Vodafone have sent me a second hand phone

asparagusnextleft

I just phoned them and asked for my phone back so that I could send it to HTC (not an unreasonable request IMO) but was told that it was not possible as it had been disposed of.

He told me I had to keep the second hand phone they have sent me, so that's me paying for an HTC Desire but using my scabby old Nokia (at least I know where that has been!!). My issue with it isn't whether it works or not (I haven't even tried it), it's the fact that it's a used phone. That may make me sound like a snob but if I'd wanted a used phone I'd have got a cheap deal with 3 when I changed provider.

If my washing machine broke after six months, I would expect it to be repaired or replaced with a new one if it was unrepairable and that is what would happen. You wouldn't be fobbed off with a refurbished washing machine, you'd be given a new one so why should it be any different with a phone?

ruggedtoast

asparagusnextleft wrote: »

I just phoned them and asked for my phone back so that I could send it to HTC (not an unreasonable request IMO) but was told that it was not possible as it had been disposed of.

He told me I had to keep the second hand phone they have sent me, so that's me paying for an HTC Desire but using my scabby old Nokia (at least I know where that has been!!). My issue with it isn't whether it works or not (I haven't even tried it), it's the fact that it's a used phone. That may make me sound like a snob but if I'd wanted a used phone I'd have got a cheap deal with 3 when I changed provider.

If my washing machine broke after six months, I would expect it to be repaired or replaced with a new one if it was unrepairable and that is what would happen. You wouldn't be fobbed off with a refurbished washing machine, you'd be given a new one so why should it be any different with a phone?

I actually completely agree. Logically it shouldnt make any difference as long as the phone works and is ok cosmetically, but for me it just does. Electronic goods I've had from new to me are always new, but a second hand one isnt.

Also, a phone is such a personal thing getting a second hand one is like getting someone elses toothbrush.

Vodafone wont have disposed of it, nor will they have tried to do much to fix it. When you send one in to their repair centre they basically just give it the once over, put it to one side to be repaired, and post you out one they've already fixed. This saves them time and money as they dont have to bother dealing with you in the meantime. And to be fair a lot of people arent bothered and would rather not wait.

HTC apparently always fix your own one.

Guys_Dad

asparagusnextleft wrote: »

Ruggedtoast, I keep thinking that someone else has had this second hand phone up to their ear which is another reason why I am not going to use it.

I don't know how you would have managed before mobiles came along when people had to use public payphones if they were away from home. Think of the number of people who may have used one of them in a single day!

I also suggest, if you are that precious about germs, that you don't ever travel abroad and stay at a hotel. see http://www.ktradionetwork.com/tag/dead-skin/

If you would rather use an inferior handset rather than the replacement you were sent, then that is your choice. Sell the replacement handset on Ebay (ruggedtoast wouldn't buy it though!) and put the cash towards a pristine new handset from CPW or similar.

salli9

At last, a rational response....I have a "setting" mobile, 4/6 people use daily, my family use my phone, I use theirs. No serious consequences to date.

william_Fraser

Hey Dear,

I think you should definitely go to vodafone store and clearify the things. You can also go to HTC department and check the issue with them. I hope your problem will be sorted out soon.

Vodafone

Hi asparagusnextleft,

It's disappointing to read that you are unhappy with the handset you have been sent.

If you drop me an email to the address shown on our profile page here with WRT135 FAO Heidi in the subject and a link to this thread, I will be happy to discuss it further and see if I can help.

Many thanks,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

future_PG

I have also been sent a "refurbished replacement" phone. I sent in my HTC Sensation for repair, less than 12 months old AND insured with Vodafone. They sent me a Desire C and claimed it was an upgrade!! Talked to someone at Vodafone who instructed me to go to a store and they would sort it out, at the store they couldn't do any thing. Several calls later I am still getting nowhere.... I will persist, but they really don't seem to care.

simax

You won't get a brand new replacement, unless you are within the first few weeks of your contract normally. Refurbs have always been the norm.

I don't see what the big deal is as long as the replacement works?

Earthworm

Guys_Dad wrote: »

I don't know how you would have managed before mobiles came along when people had to use public payphones if they were away from home. Think of the number of people who may have used one of them in a single day!

I also suggest, if you are that precious about germs, that you don't ever travel abroad and stay at a hotel. see http://www.ktradionetwork.com/tag/dead-skin/

If you would rather use an inferior handset rather than the replacement you were sent, then that is your choice. Sell the replacement handset on Ebay (ruggedtoast wouldn't buy it though!) and put the cash towards a pristine new handset from CPW or similar.

I have to agree. You may not see your handset as second hand but it is in the same condition as one it just doesn't work. You have received a replacement handset which has been used but works so you are no worse off infact better off with the replacement. You could sell the replacement but 6 months is a long time for a mobile and the value may have heavily decreased.

buscape

future_PG wrote: »

I have also been sent a "refurbished replacement" phone. I sent in my HTC Sensation for repair, less than 12 months old AND insured with Vodafone. They sent me a Desire C and claimed it was an upgrade!!

The Desire C is much lower spec than the Sensation, so I don't see how they consider it an upgrade. If they can't get hold of a Sensation, try to get them to replace it with a One S, it's almost identical to the Sensation.