Is Vodacare always this bad?

bwana

bwana

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NB - actual query is at the end of my rant . . .

Ok - so the missus Blackberry pearl starts suffering from keypad issues - the number 2 (TY) key decides its only going to work intermittently so since its still covered by the two year warranty off I take it to Vodacare at the Bridge in PE where they explain they have to send it to Jnb to be looked at. Fair enough - off it goes. Today I get a sms from them saying my handset is ready for collection.

Well - they kicked it back claiming 'water damage' and that it is 'beyond economical repair'. Now you have to understand that my missus is meticulous when it comes to her phone and it's never even had a drop of sweat hit the keys so as I'm puzzled by their claim I enquire who I have to talk to. They send me off to another Vodacare branch in the Bridge (how many do they need in one centre anyway??) to see the "head technician" who they promise will explain everything to me including, by the way, why a bit of the case is also now missing. :mad:

Turns out after traipsing across the shopping centre Mr 'Head technician' is "too busy to speak to me" even though they called ahead from the other shop to say I was coming. Here's an idea - when you're going to claim to be too busy to speak to a customer dont be sitting twiddling your thumbs where said customer can see you through an open door. Its just bad form.

Question: Now I know I'm due for an upgrade so I can get a new phone and give it to the missus but their shocking customer disservice has left me wondering. Is it better to try and get the phone fixed by a third party and/or should I switch over to MTN? Which of these SPs is the least awful?
 
mercurial said:
Water damage is their excuse for everything. It allows them to screw the customer over.
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Totally but what really annoyed me is that this little pissant technician, after a cursory examination of the phone, refused to come out and discuss it with me.
 
I've had 3 different contracts with Voda, my longest one for 9 years and never had a days k@k with Vodacom. All networks have issues, there isn't a perfect one, so just go with one that has the best priceplan.
 
You should have walked in through the open door, told him that you could see him sitting there painting his damn toenails. Then you should have asked him to prove that it was water damaged.

I always raise hell at vodacare, whenever my handset is screwed. They normally exchange the unit for me. I'm usually not in the mood for anyone's attitude, I give vodacom a hell of a lot of money every year. The least they can do is sort out my problem quickly when I have one.

That being said, I would actually like to commend Babs, the accounts manager at vodaworld's vodacare. She takes care of me really well. I'd also like to send a big fsuck you to the rude indian guy also from accounts in that same department. Cocksucker.
 
bwana said:
Totally but what really annoyed me is that this little pissant technician, after a cursory examination of the phone, refused to come out and discuss it with me.
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My guess is that he is a coward. He probably wanted to avoid the fact-to-face conversation, as he knew he would not be able to push you around.
 
simongie said:
I've had 3 different contracts with Voda, my longest one for 9 years and never had a days k@k with Vodacom. All networks have issues, there isn't a perfect one, so just go with one that has the best priceplan.
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I've been with vodacom for more than a decade now but situations like this really get my goat. My contracts are all coming up for renewal but after this experience I'm leaning towards MTN - the only other Blackberry provider.
 
i think you will find all the networks are pretty bad. Its hard to say one is always better then the other. I have been with both vodacom and mtn and they not much different.

Now in response to your query try moan on hellopeter about the repair job, they might actually do something and will save you having to pay a third party to fix it. As for sticking with vodacom, depends on you. Base on my first comment, they all similar, i would suggest going with the cheapest.
 
I think the people working at that particular vodacare branch sucks.

I haven't had any problems at the Vodacare branch I visit for my cellular problems.
 
Any other vodacare branches in PE?
 
catweasel said:
Any other vodacare branches in PE?
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There probably are but I can almost guarantee that they're going to say it has to go to JNB. How do I lodge a dispute about this 'water damage' if they're in another city?
 
Before you say you have been with Vodacom for XX years and had no problems, first consider how many times you NEEDED service.

Ive been a Vodacom subscriber for 5 years, and ive only ever needed after sales service about 3 times. All three times was an orgy.

1. Staff who are clueless about their own products
2. The famous blame it on water damage bs (for a phone that died after a recharge)
3. Gossiping about customers as they leave (too bad they didnt see me still standing there)

Have I ever filed complaints? No, because Mr Upper up there doesnt really care, he will just send you his pre-programmed "thanks fro bringing this to our attention" gemors.

So just keep paying you R500 or R800 or whatever amount per month, and take it like a man...
 
Blackberrys supposed to be exchanged and not repaired...
Unless thats changed.
Ask for pictures of the water damage and how it affected the phone.
If you have the phone and its the same as it was before and the number 2 button is still not working. Give it a few hard shakes or take to some to open the phone for you and clean the debris.
Thats what Id do.

I have challenged the water damage excuse before many times, I have no idea how the liquid gets in there but sometimes it just does...
Vodacare are not always at fault.
 
bwana, get V3G to sort out for you.
 
amen alf.

JK8, the question is, how can clients be sure it's REALLY water damage?
I get such good service from other companies who don't even ask before just exchanging a Hard drive, or ford just replacing my complete aircon without asking questions.

This is like being at a restaurant: "waiter, is there saliva between these two slabs of cheese?" "no sir"
Thats it, you eat it, because he said no.
 
The answer to your thread is yes. Same excuse even though it was a prexisting problem and they further broke my phone so I couldn't use it anymore. I'll never go back to Vodacom after that (even complained on Hellopeter and nothing)
 
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