Should IMEI number on Purchase Receipt to claim Warranty for Mobile phone(Vodafone store rep not accepting receipt without IMEI)

LNew on 29/02/2016 - 22:12
Last edited 02/03/2016 - 20:11

Hi

1 weeks ago I have purchased Vodafone mobile phone from Woolworths super market. When I Purhcased, they took my id and registered.

Next day when I opened the box I have noticed that Camera on mobile phone is not working properly ( showing red, blue colors ). So I called Woolworths store and reported the issue. The customer service person said they doesn't have stock any more to replace the phone but they can refund the amount.
Actually, I want the mobile phone to be replaced. So I took the phone to Chadstone Vodafone store because the phone manufacturer is Vodafone. The Store rep checked the mobile phone and agreed that the camera is manufacturer fault (Hardware fault). He asked me to show the proof of purchase. I have shown the Woolworths receipt that I got when I purchased. But he says that receipt is not valid because Proof of purchase provided by woolworths does not included the IMEI of the device on the receipt So it can't replace or refunded as it's incorrect Proof of Purchase. (the receipt doesn't have IMEI number.).

  • Is it compulsory to have IMEI number on the receipt to claim warranty for mobile phones ?
  • Does all the retailers provide IMEI number on the receipt ?
  • Is anyone had faced this situation before with Vodafone ?

Does JB HIFI, Harvey Norman, David Jones, Myer, Office works provides IMEI Number on receipt ?

When I called Woolworths they said they can't add IMEI number on the receipt.

Updates :
The Woolworths store got new stock and they have replaced my phone with new mobile phone. ( Supervisor said "In future if you have any issues with the mobile, bring it to the store and they can send it to Vodafone for warranty)

Mobile

Comments

  • Cheapo333 on 29/02/2016 - 22:16
    +4

    Maybe get a full refund and buy from somewhere else.

    • New on 29/02/2016 - 22:52

      Yes I can buy from other retailer but which retailer will provide IMEI number on the receipt ?

  • Ughhh on 29/02/2016 - 22:58

    You can't go to a different Woolworths with stock? I'm guessing the problem is, Vodafone can't see if this is a legit purchase since its probably not in their system.

  • JordanM on 29/02/2016 - 23:07

    Unfortunately I do not know the process, but the IMEI number can certainly be added to the system/warranty repairs made somehow.

    I had issues with a Huawei G300+ purchased from woolworths (no IMEI on receipt) and Vodafone in Brisbane CBD was able to send it off under warranty after adding the IMEI to the system somehow.

  • Randxyz123 on 29/02/2016 - 23:25
    +3

    Firstly

    Does JB HIFI, Harvey Norman, David Jones, Myer, Office works provides IMEI Number on receipt ?

    I don't think so. I just checked a receipt from a USB modem I bought from Harvey Norman and there was no IMEI.

    Now I'd suggest going back to that woolies with the receipt and getting something from the store manager saying that that product was purchased by you on that day. When they take your ID they normally record what you purchased so you just need a copy of that.

    I personally think this is some sort of BS excuse to get out of replacing it for you.

    Is there a way of registering your phone online so it is in their system?

    • StewBalls on 01/03/2016 - 07:44
      +1

      I personally think this is some sort of BS excuse to get out of replacing it for you.

      ^This.

      Just get your refund, OP; then buy another cheap phone & get on with your life…

    • New on 02/03/2016 - 20:22

      Is there a way of registering your phone online so it is in their system?

      I couldn't find anything online. But I have activated SIM which came with the mobile phone. And also I have asked customer service to add IMEI number to the account. But she said they can't add IMEI number because it's prepaid.

  • trustnoone on 01/03/2016 - 00:39
    +1

    I don't know the process at all but seems odd to me, I understand that the IMEI can definitely help identify the phone and the receipt but this isn't used elsewhere. For example other electronics don't have any IMEI, and you will be lucky to get a receipt with a serial number on it, and yet I still assume that I would legitimately get warranty. (I was also under the impression that even a bank statement is enough for proof of purchase, and that wouldn't hold the serial or IMEI either, then again I'm no lawyer so not sure).

    I just feel this is one of those "Its a vodafone rule not a law" sort of deals, and I feel if you complained to someone somewhere correctly that know the law that they would have to do it either way. But from what you're saying it seems it'll be easier just returning it and just repurchasing it elsewhere. Or at least trying to get an exchange at a different Woolworths maybe?

    • New on 02/03/2016 - 19:32

      I was also under the impression that even a bank statement is enough for proof of purchase, and that wouldn't hold the serial or IMEI either.

