I'm really not sure whether I shouldn't have put this in Chat, but hey.
DH has been with Vodaphone for over 8 years. Sometime last week (or maybe in the last 10 days) he got a call from e2save, a subsidiary of CarPhone Warehouse, apparently. They said they were somehow connected with Vodaphone and dh was due an upgrade if he renews his contract, which he does. After much discussion a new phone was chosen, albeit one which carried a £2 a month increase in dh's costs.
3 days later Vodaphone ring offering him an upgrade; no problem, they log that he's got one. So far, no problem.
The phone arrives. DH hates it; really really hates it. Uses it for a couple of days and then gives up on it.
He rings carphone warehouse who tell him to call e2save. He calls them. They say they can only change the phone if he sends it back within 7 days UNOPENED. How can I tell I don't like it? he asks. Woman reiterates 7 day unopened mantra. DH asks if he's supposed to tell from looking at the box? Woman repeats mantra.
DH rings Vodaphone. Vodaphone say, we have no record of you renewing your contract and tell him that they're getting a lot of complaints from people who have been called by Carphone Warehouse on their behalf. Mainly to do with the rubbish phones which are being sent out, the impossibility of changing them and the total lack of customer aftercare. (They even said they thought dh's phone probably wasn't a new one, but reconditioned).
Apparently, e2save and Carphone Warehouse are doing this with Vodaphone, Orange and Talk customers.
DH asked me to "tell Mumsnet" (
). I can't check exact details as he's out until the morning. I know I've got the basics right though. Basically, don't renew your contract with anyone but your actual provider.