Useless Online Service

I app**** on line for a cell phone to purchase with a new contract. I app****, sent ID and copy of pay slip and received an email with a reference number that I will be notified within 24 hours as the application was approved. that was the 19th June. Today 25th and I have been emailing and emailing...nothing back. Tried calling now *** as well as ***4 and was told there is no record of the application. Where did the reference number come from then? Seems Vodacom are so big that this online purchase is a shambles. Customers must contact endlessly, email, try and find out where the application or item is to be told there is no application? What a total waste of time!!! But "someone" will contact me....yeah right....and I will grow another nostril on my head. Well done Vodacom...missing HUGE opportunities here as 70% sales at present are online in SA. And I have been a customer in the past with a prepaid phone...