WM
Wendy M

1 reviews | Active since Jul 2013

23 Oct 2019, 12:51

Violating my consumer rights

I bought a Huawei Y9 Prime on a cash purchase from Vodacom Centurion Mall on the 21st October which was on Monday and it was in the late afternoon around to 5pm, past 5pm. The sales consultant didn't give me any information relating to the phone except for asking which colour of the phone I wanted. Fast forward I get home and only then I discover that it's a single sim phone not a dual sim whereas I wanted a dual sim. I had only switched the phone on for +-2hours, besides the date and time and setting a pin code, no other set up was done, no personal info, no cloud or email info account, nothing was done on the phone. I went to Vodacom yesterday (Tuesday the 24th) after having called them, spoke to Francois who said I must call back at 2pm as he had to check some info with the phone, when I called at 2pm, he was unavailable, then spoke to Tim the Supervisor who said he’ll get back to me before the end of the day and he didn’t hence I went to the store directly then. I queried the dual sim and was informed that Vodacom doesn't sell dual sim phones at all and when I asked why they don't inform their customers of such, the consultant informed me that it's not something they market or obliged to inform their customer of as that is their policy. I told the consultant that I don't want the phone as it doesn't suit my specifications, I know the phone to be a dual sim not a single sim and had their sales consultant informed of the functionalities before I made the purchase I would've been in a position to not go ahead with the sale which is the reason for returning the phone and seeking a refund. Consultant informed that it's unlikely that the phone will be taken back as I had already opened it, the seal is broken, also informed me that the phone was already used and that the plastic the phone was kept in was crumpled up. 1. The seal was broken in the shop when they opened up the phone to show me the contents of the box, so the argument of the seal was already broken/tampered with as if I'm the one who broke it, is invalid. 2. Of course the phone would be in use, how else was I to test the phone if I didn't switch it on and check it out. However like I said it was plus +- 2hours that it was on for as when I realised it's not a dual sim, I switched it off and put it back in the box to return to the store. 3. The crumpled up plastic, is just plastic that is easily replaceable, you have lots in your warehouse, can't believe you would make that a reason for refusing to refund me. According to the Consumer Protection Act: 4. I have the right to be provided with all related information of the product I'm buying so as to make an informed decision. Non- disclosure of this phone being a single sim, knowing that the market also has it as a dual sim, deprived me of this right. 5. I have the right to choose to buy any goods of my choice available in the market, meaning Vodacom as seller cannot influence my choice in an unfair manner. By not providing me with the full information/specs of this item, you have influenced me in an unfair manner and this is deemed as interference in my right of choice. I would’ve preferred that you provide me with the same phone that is a dual sim but since you don’t sell those at all, I would like to request for my refund. Please contact me on *** as an alternative number as I currently don't have a phone.

0
Replies (2)
Vodacom
Vodacom's reply24 Oct 2019, 07:38
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 
WM
Wendy M's update31 Oct 2019, 10:28
Reviewer Update
I haven't been contacted by anyone from your complaints department.
So I guess I'm just another bottom line customer that you don't care about as you have thousands others that you're getting your money from?!?!?!
This is why I even cancelled my contracts with you guys, service was never great and still isn't I see.