Sprint and LTE tirade - Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE

Thought I would try and give back a little to the boards with a short rant about sprint, maybe someone will find a useful bit of info from my crazy month of wtf.
So I got an Evo LTE, and im a OG evo guy since the release day so I expected a great deal from the brand. Im a 10+year guy with sprint, 2 lines, equipment protection plan, yada yada... When I got the phone charged up for the first time I tried making a call right away and couldnt get a signal; same house my OG evo works ok in. I was sent an air rave tower right away, which is both a curse and a blessing. I have my LTE (stock) for about a week and I start getting random reboots, I wait a day to make sure there wasn't something I was overlooking. My conclusion was I'm having the common random reboot problem. In addition I was also getting about 5 hours max battery life, and intermittent wifi, and strange overheating of the metal part of the cover. I called sprint and asked them what I should do, and they set me up with an appointment at the local store.
I bought the phone on a Thursday, and tried to return it two Thursdays later 14 days from the date on my receipt, at which point I was told they would not give me a phone out of inventory because my "14 day" return period expired. I argued all the way up to the store manager, with whom I shared words with. I was left with one alternative which was a "45min" wait for a tech to tell me my phone is broken, and 3 days from then I would get a replacement mailed to that store where I would have to return and exchange my old device, which they rudely handed back to me and said I should keep so "they don't loose it." I was leaving on a plane the next day and there was a hurricane coming so I told them I will keep the phone a few more days and they should f-%# themselves. Their 14 day return period starts the day BEFORE you buy the phone. returning two weeks from the day is 15 days on Sprint clocks, even when the Sprint rep on the phone makes your appointment for you. needless to say I was asked to leave the store.
The hurricane (more like tropical storm) shows up and my flight gets canceled, and the intermittent power outages basically disabled my airrave tower, so I was going on my third week with no working phone. I finally give up on all the crap and got a hold of the retention department or whatever they are called. I told them that if I can't get a phone out of inventory at the store the same day, im pretty sure Verizon would. They coughed up a $50 service credit and told me I had to go through the process. I re-activated my og evo so I would have somewhat of a reliable situation.
I went back to a different sprint store this week with an appointment and got lectured by a flunky girl who quoted the company line and tried telling me I clearly had a bad battery, and software issues. After I received my lecture from her I assured her I read all about many different people with my specific problems and I know she does too so lets get down to business ( I had waited 45 min with on time arrival for the appointment ). She started poking around my account (after having me read her my pin number aloud in public) and told me I canceled my equipment protection on the LTE and there was nothing she could do. I invited her to think about that for a minute, and she realized the person on the sprint *2 call that activated my OG Evo decided to remove my equipment plan without authorization. then I get the manager again, and 30-40 min later they hashed it out and told me keep my LTE and comeback tuesday (today) to pick up my replacement. I should also note that my google voice number was completely disabled from my account, (confirmed after an hour of trying to renew it via phone and computer.)
I go in today at 8pm, wait 30 min before anyone would talk to me about why I was there and encounter a soft spoken kid who couldn't figure out what I was asking for. He disappears in the back for a while then comes out with a refurbished OG Evo! They ordered the wrong Darn phone! I was not really surprised by this in retrospect... I then sat there with the manager while he tried to resolve the problem. His solution? I was told the order ticket was canceled (lies, we all know the first girl ordered me an OG Evo even though she held my LTE in her hand and solicited that I rate her well in my followup survey call); He then deactivated my OG evo, reactivated my LTE so he could order one, then tried and failed to re-activate my OG evo to no avail. After 20 min, I told him i knew how to update my profile and to fix it after I get home.
Needless to say, my OG evo is still not activated (he went home leaving me with no phone for yet another day), and my current status is I'm waiting for my factory (s on) new-ish LTE which may or may not be in by friday afternoon. The whole time there was a drawer full of inventory LTE's that they explicitly would not give me despite my hassle. I invited them to let me out of my contract and take their lemon LTE back and was again told no.
At some point in there I tried a few new ROMS and TWRP. I got stuck in a softbrick after an update to one of them ( I believe it was the meanROM ICS v39) which may have been my fault, not sure so no insult is intended. I believe it was a TWRP problem a few people seem to have had I've read. I was able to break the softbrick by getting into to recovery
(vol down and power pressed for 20 seconds then release > then vol down + power for 2 seconds each, 3 times > re-lock > then running the RUU jewel back to stock. Tamper message goes away after that and I was left with ReLocked message. The phone still has ALL of the aforementioned problems (as it did with any ROM I tried). Sorry I can't be much more helpful to the dev's with my descriptions, but it probably wont serve any of you to troubleshoot based off my results with a defective unit. One last thing- I have a wifi issue since day one with the LTE, it takes about 5 seconds to connect to any website the first time, after that everything loads in a snap, but browsing brings back the 5 second problem about every 3rd link I click.
tl;dr
What you should learn:
-Sprint 14 day return policy is no questions asked replacement from inventory provided you return within 13 days.
-Activating a legacy will probably nuke your google voice integration as well as complicate your replacement order.
-my random reboot problem didn't start until after about 1 week and minimum changes to the phone ( I have been doing most of my android stuff with my Nexus 7 tab.)
-Airrave towers die from fluctuating power for a couple hours (like during a tropical storm). Towers in S. Fla. worked for my girls Metro PCS device the whole time, as well as my OG Evo (not connected to service at that point).
-Sprint will NOT send you a replacement phone via post any longer.
-You must return to a Corporate store to get a replacement, and you have to drive back over there once it comes in (make an appointment!)
-You can probably snag a $50 service credit if you threaten to cancel (I've read people getting more).
On an unrelated note:
-(class 10) 32 GB micro sd card on newegg goes for about $20 with shipping, they are $100 at the Sprint outlet.
-$50 otterbox cases are clunky and not my taste, my 'greatshield' case from the egg was < $10 and I like it.
-Screen protectors at sprint are 10x as much dough as online.
If anyone is interested I will try and update this post after I get my new phone (if I get a new phone.) Sprint has gone a long way down, but the competitors are no better so don't be insulted if your one of their good employees. My total estimated lost time over this debacle has been about 4 weeks without a new working phone I already paid for, and 8 hours of driving, and waiting in the store or on the phone. I got kicked out of the store for cursing out the manager who was talking to me like im an imbecilic drone like he is, other than that almost every one else was dumb but well mannered. He actually called me out when I told him I was flying out of town, and work 7 days a week. He actually told me that there are laws that I must be given days off ( insinuating I was lying ). This is pretty ironic considering im a lawyer in this state; I know more than a few of the lurkers here are lawyers too, i'm sure you understand the long hours). His condescension pushed me over the edge, and hes lucky he didn't meet the old me.
Thx to all the Devs on xda for your superb work.
-----------
I really need a sig here::: would love to post thumbs of my legacy hardware, it would be pretty fun going back down memory lane. I honestly miss my treo(s)

yeah i had a snafu with sprint and thats when I gave them the middle finger. got out of my contract ETF free despite the fact i was 22 days in.

