I receive an SMS stating that the billing is correct and that the higher price is duie to price increases on 1 April

In terms of the T's and C's, at least 20 days notice would be given before a price increase. This was not done - in fact, I was quoted the lower price inside that 20 days window. Furthermore, the quotation was sent to me AFTER the supposed increase came into effect

Not only are these not in line with Vodacom's own terms and conditions, but how the heck do you quote someone q price that you know very well will not even apply to them, as the upgrade only came into effect on 1 Apil - and the increased amounts were already known to Vodacom - at the very least, this is extremely underhanded marketing which misrepresents known information and does not disclose known changes.

I am not satisfied with the answer provided (and the delays in providing it)

0
Replies (3)
Vodacom
Vodacom's reply15 May 2023, 07:15
Official
Dear Customer, Thank you for making us aware of your complaint. Kindly be advised that a consultant will make contact with you in due course to assist with your query. ***Please note*** Beware of phishing ****s. Vodacom will not contact you via Whatsapp to request your personal details Regards, Vodacom Consumer Website Team 
's update18 May 2023, 11:08
Reviewer Update
I have been contacted by Customer Service on the 16th and promised that I would be contacted again - this has not yet happened
's update19 May 2023, 14:49
Reviewer Update
Mmm... more investigation, finding that putting up the price within two weeks after the quotation, when the price increase well before then, is just how it is...

I get thanked for making improvements possible, but no indication is given about how this will be corrected, or how people will NOT be quoted a deceptive amount two weeks before a price increase in the future.