Oh, the huge joke that is Vodafone customer service...
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MY MOST RECENT SELFIE, TAKEN AT BIOPARC FUENGIROLA.
(CLICK ANY IMAGE TO SEE HOW BATTY I'VE BECOME.) |
I shared our Vodafone saga with you back on June 11 in a very large nutshell. The nutshell has gotten larger... and nuttier. I won't go into all the details.
You can get up to speed (or down to Vodafone's speed) by clicking here.
Why I'm Batty
We canceled Vodafone service (mobiles, home phone, internet) in Sevilla and switched to Movistar when we moved here February 2013. They charged us for 3 months. I called. They agreed it was their mistake and gave us a full refund.
Then they started charging us again. I called and called. We emailed. I called. It took a while until we realized we could simply block them from our bank account. So, they said we owed them money. I called and called. They said we owed them money. Our friend the Goddess Elena called and called.
Finally, in June 2014, they refunded us... except for one month they decided we owed them. We didn't but, at that point, I gave up.
After a series of imbecilic text messages from Vodafone
(telling me our service was reinstated, our service was canceled, call if we want to reinstate service), I received a text message that we owed 36+ euros for our last month of service in June 2014. They've called and called. I've argued and argued. And now we're back with a Collections Agency. When they call, I simply hang up.
The Goddess Elena and I might go into Málaga to Vodafone's main office. Then again, I might just keep hanging up. For me, it's become entertaining.
Watch this brief video to understand our Vodafone experience...
In analogous situations I have been known to speak to people in Kiswahili. It throws them completely off their stride. Because I was once preparing to go to Kenya, I know enough to sound somewhat convincing to a person who doesn't know anything about it. This works particularly well if you are face to face and can gesture.
ReplyDeleteNot that I am recommending this, of course. That would be wrong.
Michael:
DeleteI may have to get out my little translator and teach myself a couple of phrases in Kiswahili. Thanks! (Not that you're recommending it.)
I really think the batty ones are Vodafone, Mitchell. Good that you have gotten to a place where it all is entertaining! It hasn't ended I am sure....hope you go to their head office...that ought to be VERY entertaining!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJim:
DeleteThe top of my head nearly blew off a few weeks ago during one conversation. But I am definitely now able to laugh about it. Seriously though, I have a feeling even going to their main office in Málaga will get us nowhere. I have a Spanish friend here who has been dealing with similar issues for more than a year...
Crazy schmazy situation. I want to hear more about it after you and the Goddess Elena go to Málaga.
ReplyDeleteJudy:
DeleteElena really wants to go with me to Málaga, but I hate wasting her time on such idiocy. She DOES have her own life... and her own problems to deal with. I'm tempted to just keep ignoring them until they give up. I'll keep you posted.
It's difficult to deal with that stuff when you're all talking your own native language... I can't imagine trying to deal with as you are. Hope the Goddess works her magic.
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteThat's what I thought! But then Elena IS Spanish and she could hardly get through their thick skulls, I felt vindicated.
That sounds exactly like my experience with Rogers in Canada. I cancelled cellular service last August (13) and accidentally did an online payment to them in July (my mistake, hazard of online banking) of $143 meant for my current provider, It is October next week and on my 3rd call they said they could not refund it unless they spoke to my husband - who happened to be out of town. Honestly, it was the first time I ever swore at a customer service agent - after 3 calls, the first 2 of which he was in town and available to speak to. So he called them Monday and they have started the whole "investigation process" over again. Just give me my *X*X* money!!! These bloody cellular companies, it really doesn't matter which country you live in :)
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteI agree. I had awful experiences with AT&T in the States some years back... AND Verizon. Vodafone is by far the worst I've ever experienced (even when we HAD the service in Sevilla); but I know this doesn't compare to what many people deal with. Give me back my two cans and a string!
There are times when a hangup is the very best thing!
ReplyDeleteBob:
DeleteAt first I argued. Then I began to hang up ... angirly. Now, as soon as I know who they are, I hang up and go back to what I was doing without missing a beat. So satisfying.
This kind of stuff can surely drive you "batty." Glad yo hear you're keeping a sense of humor about it. We once struggled with the IRS to get my late father-in-law's last tax refund. They kept saying HE had to contact them and we kept saying he was dead and we mailed a death certificate. They kept saying it didn't matter, he still had to contact them. It was $5000. and too much money to walk away from. It took months to straighten it out. Take care.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteIt really stressed me when they started calling again. But, thankfully, I got past that. Regarding your late father-in-law: I wonder what would have happened if you called back and said you were him (I know it's supposed to be he... but who says that anymore).
Amazing animal . I ,love it .
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteI found them creepy the first time I saw them. Now I find them fascinating.
Oh God, this has to be one of the most frustrating situations around the world.
ReplyDeleteI have Verizon here in Jersey. When I call for a technical issue I get India. I fully appreciate such a large swathe of Indians moving into the middle class because of all the call centers but that doesn't mean we can have an understandable conversation about my land line or DSL service!
I wonder if Judge Judy would consider taking an overseas case? She's still got that Brooklyn spunk...LOL.
Good luck...you have a perfect right to your frustration. Afterwards just look out your windows and see the gorgeous ocean waves that are so calming.
Leslie:
DeleteCustomer Service is definitely not what it's supposed to be. And I can picture Judge Judy bursting a blood vessel!
I had problems too in Italy with providers until we switched companies but the old one kept bugging us with offers and nonsense. Questions like; what is it you do not like about us please tell us and maybe we can help. How childish can you get.
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteTelecom provides do the same thing here (and the same in the States). Too little, too late.
Even more oddly, Vodafone actually contacted me several times after I canceled our service in 2013 to ask what they could do to get us back. So, obviously SOMEBODY there knew we were no longer a customer.
Driving me bats remains an active and favorite expression.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your batty experience. Hopefully the bats calm down soon.
Spo:
DeleteFortunately, I've gotten over Vodafone and no longer stress when I hear from them. Yesterday I received a text message telling me if I didn't pay the money I owe (do not!) right away, they're going to discontinue my service. Well, we all know I haven't had service for more than a year and a half. But, last week they told me my service (that I didn't have) was being stopped that very day. Unbelievable!
May I suggest that you deal with this at once.
ReplyDeleteIf a collection agency is involved,
it means it will reflect on your credit rating,
which is never a good thing.
I know I've recently switched provider
and I'll be monitoring them for the next couple of months,
to make sure it will be a smooth transition.
I must say, after only a week,
I am quite satisfied.
:)
TB:
DeleteAt this point in my life, a credit rating doesn't seem to matter. But, you're right. Anyway, Elena still wants to do battle.