Vodacom : poor service no a swers

Vodacom Who would have thought that sending a phone in for repairs would become such a frustration and a case of he said she said with nothing to show for it except for a piece of paper, a few SMS messages and a proof of payment to the amount of R235.95?

Visiting the local #Vodacom store in Ladysmith, it was advised by the local technician to send the cellphone in question in for repairs as the sim card tray needed to be replaced. That they were not able to assist in- store with the repairs, but their repair center in Kimberly would be able to do so.

So with completing the necessary paperwork it was said that one would receive an SMS within a few days , confirming what the repairs would costs and that once confirmed to continue and payment had been processed, the phone should be back within no more than 2 weeks as it was over Easter (public holidays).

SMS received from the repairs center confirmed the the repairs would take 2 to 3 day (with a job number )

SMS received from the repair center confirming that the relevant job number is in the assessment process.

SMS received from the repair center confirming the repairs qoute. Reading that should you wish to decline or accept the qoute, to do so within 2 days.

Called to confirm to continue with the repairs.

SMS received confirming cost of the repairs, bank account details and to ensure that when payment is made to use the relevant reference number.

Payment processed.

SMS received confirming that the job number was in process and awaiting spares delivery and that the repair would be completed as soon as the part has been received.

Called the repair center who confirmed that had no stock of the part and was trying to source from JHB who also had no parts.

Was told by the repairs center that the store had made a mistake and should have called the repair center first before booking the phone in for repairs.

Ny question is , why would one confirm and accept a repairs qoute, make payment to then be told there are no parts. Surely you pay for what service is being delivered and not being told that you are waiting for spares and battling to find spares. Here lies the issue.

So a phone call later to the repair center and a trip down to the local #VODACOM store , the question was raised why the delay. Paperwork was presented that was completed in-store to then be told the phone should be back with the next day or two. When the technician was enlightened that according to the repair center they ( the local store ) were to check for availability on parts before booking the phone in for repairs.

While being told to wait ( and a madd scurrel between the shop and the back office ) to be told they are trying to find out what was happening ( making calls ). Having waited for which felt like an eternity with still not being any closer to an answer , left the store requesting that the technician who happened to assist first time round and now again, ,was to rather call after 14h00 with an answer.

Well it is now 21h10 and still waiting for the promised call and information as to where we stand.

The following is being insisted and also expressed this to both the repair center and the local store, for the transfered funds to be returned into the relevant bank account , with interest , and for the phone to be returned as a matter of urgency.

With such a large mobile service provider #VODACOM one would expect no more than near to perfect service.

Well , has this turned out to be a disappointment and unpleasant experience.