Well,after 3 weeks of phone calls sprint finally decided to send me a replacement evo,i mean its really bad when you have to go throught all this just to get a working phone,it shows that sprint has no interest in keeping customers happy,i came from verizon and they offer you a replacement without hassle,i dont know if its because verizon is doing way better financially or what,but they need to get their stuff together
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

Damn and here I am never having a issue with Sprint at all. Never had a issue getting a replacement phone or with dropping calls.
Now I have a issue with best buy black tie plans and getting a phone but that's a story for another day.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

I think the stores in your area dropped the ball. Only in the case of ordering you the wrong phone and making you wait again while the correct one came in. The other things technically were Sprint policy.
My location would have worked with you on the point of ordering the wrong phone. That is of course assuming you were polite. Individuals who are condescending jerks don't get far. Not saying that's what you are or were.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

So from what I gathered from the wrong phone being ordered is that sprint has to order the device that is currently active on the account. That explains why u got an Og evo and not the lte. I'm a tech at sprint and that's how the system works.
Sent from my Genesis that does what Nintendon't

Full of thoughts...
Thanks for all of the sophisticated replies, glad to finally be posting here after a few years of lurking.
Something is very broken at Sprint and I suspect it has everything to do with a bunch of gone by night,
corporate exec's that fire people in hallways and use phrases like "corporate efficiency"...
I estimate my lifetime sprint spending at a modest $25,000. Its a severe kick to the gentleman region
that the moment my phone stopped working It was not replaced.
Honestly, I know how corporate employees feel, but the beauracratic, non-sense policies that ignore what I
need ( a working phone ) and sanction customers like me (my time and patients) are a disaster for many
companies. I was in sever need of my working phone connection, and I got screwed by sprint policy that
keeps them from loosing money from customers that can't be compared to me.
I'm a super nice guy most of the time, it was always served me well to try and give people what they want.
I may be highly educated and blessed for my financial situation (im not rich, but am thankful), however
I grew up in Detroit, a city with a 50% literacy rate, 25% highschool graduation rate, and crippling
unemployment (possibly as high as 30-40% un-adjusted). For lack of a better way of saying it, I talk like
a common man. I am also from a very violent place, so I have learned to respect people who I don't know
much about, but to strike back when they cross the line with me. So i probably sounded like a jerk bag getting
kicked out of a Sprint store, but believe me ... come visit south Florida sometime, you will honestly wonder
how some people here made it to adult-hood.
As a side note; if you work in customer service don't talk about customers in a different language. My girl and
I combined understand 6-7 languages (most fluent). We normally dress down, I like wearing jersies and sandals.
We both look 5-10 years younger than we are, and could easily be stereo-typed as no one important- in
fact we both like it that way. I've never asked Sprint for any special favors.
That being said, I have some valuable business advice for Sprint, and would go into MUCH more detail with
someone who was in charge at their higher levels: basically Sprint needs a way to tell the difference between
customers that are a money suck, and ones who are the bread and butter. Then that system needs to be easily
applied by the worker bees.
All that the store manager had to do on my first trip to sprint was to get me a working phone line and make it
easy for me to exchange, even if I had to come back. Its the MOST BASIC reason anyone walks in a sprint store,
and their relative inability to deal with a hardware issue without insulting me and wasting my time is a
malignant corporate problem, not an employee problem.
Make up your own minds about how I sound, it is what it is. If you work for Sprint I encourage you to
not take offense to my comments, Im really trying to use broad strokes with these points.
XDA members are so, so close to a new watershed in tele-com; It wont be long now untill none of us will be
willing to sign contracts and/or purchase hardware from our cellular providers. The rest of the world isn't
going to take to long to catch on either. With companies like metro pcs doing the kind of numbers they are,
Sprint as we now know it is going to be a relic.
My Sprint experiences have been positive 80% of the time, but when it goes bad it goes really bad.
@David: BestBuy is going to die a slow, painful corporate death before 2022 I surmise. Their problems
are very similar to sprint, sorry for your bad luck with them; I think I already know what you would say.
I'm confident people like on this forum will bring the industry back up to speed on their own terms. Its really
quite an amazing community, a real credit to humanity. I dont just say that, the existence of a dev community
like this is quite a unique human event (a sort of enlightenment.) There are not enought nice things to say about
how people here help others with something they genuinely do for fun.
Cell companies on a whole are intellectually dishonest with the people, and have adopted the economic principals
of companies that are the college examples of myopic, unethical, poorly directed, abusers. Much like the mortgage
industry, lack of consumer oriented management has created a culture of abuse and if my readers don't agree, they
can at least understand why I make the argument.
I have gotten pretty far away from what I started talking about, so Ill leave it here: invest in google, they are
sending a pretty clear message to sprint by rolling out google Fiber in Kansas...IMO
---
sorry for typo's talking/typing on the tablet.

