Vodacom has launched a new product offering that is believes will make it easier for customers to afford smartphones, called Easy2Own. Easy2Own allows customers on the Vodacom network to purchase a smartphone with a once-off deposit followed by monthly repayment over an 11-month period.
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Monthly payments can be made via EFT or debit order. Initially only devices from Vodacom’s Samsung portfolio will be offered on Easy2Own, but the company plans to add other devices to the programme in the coming months. The Samsung devices will have an entry point of R129 upfront, with the further 11 monthly payments being R99 p/m. The upfront payment will always equate 10% of the device’s selling price.
“Customers who settle their monthly instalment on time will receive a 1GB data bundle, valid for seven days each month, simply for honouring their agreement,” Vodacom said. To further assist customers, if a debit order is unsuccessful, a 10-day grace period is provided after the invoice date to allow customers to make a direct payment into their Vodacom account. If the accounts isn’t settled during this grace period, the device will be locked using Knox Guard, a Samsung feature included in their phones.
Vodacom consumer business chief officer Jorge Mendes said the operator was confident that Easy2Own would help accelerate smartphone penetration and get consumers to participate in the digital economy.
Easy2Own will only be available to Vodacom prepaid customers who have received a campaign SMS from the operator. To apply for the offer, they must apply in-store using their South African ID book or card and provide their bank accounts details along with proof of address.
Are you a prepaid customer and would this kind of offer appeal to you? Let us know in the comments below.
