Vodafone rip off !!!!

SGTPWRR

Hi All

First post so be gentle.

I recently upgraded with Vodafone (VF) to a Blackberry Bold 9000, but one thing the shop failed to tell me even when I asked them "is this the latest newest model" they said yes and they sold me this one, I have just found out they have had the Bold 9800 since oct 28th in store but out back.
This has annoyed me as I went in to the store on the 8th Nov, the store lyed to me I now have a phone which is great but is obsolete in VF world, I have only had the phone for 12 Days, do I have any grounds to complain and request the new version as they blatantly sold me this knowing it was obsolete.
I waited patiently 18 months to upgrade as my last phone was rubbish, now I also found out from VF Customer services that I could of also had a 18 months upgrade but I was told in store that it had to be 24, now I am annoyed.

Any thoughts on what the law is, and where I stand ?

Thanks Rich

DarkConvict

Returning the phone is not an option

Vodafone retail store
Once you leave a Vodafone retail store, purchases cannot be returned unless you have no network coverage. If that is the case, you can return the phone or device to the store within the first 7 days and cancel your contract.

You must keep to the following conditions:

the IMEI of the phone must match that from the original order
the phone is in its original, saleable condition
the charger and battery must be included
the original packaging/manual must be intact
any accessories included with the phone package (memory card/headset) must be returned.
If you chose a pay monthly price plan, we will charge you for line rental, calls and any other usage (texts, data etc) during those 7 days.

Any other retail store - eg Carphone Warehouse, Phones 4U etc
All retailers have their own returns policy - you should go back to the store you bought it from.

Faulty phone or device
If your phone or device is faulty, it is covered by our faults policy, not our returns policy.
If a phone or device is faulty in the first 28 days we'll offer a brand new, like-for-like replacement. After 28 days our existing repair or exchange service applies.

http://help.vodafone.co.uk/system/selfservice.controller?CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=266046&PARTITION_ID=1&CONFIGURATION=1000&CURRENT_CMD=SEARCH&PAGE_TITLE=Basic%20Search&SIDE_LINK_TOPIC_ID=&SIDE_LINK_SUB_TOPIC_ID=&SIDE_LINK_TOPIC_INDEX=null&SIDE_LINK_SUB_TOPIC_INDEX=null

Honestly, i don;t think you have much if any leg to stand on. You should do your own research first to find out which was the latest handset and should have asked for that one, and not replied on the stores sales person.

But if you want to try your luck, You would need to first complain to the store manager at the store that the deal was missold, you asked for the latest handset but was sold an older model, in addition were sold a 24 month contract when an 18 month one was available.
If they refuse then try contacting Consumer Direct/OFT for further advice, if that fails there isn't really anything you can do.

Vodafone

Hi SGTPWRR,

I am sorry to hear that you feel this way, however DarkConvict has highlighted some good points regarding the returns policy of our stores.

As the official release date of the BlackBerry Bold 2 (9700) was the 9th November I'm afraid it wouldn't have been possible for them to supply one to you prior to this.

Although the Bold 9000 is not one of the latest phones we offer it's still a great phone to use. For assistance with setting it up or to get some fabulous information about the phone you're welcome to visit the BlackBerry Bold section of our Help Centre which you get to here.

All the best

Espi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

maxtweenie

My opinion is that, although the staff didn't actually lie to you, they SHOULD have told you that there was a newer model out the VERY NEXT DAY. This is just another example of how deceitful Vodafone staff are in their desperation to get a sale at any cost. If I were you, I would avoid this company at all costs in the future. And don't be fobbed off by the response from the Vodafone rep telling you what a 'great little phone' it is. Way to bury your head in the sand!

mobilejunkie

I agree. Damage limitation on a public forum is absolutely NO substitute for the prevention of lies and awful "service" through normal channels. Person after person on these threads has been appearing for MONTHS with familiar tales of agreeing to contracts which ended up completely different (and always worse) than they were promised, endless examples of being refused to speak with a manager and not being called back etc. etc. - Unless and until they actually put their house in order and deal honestly and fairly with customers in the first place I would never trust ANYTHING they tell me which isn't in writing and avoid using them. Shame - had 5 contracts at once in the past, now down to 2 - 1 after January! Hipppeee!

Earnshaw24

Edit: Oh poo, just read your other post.