redwings23 said:
Honestly, I know how corporate employees feel....
.... and I got screwed by sprint policy that
keeps them from loosing money from customers that can't be compared to me.
I'm a super nice guy most of the time...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be a Republican. You've got to be right? Sure that holds no relevance but your post screams Republican. Lol.
No offense but this post is drenched in the very condescending tone that I was under the impression you communicated in. All customers should be viewed as equal. It's unfair to believe otherwise. I understand you feel as though your needs and requests hold priority over that of the majority but policies are policies and they are in place for a reason. There is no excuse it took so long for your replacement device to arrive, but let's be honest. You did have a functional phone in the meantime, right? Sprint should have taken responsibility for their mistake though. I definitely empathize with you on that point.
I'm sorry, the entitlement argument always rubs me the wrong way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

redwings23 said:
Thought I would try and give back a little to the boards with a short rant about sprint, maybe someone will find a useful bit of info from my crazy month of wtf.
So I got an Evo LTE, and im a OG evo guy since the release day so I expected a great deal from the brand. Im a 10+year guy with sprint, 2 lines, equipment protection plan, yada yada... When I got the phone charged up for the first time I tried making a call right away and couldnt get a signal; same house my OG evo works ok in. I was sent an air rave tower right away, which is both a curse and a blessing. I have my LTE (stock) for about a week and I start getting random reboots, I wait a day to make sure there wasn't something I was overlooking. My conclusion was I'm having the common random reboot problem. In addition I was also getting about 5 hours max battery life, and intermittent wifi, and strange overheating of the metal part of the cover. I called sprint and asked them what I should do, and they set me up with an appointment at the local store.
I bought the phone on a Thursday, and tried to return it two Thursdays later 14 days from the date on my receipt, at which point I was told they would not give me a phone out of inventory because my "14 day" return period expired. I argued all the way up to the store manager, with whom I shared words with. I was left with one alternative which was a "45min" wait for a tech to tell me my phone is broken, and 3 days from then I would get a replacement mailed to that store where I would have to return and exchange my old device, which they rudely handed back to me and said I should keep so "they don't loose it." I was leaving on a plane the next day and there was a hurricane coming so I told them I will keep the phone a few more days and they should f-%# themselves. Their 14 day return period starts the day BEFORE you buy the phone. returning two weeks from the day is 15 days on Sprint clocks, even when the Sprint rep on the phone makes your appointment for you. needless to say I was asked to leave the store.
The hurricane (more like tropical storm) shows up and my flight gets canceled, and the intermittent power outages basically disabled my airrave tower, so I was going on my third week with no working phone. I finally give up on all the crap and got a hold of the retention department or whatever they are called. I told them that if I can't get a phone out of inventory at the store the same day, im pretty sure Verizon would. They coughed up a $50 service credit and told me I had to go through the process. I re-activated my og evo so I would have somewhat of a reliable situation.
I went back to a different sprint store this week with an appointment and got lectured by a flunky girl who quoted the company line and tried telling me I clearly had a bad battery, and software issues. After I received my lecture from her I assured her I read all about many different people with my specific problems and I know she does too so lets get down to business ( I had waited 45 min with on time arrival for the appointment ). She started poking around my account (after having me read her my pin number aloud in public) and told me I canceled my equipment protection on the LTE and there was nothing she could do. I invited her to think about that for a minute, and she realized the person on the sprint *2 call that activated my OG Evo decided to remove my equipment plan without authorization. then I get the manager again, and 30-40 min later they hashed it out and told me keep my LTE and comeback tuesday (today) to pick up my replacement. I should also note that my google voice number was completely disabled from my account, (confirmed after an hour of trying to renew it via phone and computer.)
I go in today at 8pm, wait 30 min before anyone would talk to me about why I was there and encounter a soft spoken kid who couldn't figure out what I was asking for. He disappears in the back for a while then comes out with a refurbished OG Evo! They ordered the wrong Darn phone! I was not really surprised by this in retrospect... I then sat there with the manager while he tried to resolve the problem. His solution? I was told the order ticket was canceled (lies, we all know the first girl ordered me an OG Evo even though she held my LTE in her hand and solicited that I rate her well in my followup survey call); He then deactivated my OG evo, reactivated my LTE so he could order one, then tried and failed to re-activate my OG evo to no avail. After 20 min, I told him i knew how to update my profile and to fix it after I get home.
Needless to say, my OG evo is still not activated (he went home leaving me with no phone for yet another day), and my current status is I'm waiting for my factory (s on) new-ish LTE which may or may not be in by friday afternoon. The whole time there was a drawer full of inventory LTE's that they explicitly would not give me despite my hassle. I invited them to let me out of my contract and take their lemon LTE back and was again told no.
At some point in there I tried a few new ROMS and TWRP. I got stuck in a softbrick after an update to one of them ( I believe it was the meanROM ICS v39) which may have been my fault, not sure so no insult is intended. I believe it was a TWRP problem a few people seem to have had I've read. I was able to break the softbrick by getting into to recovery
(vol down and power pressed for 20 seconds then release > then vol down + power for 2 seconds each, 3 times > re-lock > then running the RUU jewel back to stock. Tamper message goes away after that and I was left with ReLocked message. The phone still has ALL of the aforementioned problems (as it did with any ROM I tried). Sorry I can't be much more helpful to the dev's with my descriptions, but it probably wont serve any of you to troubleshoot based off my results with a defective unit. One last thing- I have a wifi issue since day one with the LTE, it takes about 5 seconds to connect to any website the first time, after that everything loads in a snap, but browsing brings back the 5 second problem about every 3rd link I click.
tl;dr
What you should learn:
-Sprint 14 day return policy is no questions asked replacement from inventory provided you return within 13 days.
-Activating a legacy will probably nuke your google voice integration as well as complicate your replacement order.
-my random reboot problem didn't start until after about 1 week and minimum changes to the phone ( I have been doing most of my android stuff with my Nexus 7 tab.)
-Airrave towers die from fluctuating power for a couple hours (like during a tropical storm). Towers in S. Fla. worked for my girls Metro PCS device the whole time, as well as my OG Evo (not connected to service at that point).
-Sprint will NOT send you a replacement phone via post any longer.
-You must return to a Corporate store to get a replacement, and you have to drive back over there once it comes in (make an appointment!)
-You can probably snag a $50 service credit if you threaten to cancel (I've read people getting more).
On an unrelated note:
-(class 10) 32 GB micro sd card on newegg goes for about $20 with shipping, they are $100 at the Sprint outlet.
-$50 otterbox cases are clunky and not my taste, my 'greatshield' case from the egg was < $10 and I like it.
-Screen protectors at sprint are 10x as much dough as online.
If anyone is interested I will try and update this post after I get my new phone (if I get a new phone.) Sprint has gone a long way down, but the competitors are no better so don't be insulted if your one of their good employees. My total estimated lost time over this debacle has been about 4 weeks without a new working phone I already paid for, and 8 hours of driving, and waiting in the store or on the phone. I got kicked out of the store for cursing out the manager who was talking to me like im an imbecilic drone like he is, other than that almost every one else was dumb but well mannered. He actually called me out when I told him I was flying out of town, and work 7 days a week. He actually told me that there are laws that I must be given days off ( insinuating I was lying ). This is pretty ironic considering im a lawyer in this state; I know more than a few of the lurkers here are lawyers too, i'm sure you understand the long hours). His condescension pushed me over the edge, and hes lucky he didn't meet the old me.
Thx to all the Devs on xda for your superb work.
-----------
I really need a sig here::: would love to post thumbs of my legacy hardware, it would be pretty fun going back down memory lane. I honestly miss my treo(s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice tirade BTW. But, you did your math wrong. You bought it on thursday, that is day 1. Day14 would therefore be wednesday.

