"We cannot accept non-OBF returns"...but they CAN

Vodacom sells different brands of phones on behalf of various brand name companies, such as Huawei. If I complained to Vodacom that a product, which they convinced me to take rather than the original product I wanted, is a bad product, what do you think Vodacom's reaction would be?

If enough people told Takealot that they sell a sub-par product, they would hesitate to sell that product in future. If I complained to Telkom that the modems they bundle with their fiber lines are full of problems, they would start to consider using a different product, because they are entangled with that brand in terms of the quality of service, and reputation perceptions.

This is apparently not the case with Vodacom. Almost immediately after my upgrade, I informed the branch that I intend to return the phone, as Huawei has now become a blatant platform for data mining and advertising. Not only is the phone LOADED with bloatware, I believe use of this phone jeopardizes safe and private use of Vodacom's own services. The phone also does not have access to "legitimate" Google apps. I did sign a piece of paper stating that I cannot return the phone based on the availability of 3rd party apps, but the sales consultant was very careful not to mention Google-specific applications during our discussions (see the related review here: https://www.hellopeter.com/vodacom/reviews/vodacom-doesnt-care-about-your-change-of-heart-just-your-money-***)

Vodacom's response? "Not our problem, come back in two years".

Though not *******, seems *********. Vodacom trains consultants to pressure (or as they see it "guide") us into committing 2 years (and thousands of Rands), based on a 5-minute in-store discussion, but then claims no responsibility after we signed the dotted line.

And what do I get for my R25k commitment? Not even a phone call to explain WHY they "cannot accept non-OBFs". Why the hell not? How were these problems supposed to be evident BEFORE I switch on the phone? Send the phone back to Huawei and make it their problem so they don't make trash anymore. (Btw my wife worked as a Vodacom sales consultant for many years, I KNOW they CAN accept non-OBFs).

But most worrisome of all is that, to date, I have not even received an email claiming they'll follow up on my accusations of the phone's safety/privacy concerns. Because who cares about my concerns, as a single little customer, right?

Vodacom should reconsider where their allegiances lie. Mine, for that matter, will no longer be with them because theirs definitely isn't with me. I called this morning for an estimation of the cancellation fees. At least the CPA will be on my side then.