Vodacom forcing me to pay for their mistake

[cavedog]

So I took a vodacom uchoose flexi deal with them in May 2014. A few days later my simcard and a laptop got delivered to me. I questioned RAM about the big box but all pointed to all the documents that its a delivery for me with no indication of the contents of the box.

I opened the box to find a notebook inside. 10 calls to Vodacom after sales confirmed 1 by 1 that is part of the promotional contract and I need not worry.

1 hour ago I received a email from Vodacom offering me 3 options. Send back the notebook or pay R280 a month for 24 months or pay R7000 cash up front.

I phoned the after sales number as mentioned in the email saying that I had already opened the laptop 3 months after is was delivered. The manager said well you got only 2 options left. Pay the 7k upfront or the R280 will automatically be added to my account from the 5th of September.

Now I feel like I'm being harrased here? I understand I have the goods and opened it but I did not want it in the first place and after me calling them so many times and being told its part of the package and now being forced to pay for it.

I have no say or any other option acording to Vodacom manager in aftersales.

 

[Deadmanza]

Should have requested it in writing that the laptop was part of the promotion.

 

[cavedog]

Should have requested it in writing that the laptop was part of the promotion.

Yeah I guess I should have although as was assured telephonically it was. I want to send it back its just opened and I switched it on a couple of time but now they don't want it and just shouting pay and if I don't pay I will get blacklisted.

I guess the best solution would be to pay or go see a lawyer but with them going to debit my account by the 5th of September there isin't much time....

 

[akescpt]

funny thing is that if you didn't alert them they wouldn't even have known.

 

[dovij]

Maybe try ICASA?

https://www.icasa.org.za/ConsumerProtection/ConsumerComplaintsProcedure/tabid/530/Default.aspx

 

[cavedog]

funny thing is that if you didn't alert them they wouldn't even have known.

Looks like its not only me though. There are plenty of other customers suffering the same fate as me.

 

[ginggs]

So I took a vodacom uchoose flexi deal with them in May 2014. A few days later my simcard and a laptop got delivered to me.

What were you expecting to receive?

I phoned the after sales number as mentioned in the email saying that I had already opened the laptop 3 months after is was delivered. The manager said well you got only 2 options left. Pay the 7k upfront or the R280 will automatically be added to my account from the 5th of September.

Sounds a bit like Reader's Digest!

 

[Fox1]

Typical of Vodacom passing their mistake onto consumers. It's their mistake and they must fix it. They can't just change the original contract you have with them just like that without your permission.

Complain on Facebook, Twitter and Hello Peter and see how quick they will respond.

Did you try explaining your problem to the consumer watch lady from ECR?

 

[ToxicBunny]

You phoned their customer care line.. the calls should be recorded.. request the recordings. If the agent confirmed that all is accurate, then tell vodacom to get knotted.

 

[supersunbird]

Do they have any proof you entered into a contract with them for a laptop?

 

[Nether]

The contract you signed, did it have to laptop on it? It should be there with a price next to it.

 

[SA.Reaver]

Same thing is happening to me the only difference is I have it in writing that I do not have to return my device as I also phoned Vodacom om multiple occasions and they informed me that all is fine. Also got the letter today to say that they will be charging me as they made a mistake even after I sent them the proof from Vodacom saying that all is fine.

 

[cavedog]

No nothing at all. I never signed for it too. I did notice the very first bill the came from Vodacom had the laptop there but the invoice was R0.00. So I had no reason to worry about it because there was no charge nor dit I ever wanted or signed for a laptop deal or anything.

Do they have any proof you entered into a contract with them for a laptop?

 

[supersunbird]

No nothing at all. I never signed for it too. I did notice the very first bill the came from Vodacom had the laptop there but the invoice was R0.00. So I had no reason to worry about it because there was no charge nor dit I ever wanted or signed for a laptop deal or anything.

Then they have a problem either they must take it back or they lose. If they try to blacklist you, you can log a dispute with the credit bureaus, they will need to investigate and since Vodacom has no proof the blacklisting will be removed. And if its not removed, you take the credit bureau/s to the Credit Ombudsman for that.

 

[akescpt]

looks like a ploy to get new business. why don't u just send the thing back? or tell them to pick it up. aaaaah I see you are using it. bit of a kark sales tactic this. they must be so desperate for business.

 

[Mk786]

1 Word.. Vodakak

 

[cavedog]

Yeah I would not have opened or used it if they straight away told me that sorry our bad please give it to the couriers. They told me its a promo with the contract. Now they don't want a used product back they want a new sealed product back.

I understand that from a business point but they need to meet me half way. Im willing to pay half because its not fully my fault in fact not my fault at all but I have the notebook so willing to pay half. They said no. Full price cash or over 24 months and failure to pay would mean a default on my name and possible lawyer fees later when debt collector's gets the account.

looks like a ploy to get new business. why don't u just send the thing back? or tell them to pick it up. aaaaah I see you are using it. bit of a kark sales tactic this. they must be so desperate for business.

 

[MickeyD]

Send a PM to VodacomData with a link to this thread and ask him to investigate.

 

[bwana]

1 hour ago I received a email from Vodacom offering me 3 options. Send back the notebook or pay R280 a month for 24 months or pay R7000 cash up front.

Tell them you left it outside for them to collect.

 

[akescpt]

Yeah I would not have opened or used it if they straight away told me that sorry our bad please give it to the couriers. They told me its a promo with the contract. Now they don't want a used product back they want a new sealed product back.

I understand that from a business point but they need to meet me half way. Im willing to pay half because its not fully my fault in fact not my fault at all but I have the notebook so willing to pay half. They said no. Full price cash or over 24 months and failure to pay would mean a default on my name and possible lawyer fees later when debt collector's gets the account.

you have a complete notebook though. if it happened to others besides you then it seems like a ploy to drum up new business fraudulently. you can understand why they want all the money though. not agreeing with the tactics. deplorable really. someone realized they made a moviese error and now they are collecting. you got a new laptop though so you should pay the full price. don't shoot me now. no-one there wants to take responsibility so now the customers are out. like the banks and this ABIL nonsense.