troll?
wolfclan68 said:
Nice tirade BTW. But, you did your math wrong. You bought it on thursday, that is day 1. Day14 would therefore be wednesday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this a troll?
Try again, the way the planet Earth works is that you turn one year old on the anniversary of your birth.
I returned to the store 13 days and 18 hours prior to my previous visit.
When considering some potential for illogical ambiguity such as yours,
Sprint should confer benefit of the doubt upon the disadvantaged party (me).
Sprint sold me a lemon, and a monthly plan for equipment guarantee, which makes me a disadvantaged party.
I was also given a receipt with terms of adhesion incorporated into it mentioning 14 days with no clarification of
the intent that the moment the transaction occurred a full day is presumed as having past.
Turns out the Florida Supreme Court agrees with my logic: the day the transaction takes place is not included.
For instance, If I serve you with a lawsuit today, you have 30 days (starting at zero) to respond.
If it had said "return the phone within 30 days of the purchase date", you might have yourself an argument.
"14 days" is a measurement of time that appeared on my contract.
Lets review:
-if I agree to give you one apple a day for 14 days starting on a Thursday you will get your last apple on Wednesday.
-if I agree to give you an apple in 14 days, you will get an apple two Thursdays from now.
Now lets have fun:
suppose today is Thursday
-If I tell you to meet me in Vegas in 7 days, you will expect me next thursday
-if i tell you meet me at my office before I go home in 8 hours, you can add 8 hours to the current time and rely on me leaving at the sum.
suppose its 5pm-
-If you ask me (on a Thursday) to meet you at your office within 336 hours I have until next Thursday at 5pm to comply.
336 hours = 14 days
Now try substituting '336 hours' for the words 'two weeks' or '14 days'; Rational minds work in mysterious ways.

sprint's stated policy
Now that we've covered the basics, dead over to sprint dot com /landings/returns/
within 14 days of activation (day 1 of the 14 days starts when the phone is activated)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They even messed it up there!
Day 1 starts when the phone is activated?
That clearly means two different things...
Day one starts and ends when exactly?
Why should a customer have to guess, especially in the 24 hour world of web shopping?
Why not simply state the date which will be the last of the period? I know my library does.
I wonder if anyone else has pondered this problem, oh say 3 years ago on yahoo! answers...
http:/ /answers.yahoo. com/question/index?qid=20090929112655AAk7o1O

in the future you can bypass the whole store visit by calling them and stating the problem and they will drop ship you another device right then if within the time period. I've done it before a few times no problems at all.

sgt. slaughter said:
in the future you can bypass the whole store visit by calling them and stating the problem and they will drop ship you another device right then if within the time period. I've done it before a few times no problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tired, I know what you mean too. I had a treo drop dead after a few days and it was about as painless as a phone call and dealing with the return packaging. Unless I seriously missed something, I tried talking to many different people, supervisors, etc.
I called on the 10th day (or if your a sprint employee the 11th) and talked to a rep who told me there is no way for them to send me a phone AT ALL. I argued up to the supervisor, and was told that Sprint has changed its policies quite drastically since the iphone was brought over :facepalm:
Anyway, I believe the new policy is that you HAVE TO take your exchange back to a Sprint corporate store, and have exchanges made there within the 13 days time frame.
Another guy also informed me that if I did a straight up insurance claim on the phone I would have to pay a $200 deductible.
hopeless..... Im calling the store tonight, Im pondering how to stay calm. If the new phone is flawed in any more than minor way and not fixed with an inventory phone, im giving up and will be trying to get out of the ETF and finding a new carrier. Im sure I can get my $200 back out of the virgin hardware. I give them 3 to 1 odds of not screwing something else up.

redwings23 said:
I argued up to the supervisor, and was told that Sprint has changed its policies quite drastically since the iphone was brought over :facepalm:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you probably don't think you are being condescending, but the fact that you had to argue on your call with customer service makes me think you come across as such.
And while you think Sprint should see you as better than the riff-raff, truth is, your individual account is no different than the millions of other individual Sprint customers. I also have issues with my local Sprint corporate store service techs, but I have nothing but positives for the business customer care department.

Quis89 said:
You must be a Republican. You've got to be right? Sure that holds no relevance but your post screams Republican. Lol.
No offense but this post is drenched in the very condescending tone that I was under the impression you communicated in. All customers should be viewed as equal. It's unfair to believe otherwise. I understand you feel as though your needs and requests hold priority over that of the majority but policies are policies and they are in place for a reason. There is no excuse it took so long for your replacement device to arrive, but let's be honest. You did have a functional phone in the meantime, right? Sprint should have taken responsibility for their mistake though. I definitely empathize with you on that point.
I'm sorry, the entitlement argument always rubs me the wrong way.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I approve this message
via xda premium on my AOKP'd Evo LTE

sgt. slaughter said:
in the future you can bypass the whole store visit by calling them and stating the problem and they will drop ship you another device right then if within the time period. I've done it before a few times no problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I called Sprint one morning because I had no data after updating PRL. Within 10 minutes they were ready to send me a new phone.
I was able to fix it by connecting to a WiFi connection to update and it was fine so I kept my phone. I thought they were more than helpful.
Naters
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app