      All these days I was thinking exactly same.

  • wukachuka on 01/03/2016 - 10:27

    Why is Woolworths taking i.d to buy a phone?
    Doesn't all the relevant government regulation i.d stuff happen when you try to setup an account with the phone service provider?

    • jzdhgkd on 01/03/2016 - 11:18

      They take ID because these phones usually come with a prepaid sim.

      • Japius on 01/03/2016 - 11:35
        +2

        Most of the carriers have changed the system now and they dont have to take ID at point of sale anymore. Once the telcos could verify license numbers etc online they took the onus off the retailer.

        • pais on 01/03/2016 - 11:57

          Identification is taken at both points in line with federal regulations. The retailer definitely still needs to ID you for any sim purchases.

          http://www.amta.org.au/pages/New-Prepaid-Regulations-2013

        • iratepirate on 01/03/2016 - 12:24
          +2

          @pais: This was amended in 2014 to allow service providers to check ID online at the time of activation :-

          https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015C00015

          Therefore ID checks at the shop front aren't required if the telco can use the government databases to check ID.
          I personally have activated many, many sim cards in the last 12 months and never had to show anyone my ID.

        • pais on 01/03/2016 - 13:45

          @iratepirate:

          You might have sent me the wrong link, since that's just the legislation I've already linked to, which contains:

          (2) The carriage service provider must comply with subsection (1) at the time of sale of the service.

          There's also another section that deals with identification at time of activation that service providers have to adhere to.

          http://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Telco/Carriers-and-service-p…

          This suggests the changes in 2014 are about migrating users from one service to another, but documents still need to be collected at point of sale.

        • iratepirate on 01/03/2016 - 13:59

          @pais: In the first link you have posted :-

          "Verification of your evidence of identity

          Once the above information has been provided to your service provider at either the point of purchase or time of activation, the service provider will be required to verify that information." (bold mine)

          So you can provide ID at the shop OR at activation if the telco can check it

  • Japius on 01/03/2016 - 11:36
    +1

    Considering a bank statement is sufficient as a proof of purchase if you have no receipt I dont see how they can claim that no IMEI = No warranty. If you want to push it jsut complain to vodafone and get it sorted though eprsonally I would jsut go get a refund and a new phone, looks like you just got a hard nosed person at vodafone making up their own rules.

    • New on 02/03/2016 - 19:44

      looks like you just got a hard nosed person at vodafone making up their own rules.

      But the store rep contacted his manager and gave me a letter on Vodafone letter pad saying that "NO IMEI on receipt is incorrect proof of purchase. So they can't refund or replace product". It looks like Vodafone has their own new rules across all the stores.

      Considering a bank statement is sufficient as a proof of purchase if you have no receipt I dont see how they can claim that no IMEI = No warranty

      Yes agree with you, Bank statement should be considered as proof of purchase according to ACCC.
      Till now I haven't seen from any other manufacturer or retailer asking for IMEI on Receipt.

  • froggym on 01/03/2016 - 12:32

    IMEI would let them know that it was the same phone. Otherwise you could have gotten a broken one off ebay or something and be trying to get it fixed. When my second hand phone broke I looked up its IMEI, saw it was still under warranty and took it to the telstra shop. They didn't even ask for a proof of purchase and didn't care that it was second hand. I don't know if refusing your proof of purchase because of a lack of IMEI is legal though. I would say probably not. You should call vodafone. I find that calling tends to be more useful than even going in to see people.

    • jimbobaus on 01/03/2016 - 16:29

      IMEI is required for the very reason Froggym states and Australian Consumer law is clear on the matter, in relation to Mobile devices an IMEI is to be recorded in order to verify device against purchase tax invoice

  • c64 on 01/03/2016 - 15:26
    +1

    i don't think imei is necessary, just proof of purchase

    i would get a refund and be done with it. if you are having warranty difficulties with vodafone and you just purchased it, what is it going to be like with if you have troubles in 6 or 12 months time?

    • New on 02/03/2016 - 19:55

      if you are having warranty difficulties with Vodafone and you just purchased it, what is it going to be like with if you have troubles in 6 or 12 months time?

      That's 100% true.

  • RobMel on 01/03/2016 - 15:31

    Woolworth would provide guarantee, simple proof of purchase.
    Vodafone would provide voluntary warranty, they can stipulate.

    Go with Woolworth I suggest and get a new one elsewhere.

  • Geekomatic on 02/03/2016 - 02:01

    I think ID/serial numbers should be, by law, REQUIRED on invoices across the board. It would cut down on fraud & would make sure honest people don't get stung like this person.

    Imho

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