Vodacom Took My Order, Promised Stock & Delivery – Then Told Me There Is No Stock After 2 Weeks

I am extremely frustrated with the way Vodacom has handled my online order and the complete lack of accountability throughout this process.

On 1 March 2026, I placed an online order for the iPhone Air 256GB (Sky Blue) as part of an online exclusive deal. At the time of purchase, the consultant confirmed that there was sufficient stock available, and I was advised that delivery would take 3–5 working days.

From that point forward, things went completely wrong.

On 5 March, I was told by after-sales that my order was awaiting dispatch and would likely be shipped that day or the next. I was told I would receive a tracking number.

On 6 March, I noticed that the same deal was now being advertised in Vodacom’s promotional booklet. This immediately concerned me, as it meant more people now had access to the same deal — however, I was reassured because I had already placed my order.

Between 9 March and 11 March, I contacted Vodacom After-Sales multiple times. Each time, I raised a very specific concern: What if the device sells out before my order is secured?

Each time, I was reassured — including by a Team Leader — that:

My device had been allocated My order had been released The courier had collected the parcel I even received a waybill/tracking number

Because of these assurances, I made a critical decision.

On 10 March, a Vodacom store in Bedfordview actually found a device for me. I declined it because After-Sales confirmed my online order was already secured and on its way.

That turned out to be a mistake — based entirely on Vodacom’s incorrect information.

I attempted to track the parcel using both Skynet and RAM, and no tracking information existed.

On 13 March, I was again told that the order had been collected and that I would receive it either that day or by Monday, 16 March at the latest.

On 16 March, after escalating the issue yet again, I was finally told the truth: There is no stock. My order is on back-order.

After more than two weeks of follow-ups, promises, and reassurances, Vodacom suddenly informed me that the device I was repeatedly told was “allocated” and “dispatched” does not exist.

I was then told to contact the Online Department myself.

I did exactly that:

17 March: Spoke to the original salesperson (Dinolan) — who promised to escalate this to his manager. 19 March: I followed up — he told me “everything possible has been done,” no solution provided I requested his manager to call me back — that never happened. 20 March: Called again — no assistance, he already left the building for the day.

At this point:

No one is taking ownership No one is providing clear answers Call-backs are not happening I am being passed between departments

Most importantly: I repeatedly warned Vodacom this exact situation would happen I was repeatedly assured it would not I was tld my device is put aside I was even told my order is collected by the courier company I re**** on that information I lost the opportunity to secure stock elsewhere

This is not just poor service — this is misleading communication and failure to deliver on confirmed information.

What I expect now:

Immediate allocation of my device; OR Priority allocation from the next shipment; OR A suitable alternative solution of equal value

I placed my order before the promotion was widely advertised. I should not be the one penalised for Vodacom’s internal failures.

If this is not resolved urgently, I will proceed with formal escalation through the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud and the National Consumer Commission.

Vodacom needs to take accountability and resolve this matter properly.