meh
bman3333 said:
I know you probably don't think you are being condescending, but the fact that you had to argue on your call with customer service makes me think you come across as such.
And while you think Sprint should see you as better than the riff-raff, truth is, your individual account is no different than the millions of other individual Sprint customers. I also have issues with my local Sprint corporate store service techs, but I have nothing but positives for the business customer care department.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have some experience with Wisconsin's .. err wisconsinites?... wisconsonians?
Anyway, based on my experience you are making your point because I used the word 'argued'.
Arguing is not mutually exclusive of being a gentleman during the conflict.
I was very nice to the people, I just did not accept their answers. The first girl I talked to, although dim witted, told
me that she did her best and asked me if there was anything else I needed, I told her her answer was unacceptable
to me, and while although not her fault in any way, I would like to talk to the supervisor.
I am a mover, but my main advantage is I can easily relate to all sorts of people, I walk around smiling,
except when people break my stones. If you go out of your way to disrespect me I will shame you publicly.
I don't live in the midwest, but I grew up there. we probably share the same values / character traits.
Just realize that there are other cultures in different parts of the country, and S. Florida is a place where you
can pull over and help a lady change her tire (just because you're a good guy) and she will complain you are
taking to long to do it. (happened to a friend of mine). Down here its 'too good, too stupid". I'm not intimidated
by the Latin bravado, and have found most these boys down here don't know why its a bad Idea to try and
back a hockey player into a corner. The store manager talked trash about me in Spanish while I was standing right there
I knew what he was saying and was not wrong for reacting a certain way. I was definitely not the one being smug there.
Originally Posted by Quis89
You must be a Republican. You've got to be right? Sure that holds no relevance but your post screams Republican. Lol.
No offense but this post is drenched in the very condescending tone that I was under the impression you communicated in. All customers should be viewed as equal. It's unfair to believe otherwise. I understand you feel as though your needs and requests hold priority over that of the majority but policies are policies and they are in place for a reason. There is no excuse it took so long for your replacement device to arrive, but let's be honest. You did have a functional phone in the meantime, right? Sprint should have taken responsibility for their mistake though. I definitely empathize with you on that point.
I'm sorry, the entitlement argument always rubs me the wrong way.
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I'm oddly uncomfortable with discussing my political leanings here, but I will say I think for myself.
Anyway, there are many problems with your points-
I have been through this process with Sprint and exchanged one a few years back (a new Treo) the 'policies' were
much different then, and I expected the same pleasant results this time around. No Dice.
I was treated well when making a visit to buy a phone, and crapped on once the payment cleared.
Ill remind you that I called sprint within 10 days and they set my appointment up for me!
Nether the phone rep or the store told me there would be any problem until I showed up on day 14
and was forced to sit in the store for about 90 min. and not offered an inventory phone because of 'policy'.
I had the other line hooked up to my dying og evo, and its pretty bad. Ive been using my nexus 7 and
google voice to make calls, since no one could get my google number to ring through to the og.
The policies would have been fine if 3-4 people i met along the way hadn't dropped the ball.
reassuring me on the phone then not coming through after I drive to the store is unacceptable.
You use the word entitlement in a somewhat laughable way-
Why should customers all be treated equally, there are many that need way more than me; picture
my grandmother sitting there asking what an app is. Once a guy goes through the process like I did
There is no reason to consider my problems as the same priority as others. Facts and circumstances
should define policies, not bureaucratic nonsense that ignores the needs of one paying customer.
Sprint has lacked integrity in this respect because I paid fair and square and didn't get what others get. -That's my fault somehow?
That brings me to my second point about 'entitlement' ... I paid and got a bad device, my theory of
entitlement is based on the money I paid. When you pay for a movie ticket you are then entitled to
go in and watch that movie. I ran around for hours based on bad advice and policies. I never asked for
something other customers don't get. All I asked for is what the average customer gets: I pay money
and they give a working phone. If Sprint is going to operate on a buyer beware ethos, judge them
not me.
I understand my words read as condescending, but im not here to make myself sound pleasant.
I tried to lay out the relevant facts in a tone that reflects feelings after a month of not having my new toy, or a working line half that time.
Put yourself in my shoes, and tell yourself this because of bad karma or something.
I wrote all of this in hopes someone will find it personally helpful, I've lurked here for years and wanted to give something useful back to the community.
I was on this board for several hours trying to break my soft-brick and read at least three unanswered threads that were related to my problem.
I figured it was time to be a noob and give a few people a heads up. Im sure a few of you read all this and were surprised about something.

NaterTots said:
Yeah I called Sprint one morning because I had no data after updating PRL. Within 10 minutes they were ready to send me a new phone.
I was able to fix it by connecting to a WiFi connection to update and it was fine so I kept my phone. I thought they were more than helpful.
Naters
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
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I was in a similar situation years ago. They refused to send me a phone this time, I asked each person why I was treated differently last time and at lease one Sprint phone manager thinks its because "sprint stopped doing that after the Iphone [got ported over.]"
How long ago was your hassle free exchange, i think mine was 2004~ish.

