I bought a brand new 16GB iPhone 4 on Monday the 30th May 2011 from the Vodacom shop at Woodmead Retail Park. When I got the phone home however I found that it was switching itself off and restarting every 2 to 3 minutes. I returned to the shop the very next day (Tuesday 31st May 2011) to return it and they verified the issue but refused to replace my handset. They said they could not do it as the warranty was not with them and that the phone had to be sent in to Vodacare in Midrand.

Surely this is a breach of contract as I have a right to return any phone or demand a replacement within 7 days of purchase. As a result I find it disgusting that I was turned away from the store with no satisfaction.

I however need this phone for work and as I had already done a sim swap to a micro sim I had no other phone to use. I took the phone to Vodacare in Midrand where I was then told it would be escalated and I should have it back within 48 hours. It has now been 72 hours and after 2 phone calls to Vodacare over the last 2 days I am told it is still with a technician.

Surely as I am still within 7 days I should be able to get a new handset no questions asked? I am now supposed to spend the entire weekend without any method of contact. I have lost customers and money due to being unable to attend conference calls and work on client applications.

This is unacceptable service which has caused me much tears and frustration and I will never again deal with Vodacom if they treat their customers this way.

To pay R8000, 00 for a phone and then not be a priority customer is unacceptable.