Vodafone repair center nightmare

nolimit966

Has anyone else had any problems with Vodafones in house repair team?

I purchased a Nokia 5800 on contract from the Vodafone store back in February this year. Last week I had to replace the SIM card because I lost the original SIM provided when I got the phone. I had previously set up a SIM lock code for my handset so if I lost my handset only my SIM could be used in it, but I forgot the lock code for it.

I took it into the Vodafone store in Manchester where they explained that it would have to be sent to Nokia for repairs, I thought this was a bit strange as it was just a lock code that needed resetting but I agreed. I received it back on Wednesday gone to find out the phone is now totally damaged. It wont even switch on. The screen wont come on, it doesn't charge and doesn't respond via USB. The notes are telling me it has water damage and its corroded inside. I was absolutely shocked, I have always looked after my phone extremely well. The phone was working absolutely fine when I sent it away, and it always has been. it has now been returned to me totally damaged.

The assistant was even using the phone in store before she sent it away to try and guess there lock code. I cannot understand how this has happened, the only way it could of been damaged is when it was out of my hands possibly at the store, during transit or at the Service Center some how. The store have explained that there is nothing they can do, it is out of their hands and that the Service Center will NOT repair the handset. Even though it states on the notes that the phone was in good condition.

I have been a loyal Vodafone customer of over 10 years. I think the services provided are excellent, and I have always recommended the network to friends and family. However, I am extremely upset in how I have been treated e. I have never had a problem with any handset ever before and this one didn't even need repairing in the first place.

It just needed the SIM change code resetting. The phone was working fine to be returned totally damaged and now I am paying £25 a month for a handset that is totally unusable. I am extremley careful with my phone and have never damaged any handset i have owned. The Vodafone store said the damage could of been before hand and may have been caused from the sweat from your hands etc. If that is the case then the phone wouldnt of been working in store when i gave it to the assistant (which she used) and also phone is not fit for purpose and should not be sold.

Im now left with a 24 month contract on my hands and a damaged handset - Im just waiting for trading standards to get back to me too. I personally am starting the think theres something dodgy going on at the repair centers, i have read over 10 different storys about this exact problem over the past week. Im actually really worried to buy another handset again now becuase of this.
What are your thoughts on this? I apologise for long post.

PaulA

Very similar story happened to me. After 7 years it's bye bye Vodafone.

A shame as their customer service used to be worth paying the extra for.

nolimit966

Yep, Looks like me too.
I have pursuaded a LOT of my friends and family to change over to Vodafone too. Ill be getting them to leave the network now just incase they experience the same problems and really bad customer services. There extremely nice to you when moneys involved. Other than that, they arnt interested in helping you in the slightest

before_hollywood

it needed a software installation

i had a voda contract, software messed up on the phone and i had to send it away for 2 weeks, the phone wasnt touched and the store refused to provide an explanation or let a manager or senior staff member look at it. over the course of the next 14 months i recieved 6 replacements, the last of which got sold.

my contract at the time was £32 a month with insurance on top, i was told i could have line rental discount and any phone on the network by retentions

Vodafone

Hi nolimit966,

Just case you haven't spotted my reply to your post on the 3G Forum I've posted it below:

Should this issue remain unresolved just follow the instruction's in techgirl's post and add 'FAO Web Relations Team' in the subject bar and include the URL to this thread within the body of your email.

Once we've got it we'll back to you to get this resolved.

Thanks,

Lee

Web Relations Team

Vodafone UK

Vodafone

Hi again nolimit966,

Having discovered that you've already been in contact with us via our own eForum I've now been able to establish that this has been resolved for you which is great.

Thanks,

Lee

Web Relations Team

Vodafone UK