Related

My local Sprint Corporate Store

I posted this in another section (already within a thread.) I figured I'd post it here as well. Here's my local sprint corporate store and how horrible it is.
I just filed an official complaint with Sprint regarding my local corporate store.
I tried to get it exchanged (maybe 2 weeks ago) because of the backlight bleed issue and the crooked screen. They said they would have to charge me the 35 dollar restocking fee. I argued with the woman a little bit (the manager wouldn't even talk to me, but he had no problem selling me the phone the previous week.)
I walk in today because a random power down/reboot issue I was having, they immediately recognized me and the manager turned around and walked into the back of the store, all hidden from me. I talked to the same woman I talked to last time and she of course remembered me. I had to ask for the manager multiple times before she would get him. He gave me the same crap about well if they couldn't reproduce the problem (in the whole 2 minutes they looked at my phone) they would have to recharge the restocking fee. Never mind that:
a) I'm a business account and restocking fee's don't apply to me
b) They didn't even look at my account after I told them too, I have record on there that I called in tech support about this issue and they said to get it replaced at that same store with NO restocking fee due to a defect in the phone.
c) I'm in my 30 day exchange window where I can get a replacement for flaws or defects without a restocking fee.
So I called Sprint Business Care and they refunded me the restocking fee and they filed the complaint. A regional manger is going to contact me at a later date about this.
The manager was just a total ****, basically calling me a liar when he said "well I know you were in here the other day trying to get a replacement phone, and here you are again..." Meanwhile he has a huge baggy shirt (because he weighs over 300 lbs easily) and his pants are falling off his ass. I mean please...
So I'm never going back there needless to say and telling everybody to not go to that corporate store and I hope to hear back from the regional manager (maybe it's a district mananger?) I'd love to tell him/her exactly what happened.
Good for you. I was about to do the same thing to the sales guy at another store I went to the other day... I was within my 30 day, had valid issues and he said I could only exchange once (the exchange would have been number 3). Went to another store and was in and out in 10 minutes...
Seems like Sprint stores are very hit and miss in terms of whether it is staffed with douchebags, or not.
Tacoma corporate store are a bunch of douche bags also! 5 minutes away from me yet I have to go to Olympia (a good 30 minute freeway drive) to get treated decently. Hell, 2 weeks ago I go in to Tacoma store to purchase the HTC car dock, figured they can't screw this up. Yeah right, after standing their with it in my hand to cash out for 12 minutes, they all looked at me and they weren't busy, I just set it down on the unattended checkout stand and walked out. Cockbags, that's what they are in Tacoma! I went over to the Mall and they were glad to take my money.
-Apollo- said:
Tacoma corporate store are a bunch of douche bags also! 5 minutes away from me yet I have to go to Olympia (a good 30 minute freeway drive) to get treated decently. Hell, 2 weeks ago I go in to Tacoma store to purchase the HTC car dock, figured they can't screw this up. Yeah right, after standing their with it in my hand to cash out for 12 minutes, they all looked at me and they weren't busy, I just set it down on the unattended checkout stand and walked out. Cockbags, that's what they are in Tacoma! I went over to the Mall and they were glad to take my money.
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What assholes, I would have said "they hire blind people , or are you just day dreaming!!!??"
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Hello,
The Sarasota Sprint Store on Tamiami Trail is also lacking Customer Service as well.
I got my 3D on June 22nd as part of the Premiere "First to Buy Program" and simply wanted to purchase an Otterbox Defender. The Store had them In Stock, but refused to sell it until the General Release June 24th date.
The other Sprint Store in Sarasota offered to sell me one, but were still waiting for their Cases for the 3D to arrive. I end up calling *2 and tried to see if they could coax the Store that had the Defended into selling it, but also got nowhere.
I ended up having to drive to Bradenton, FL which is one town North. With traffic, it takes about an hour round trip but had no issues selling me one on the 22nd.
I ran into more issues with the Store which is about 5 Minutes away when I decided to Exchange my 3D for another 3D due to multiple Reboots. At first, they said they had to find an issue before allowing an Exchange even though it was the 1st and hopefully only Exchange.
This time I called Retention and discussed just how ridiculous this Store was being. They put Notes on my Account to make sure there would be no issues with the Exchange. By coincidence, I ran into a nice Rep from the Brandenton Store who was Working that day at the Sarasota Store and even swapped out my Defender Case as well.
Retention offered me the option of placing a Complaint and said as I have been with them since 1999 with a perfect Payment History that it would be taken seriously, but decided not to as the guy that helped me could not have been nicer and did not want any chance of it blowing back on him. All the same, if you live in Sarasota, I would avoid the Tamiami Trail Sprint Store on the whole.
Cheers,
JJ
novanosis85 said:
What assholes, I would have said "they hire blind people , or are you just day dreaming!!!??"
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you should write for conan brah
Interestingly enough, here in Charlottesville its the opposite. Everytime I've had to deal with the employees they've been pretty helpful, and fare I say even cool.
When I returned my Nexsus S 4g I had to pay the restocking fee. I didn't want to (who would) but that's just the way it is (for me anyway).
The Rep and I even talked at length about androids, and other interests (all geeky) we shared. My wife got impatient, else I'm sure we could have discussed more.
I have no doubt the op is relaying a true story, and I hope the issue gets resolved. I also hope someone doesn't take this as a full on representation of what to expect when dealing with all sprint locations.
That sucks!
Had a similar experience when I had to trade mine for a defective touchscreen, store refused to even look at it since the issue wasn't occurring at that exact moment. Then order support was giving me crap too because the store wouldn't do anything about it. They finally shipped me a replacement but threatened to note my account that they would never do it again without a restocking fee if a store hadn't marked it as defective first. No idea if they actually did though.
i wont go tot the local store total douche bags !!
it sucks because the corp store is like 40 mins away
but i normally never have troubles .. besides before i go i call my contact at dan hess office and tell them to check my account and they normally take care of me quick and fast if not i speed dial 9 to Vanessa's personal phone and she rips ass
Encino,ca store is right up there.
bad customer service, ..return once deal or no deal and attitudes like the customer owes them 10yrs of back pay. a bunch of kids working there // 20-25 yrs of age who dont give a damn about customer service.
seems like every time i call customer care, they are always open and concerned about me (at least they are forced to lol) and are always helpful. I stay away from local stores as much as i can.
Also, local stores dont have Quality Checks like they do in Call Centers. The agents know that 6/10 calls are recorded and will be checked every month by the managers/supervisors. so, naturally, they need to be as courteous as possible.
You go in to exchange over a slightly crooked screen and backlight bleed and complain over the restocking fee?? Your issues are not something that hinders your use of the phone. They are just a nuisance and nothing more. Why do you deserve a free replacement over something you can just as easily look past? My phone has light leakage but I have no desires to replace it as my phone works flawlessly. It's an obvious widespread issue. Either get rid of the phone or deal with the minor flaws. Don't expect a free replacement over something the next phone will probably do as well. That's just wasting store inventory over something that has nothing to do with how well the phone operates.
