Vodafone struggles to get iPhones out
Under the weather
Vodafone is having problems getting iPhones in the sweaty palms of its eager customers, though at least the cold weather should make their palms less sweaty.
O2's exclusive on the iPhone disappeared last year as T-Mobile started (tentatively) selling handsets, followed by an official launch from Orange. Vodafone customers have had to wait until early 2010 and are now finding that the snow is keeping them from the object of their desire.
At the end of last week, Vodafone was posting lists of postcodes to which it couldn't deliver, and even today customers are reduced to checking their bank accounts to see if payment has been deducted - as an indication that an iPhone is on its way.
"Checked my account and the £59 for my Iphone [sic] has also been taken out so I am assuming a dispatch email will follow shortly. I am now genuinely optimistic about tomorrow," said one poster, demonstrating how ineffectual Vodafone's support is proving to be.
Not that Vodafone is doing nothing. Instead, forum administrators are busy shutting down threads discussing the matter: "As there is no additional information that can be provided, we will close any subsequent threads and provide the email contact details above."
One thread did, before it was closed, provide a link to the shipping company used by Vodafone, which still lists areas having delivery problems, but everyone should get their iPhone eventually. ®
COMMENTS
Late deliveries
So while all you guys enjoy "duvet days", courier staff who can't get to work to deliver your precious gadgets on time should be persecuted?!? Prams, toys and spoilt children comes to mind. I'm no City Link fan but give it a break.
And FTR, why are you all so anxious to get locked in to the prison that is Apple hardware?
VF, customer service and forum threads
I've been with all of the networks (other than 3) over the past twelve years or so, and came to Vodafone last. No broad complaints from me in terms of customer service - at times it's "ok", other times world-beating. But that is certainly better than o2 and T-Mobile, and about on a par with Orange about seven years back.
And what is certainly clear is that the VF network is more reliable and robust than others I've used - and other than the odd blackspot 3G services are considerably better.
As for forum threads being closed - when there are usually existing threads open, morons opening another thread asking the same thing as before (all it takes is a search to see what is there already) deserve all they get.
(And yes, I've worked in mobile telecoms. For the past nine years, although not at present)
Hate not to complain bit
Got my phone on the day promised albeit an hour later than expected - toying with it right now in fact. Hmm no sideways thumb icon.
Noise and squeaky wheels
My iPhone was pre-ordered from Vodafone, with an upgrade price that was more attractive than their new customer price (£75 for 32GB 3GS on £40/month contract, vs. £149 on their website). I pre-ordered the day the email went out saying they were available, the customer rep was extremely polite and helpful, and promised delivery on the 15th Jan.
I got SMS notifications from DPD as the delivery progressed, following SMS notifications of the order (with a glitch which was explained by the rep). The phone was delivered on the 15th despite being in a hard to find house covered in snow.
There were no issues with the SIM as it was an upgrade; Apple include a tool for opening the SIM door.
The only disappointment is the lack of Visual Voicemail - I'd hoped to eliminate Vodafone's very determined voicemail calls which can be a bit irritating if you've failed to answer because you're busy, rather than actually away from the phone. Hopefully this will be implemented soon.
I've been with Vodafone since 1996/7, and don't spend a lot with them. So far I'm impressed.
I'd agree that Home Delivery Network are a bit rubbish; I really try to avoid them on the whole. However, Citylink, DPD, DHL and Royal Mail seem not to be inherently flawed, only prone to local issues with some drivers/routes.
