Mobiles.co.uk cashback reliability

A question about : Mobiles.co.uk cashback reliability

I've recently ordered a sim only deal with Vodafone through mobiles.co.uk, with cashback redemptions more or less halving the 12 month cost.

The order went through fine and the sim card arrived, however so far the cashback amounts and the months in which to submit them aren't displaying on my mobiles.co.uk account (just a message stating Cashback details are not currently available for this order); and an email they sent regarding cashback also has these details missing, even though there is a space for this, it has been left blank.

After calling them they said it might be a technical issue, but couldn't confirm the amounts of cashback involved, and the times of which to send the appropriate deals (although I printed these before ordering).

Is this likely to cause problems when the time comes to claim? The deal changed a few hours after ordering which is my concern, as the cashback rate has decreased since.

I'm still within the 14 day cancellation period and so just wondering if to keep the deal or go with a 'normal' deal (with another network probably, seeing the Vodafone complaints on the forum - another concern).

Thanks for any help.

Best answers:

• Thanks grumbler.
  I have the tariff price, allowance details and the cashback amounts and the months/bills required. The problem with this is that they could claim (which is true) that I printed it off before ordering, as this info wasn't displayed after the order had been placed.
• How long before? Is there time in the bottom/top line that is normally to the page when you print it from a web browser?
• Oh yes of course, it's time and date stamped a few minutes before purchase - I never thought of that.
• Well, I don't know.
  Wait for the local redemption deals expert - 'mobilejunkie' - for a more educated guess/advice. I am pretty sure he will pick this thread up.
• Will do, thanks.
  I did read his cashback guide and he certainly seems to have done well out of redemption deals.
• I had the same problem. I was told over the phone that the account issue should sort itself out before I needed to make my first claim, but I nonetheless emailed them via my account so that at least I have evidence of their response in case things went wrong. They actually fixed the issue once I emailed them so give that a try. My first claim is next month - hopefully it all goes well.
• I'm glad to see that you printed off the details at the point fo sale. I hope you also printed off all the Q&As etc. on cashback deals (if not find that and do it straight away).
  This isn't a problem I've ever had with them (but over the years have encountered quite a few others with CPW clones). Make sure you've covered yourelf in terms of claim dates and requirements (the written proof and details at the point of sale) so they can't claim the deal if different to what it was. The date on the printout should prove that the deal did exist on the day you ordered and if you have followed that up in writing soon after to show that the information was missing on the email etc. I think I'd go to court if needbe as a judge would be likely to believe you purchased the contract with the cashback terms on the printout. After all, you wouldn't have been able to print those out once the offer had changed and wouldn't have done so if you hadn't actually ordered it at that time.
  I'm not sure you get 14 days' cancellation period; it used to be 7 if you haven't used the phone/sim, but the law did change recently and they may have a new policy of their own.
  If you want the deal and have the proof, don't send the sim back even if you can. Just make sure you ignore any claims of the cashback deals which contradict the actual ones you agreed to (and have in writing at the point of sale). It's unlikely they will dispute it, but I have known them lie about various things and if they do simply hold firm and refuse any nonsense. When you know what you are doing, accept no nonsense and show that you will sue without delay should they fail to honour their side of your contract with them they generally stop messing you around or trying to wriggle out of it. In the meantime, give them the benefit of the doubt and cover your back... just in case.
  As far as what it says on your on-line account is concerned, over the years I have generally found that to be incorrect so I ignore it. That's in terms of claim dates (which have improved but used to be completely wrong), claim status and so on. In fact, until they forced you to log on to submit claims on-line I rarely logged on to my numerous accounts. Just follow the groundrules and make sure you claim as soon as you get each relevant bill, get an acknowledgement of receipt and then (no more than 14 days at the most) written acceptance of the claim. Ignore any other promises or reassurances and don't give them too long a lead before reigning them in should they not do these things fairly promptly. That keeps you in control regardless of what they say or do.
• Thanks for the info mobilejunkie.
  I printed off all the Q+As, tariff details and cashback dates/instructions just in case of problems. All of it is dated and timed within half an hour of placing the order. The order confirmation email does say 'claim Ј120 cashback by redemption' (or words to that effect) and confirms the amount payable each month which should back up the above if needed.
  I'm quite willing to take action should they mess around with payment so unless they go under in the next 12 months, I should be able to deal with any issues should they try and start any.
  I'll have to contact them about this, but until the online system shows the cashback payments, I assume I wouldn't be able to submit claims online yet. I've emailed them about this for them to get this sorted out. It's still three months until I need to submit bills but I'd sooner get this sorted within the 14 day period (returns period stated on the invoice) rather than later.
• Would it not be easier to go to the larger mobile selling Company's and get a deal with them ie:- phone and free tv, laptop and so on then if not required sell it on ?
• Hi PeterOHanrahanrahan,
  If you still need help with this, email me with your details via the link in our profile here.
  All you need to do is copy and paste the link into your web browser and it'll take you to the Contact us form on our website. To make sure it reaches me, quote the code WRT135 - MSE in the subject line.
  Once sent, you'll receive an automated reply with a reference number. Post back with this and I'll check I've received it.
  Kind regards,
  Lee
  Social Media Comms
  Vodafone UK
• Hi grumbler,
  As the OP seems to be having some difficulties with this, I may be able to get things followed up with mobiles.co.uk from our end.
  Kind regards,
  Lee
  Social Media Comms
  Vodafone UK
• Ich nichten lichten...