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Quis89 said:
You go in to exchange over a slightly crooked screen and backlight bleed and complain over the restocking fee?? Your issues are not something that hinders your use of the phone. They are just a nuisance and nothing more. Why do you deserve a free replacement over something you can just as easily look past? My phone has light leakage but I have no desires to replace it as my phone works flawlessly. It's an obvious widespread issue. Either get rid of the phone or deal with the minor flaws. Don't expect a free replacement over something the next phone will probably do as well. That's just wasting store inventory over something that has nothing to do with how well the phone operates.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
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I had light leakage on my Evo 4g. It didn't bother me.
But I wouldn't keep a phone that the screen was crooked. I saw the pictures of that. It would have driven me crazy! I would have taken it back, too. And to be treated like crap at the store is just wrong.
My local corporate store isn't great, but there are a couple of reps there that are good. I always to to the non-corporate store unless I have a big problem.
meatgel said:
I had light leakage on my Evo 4g. It didn't bother me.
But I wouldn't keep a phone that the screen was crooked. I saw the pictures of that. It would have driven me crazy! I would have taken it back, too. And to be treated like crap at the store is just wrong.
My local corporate store isn't great, but there are a couple of reps there that are good. I always to to the non-corporate store unless I have a big problem.
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I'm not saying the store wasn't wrong. I'm just saying that we as consumers have to accept that technology is flawed. And certain issues are only as big as we make them. We can't expect free replacements for minor issues that don't hinder device functionality. I haven't seen the crooked screen issue so I can't comment on that but the light leakage?? Come on!! How often do we use our phones in dark light conditions where this should be a huge problem.
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Quis89 said:
I'm not saying the store wasn't wrong. I'm just saying that we as consumers have to accept that technology is flawed. And certain issues are only as big as we make them. We can't expect free replacements for minor issues that don't hinder device functionality. I haven't seen the crooked screen issue so I can't comment on that but the light leakage?? Come on!! How often do we use our phones in dark light conditions where this should be a huge problem.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
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Last time I checked, "The Customer is always right"...
If you want to accept sub par products, thats YOUR prerogative;
There is a reason they give a 30 day money back guarantee
Retail sucks, and, the people that work in it can be real dooshies, but, there is no excuse for hassling some one with a legitimate issue with a product they bought, especially one that cost 200 bucks...
wase4711 said:
Last time I checked, "The Customer is always right gets their way"...
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please check again. fixed.
my local store is great! when i had all the problems with my Moment they got me into a Evo, about 3 months after my contract had started. i was the first person to leave my local store with a evo on launch day.
now with this POS evo 3d... i have taken it back about 5-6 times and gotten 3 replacements. they offered me a 4th but i told them it wouldn't help. this phone looks flawless hardware wise and all my problems for the most part seem to be software. i told the tech if root wasn't available by my 30days that i'd return it and he said no problem and we won't charge you the restocking fee. my 30 days was up yesterday and since there seems to be a damn good chance of getting full root soon i decided to keep it.
sorry everyone else has such bad service at their stores, reading that makes me appreciate my local store even more.
Quis89 said:
You go in to exchange over a slightly crooked screen and backlight bleed and complain over the restocking fee?? Your issues are not something that hinders your use of the phone. They are just a nuisance and nothing more. Why do you deserve a free replacement over something you can just as easily look past? My phone has light leakage but I have no desires to replace it as my phone works flawlessly. It's an obvious widespread issue. Either get rid of the phone or deal with the minor flaws. Don't expect a free replacement over something the next phone will probably do as well. That's just wasting store inventory over something that has nothing to do with how well the phone operates.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
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Hello,
I actually agree with this once you are out of the 30 Day Return Period. However, when in the 30 Day Window, I do not think it to be unreasonable to expect decent CS and no issues if you choose to Exchange or Return the Phone.
While some of us get an Upgrade every 12 Months, many have to wait almost 2 Years for an Upgrade. With this being the case, attempting to have the best possible Device only makes sense.
Cheers,
JJ
spencer88 said:
I posted this in another section (already within a thread.) I figured I'd post it here as well. Here's my local sprint corporate store and how horrible it is.
I just filed an official complaint with Sprint regarding my local corporate store.
I tried to get it exchanged (maybe 2 weeks ago) because of the backlight bleed issue and the crooked screen. They said they would have to charge me the 35 dollar restocking fee. I argued with the woman a little bit (the manager wouldn't even talk to me, but he had no problem selling me the phone the previous week.)
I walk in today because a random power down/reboot issue I was having, they immediately recognized me and the manager turned around and walked into the back of the store, all hidden from me. I talked to the same woman I talked to last time and she of course remembered me. I had to ask for the manager multiple times before she would get him. He gave me the same crap about well if they couldn't reproduce the problem (in the whole 2 minutes they looked at my phone) they would have to recharge the restocking fee. Never mind that:
a) I'm a business account and restocking fee's don't apply to me
b) They didn't even look at my account after I told them too, I have record on there that I called in tech support about this issue and they said to get it replaced at that same store with NO restocking fee due to a defect in the phone.
c) I'm in my 30 day exchange window where I can get a replacement for flaws or defects without a restocking fee.
So I called Sprint Business Care and they refunded me the restocking fee and they filed the complaint. A regional manger is going to contact me at a later date about this.
The manager was just a total ****, basically calling me a liar when he said "well I know you were in here the other day trying to get a replacement phone, and here you are again..." Meanwhile he has a huge baggy shirt (because he weighs over 300 lbs easily) and his pants are falling off his ass. I mean please...
So I'm never going back there needless to say and telling everybody to not go to that corporate store and I hope to hear back from the regional manager (maybe it's a district mananger?) I'd love to tell him/her exactly what happened.
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you spoiled americans are so entitled it makes me gag
(posting from soviet russia)
A.Priori said:
you spoiled americans are so entitled it makes me gag
(posting from soviet russia)
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So what would you do, since you are apparently better than me.
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Absolutely disgusted with Sprint right now

