Wrong sim

[Anonymous]

Last week, I wanted to buy a SIM for my daughter's android tab to celebrate her retun to the UK. I ask the woman in the shop and she offers me a range of cards. I choose 25 quid's worth, pay and leave. Later, I note that it is for an iPad and return to the store with receipt hoping for an exchange. I'm told that exchanges and refunds are not possible.

Does this mean that O2 are so poor they need to grasp every single pound at all costs? Are they going bankrupt and need a donation?

Does O2 lack the technology to carry out exchanges? Do they need some money so they can invest in 21st century tech?

Can't O2 afford decent customer service any more?

How likely am I to use O2 ever again after this experience? More or less?

How likely am I going to bore people criticising O2 for this?

Are O2 shop windows insured for more money than I wasted?

[MI5]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Why don't other customers cease making excuses for 02 and join in the fun?

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I wasn't making excuses. I was telling you how to fix it, as I did when you first posted.

It could have all been avoided a long time ago.

[Anonymous]

I have stumbled across a solution. There was a newspaper from the time I was in the UK where shops were moaning that the police only bother with shoplifters if it's over 150 pounds.  I have a SIM worth 25 pounds and I require a SIM worth 25 pounds so when I am back in the UK, I'll just walk back in the shop, exchange the wrongly sold SIM for the correct one (of the same value) and walk out again. 

It's a DIY customer care service - thanks O2!   I'll even forego the other expense they caused me.

And if they do waste police time (a criminal offence) by calling them out, er, what exactly will they argue has been stolen?  All they might complain about it an accounting issue.

If Marks&Sparks are willing to exchange tangible goods, why couldn't O2 do the decent thing in the first place and exchange intangible data?

[Anonymous]

Hi @Anonymous ... not sure this will be helpful ... but ... if it were me, I'd go back to the shop & get a different member of staff to help me 

One of the main reasons I went with O2 many years ago was / is an O2 shop in the town in which I live (I don't drive)

Hope it's all sorted out to your satisfaction soon

[Cleoriff]

@Anonymous  I realise you are out of the country but on the 12/1 I advised you to make a complaint. I wonder if you have started that process yet? It's an official route and one that may give you a satisfactory outcome

https://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain and do it via Resolver Resolver

Best of luck

[Anonymous]

I don't trust O2 and I don't trust their complaints process. I went back to the shop just before I left the country and was told nothing could be done. When I return, I will go to the same shop, ask politely again and I fully expect the same reply.  A day or two after, I will use my DIY process.  Everyone knows O2 shops are easy to shoplift and this isn't even shoplifting.

Besides, it'll be a miracle if any O2 staff member manages to look up from their mobile device long enough to see what any customer is doing.

[jonsie]

I couldn't possibly condone such action @Anonymous but good luck with the judge. As you say, they probably wouldn't noticei but they do have cctv and probably the ssn so can trace you that way if you register it. That's if they ever do a stock check. Do let us know what happens even if you only to say you went with plan B. It wouldn't do to admit anything in writing. 

[Anonymous]

Not being able to condone a customer getting justice is music to o2's selectively hearing ears. Maybe they will rip YOU off next, after all, there is little you will be able to do about it. Why not write them a cheque now? They are desperate for money.

It won't be a judge but a magistrate or police caution... but the police don't normally get out of bed for less than 100 quid these days. They are too busy reading tweets to bother.

BTW. In your opinion, who will be the victim of this 'crime' and what will they have lost financially? 

[jonsie]

There's only one victim at the moment David and that's you for sure. That's just my opinion maybe others don't see it that way. However I just don't want you to do something that you may regret and that may well turn you into a victim once more. Yes, a £25 sim card is probably nothing to a company like O2 and probably wouldn't be missed. Fact is you may well be seen or caught. Do you feel strongly enough about it to possibly end up with a criminal record? If you are hell bent on doing this I can only wish you good luck 😯

[Cleoriff]

@AnonymousJust make the complaint via the official channels. I posted the link above. You never know, you may be pleasantly surprised. Certainly have nothing to lose.

[jonsie]

I feel a complaint should have been made at the beginning of the problem. Please do keep us updated @Anonymous