This is going to be lengthy...I apologize, bear with me. I have been a customer of Sprint for nearly 7 years. I currently have 5 lines on my account, and I have NEVER experienced anything like this.
My friend Patrick, who lives an hour away is one of those 5 lines. About a month ago, his Evo 4G phone broke, and due to having a warranty on his device, Sprint shipped him out a replacement. Fast forward a few weeks, and last Thursday, July 21st, his replacement phone stopped charging. The following day, he went into the Sprint store, and they ordered another replacement phone for him, that was supposed to arrive at my address either Monday or Tuesday.
On Tuesday, July 26th, the phone hadn't arrived yet. Since Patrick doesn't have another line, I call Sprint that evening around 7PM where I talked to Derek, out of Texas call center. He told me that the Evo 4G is on backorder for warranty exchanges, and that it may take up to 10 business day for it to ship. Then, Derek himself offered to send a different device instead. Note, I did not ask for this, he offered it for me. I said sure, and he offered me several devices, including Nexus S 4G, Kyocera Echo, and, to my bewilderment, Evo 3D. He said that due to the hassle this has caused, he was willing to do that for me.
When all was said and done, and we ended the conversation, and I received the confirmation email. Unfortunately, I noticed that the defective phone was listed as MY own phone (Evo 3D), and that the exchange was supposed to be done under MY phone number. Afraid that this was a mistake, I called them back, and this is when the roller coaster started.
The first guy (I didn't write down the names at this point, because I assumed this was going to be a simple fix) said that she couldn't believe that I was offered an Evo 3D, and after putting me on hold for 28 minutes, she came back and she said she would transfer me to their tech department. When I told the tech person what had happened, she said that it was impossible to make such a promise, and despite the fact that my customer note did in fact confirm that the upgrade was to be made, she didn't want to do it for me. At this point, she says she canceled the new Evo 3D order, even though I told her not to do it. I ask to speak to the manager, and I was then placed on hold for 45 minutes.
At this point, I decide to hang up, and try again. The second time I called, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENS. After being on hold for over an hour, I call the retention department. Rhonda says that she will try to fix the situation, and then she transfers me to "customer relation specialist," Derek (a different one) answers. After he was confirming to his superiors and chatting, he comes back to the conversation and tells me that they will honor the complimentary upgrade, and that he will call me around Thursday, July 28th (today, as of this writing) to handle the exchange. I mentioned the fact that Evo 3D order was canceled, but he tells me that in fact it hasn't, according to his system.
The next day, July 27th, around 12 PM, I get a phone call from Derek, apologizing for his mistake, and that the order was indeed canceled. He then transfers me to another tech department, and at this point, I get the run around that their system experienced a bug and that they are unable to fulfill the promise, despite what my "customer note" said. At this point, I was at a boiling point, having spent nearly 5 hours on phone with them in order to fix THEIR mistake. The manager offers me a Nexus S, which I accepted.
On July 28th, I get another shipping confirmation. Unfortunately, it was shipping confirmation for the Evo 3D, still under my number. Angered and confused and desperate, I try calling customer service, only to be given a rundown "what do you want me to do?" At this point, I go to a local Sprint store, where I talk to Brandon, one of the store managers. After patiently listening to my story, and reading over the notes, he confirmed that it was Sprint mistake, and that he will resolve it however necessary. He also confirmed that the Evo 3D was shipped and that the Nexus S order was canceled. At this point, he wrote a lengthy note on my account. He says that Patrick should just active the 3D, and ship the 4G back, and that the note should take care of everything. I thanked him and left the store.
Fast forward a few hours later, Patrick received his phone. Unfortunately, the exchanged phone came with no battery, and 4G battery does NOT fit into a 3D. I call Brandon at the local store, and tells me that sometimes that happens, and that Patrick can simply go to a local store and get the right battery.
At his local store, Ryan, the assistant store manager, refused to provide a replacement battery, saying that Patrick received the 3D in error, and that he should have received a Nexus S instead, and that his system is showing that the Nexus S order is NOT canceled. At this point, I get a phone call from frustrated Patrick, using one of their in store phones. Ryan refused to call Brandon in my local Sprint store to confirm the story, and he also would not talk to me. After a lot more arguing, Ryan finally provided the battery for Patrick.
After this whole ordeal, I am simply APPALLED at the customer service that was provided. Being given a run around, and being left on hold for an hour two times just to get rid of me, I felt that both Patrick and I were mistreated and lied to. I do appreciate what Derek tried to do for me, and Brandon's customer service went far and beyond to attempt to resolve this issue, but overall, this has left a sour taste. Despite getting a free 3D upgrade, in the end, it just wasn't worth it.
Now, I am also scared of what may happen when the Evo 4G is shipped back. Guess I can always head to Brandon, the only person willing to help me out in all of this.
I don't really know why I posted this...I think I just had to vent. The sad thing is, my 30 day return window on Evo 3D ended 2 days ago. Otherwise, they would have lost a customer.
If you have any more issues with them just call retentions and they will work with you without the hassle. For my wife's EVO they skipped all the hassle and just gave me a new in box after having a similar problem with their customer service. If you look around the number is out there. (that's how I found out about retentions)
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Seems like a ton of time spent and believe me I have been there with sprint. Silver lining is you got an EVO3d for free. 5+ hours saved you 200 bones. Also sounds like your buddy owes you some beers. From the sounds of things you could use them.
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Wow! I am apalled and shocked! This is all amazingly nuts. I would have been flipping! Its cool that you got a free 3D but holy ****, thats a lot crap to deal with to get it!
Vivix729 said:
This is going to be lengthy...I apologize, bear with me. I have been a customer of Sprint for nearly 7 years. I currently have 5 lines on my account, and I have NEVER experienced anything like this.
My friend Patrick, who lives an hour away is one of those 5 lines. About a month ago, his Evo 4G phone broke, and due to having a warranty on his device, Sprint shipped him out a replacement. Fast forward a few weeks, and last Thursday, July 21st, his replacement phone stopped charging. The following day, he went into the Sprint store, and they ordered another replacement phone for him, that was supposed to arrive at my address either Monday or Tuesday.
On Tuesday, July 26th, the phone hadn't arrived yet. Since Patrick doesn't have another line, I call Sprint that evening around 7PM where I talked to Derek, out of Texas call center. He told me that the Evo 4G is on backorder for warranty exchanges, and that it may take up to 10 business day for it to ship. Then, Derek himself offered to send a different device instead. Note, I did not ask for this, he offered it for me. I said sure, and he offered me several devices, including Nexus S 4G, Kyocera Echo, and, to my bewilderment, Evo 3D. He said that due to the hassle this has caused, he was willing to do that for me.
When all was said and done, and we ended the conversation, and I received the confirmation email. Unfortunately, I noticed that the defective phone was listed as MY own phone (Evo 3D), and that the exchange was supposed to be done under MY phone number. Afraid that this was a mistake, I called them back, and this is when the roller coaster started.
The first guy (I didn't write down the names at this point, because I assumed this was going to be a simple fix) said that she couldn't believe that I was offered an Evo 3D, and after putting me on hold for 28 minutes, she came back and she said she would transfer me to their tech department. When I told the tech person what had happened, she said that it was impossible to make such a promise, and despite the fact that my customer note did in fact confirm that the upgrade was to be made, she didn't want to do it for me. At this point, she says she canceled the new Evo 3D order, even though I told her not to do it. I ask to speak to the manager, and I was then placed on hold for 45 minutes.
At this point, I decide to hang up, and try again. The second time I called, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENS. After being on hold for over an hour, I call the retention department. Rhonda says that she will try to fix the situation, and then she transfers me to "customer relation specialist," Derek (a different one) answers. After he was confirming to his superiors and chatting, he comes back to the conversation and tells me that they will honor the complimentary upgrade, and that he will call me around Thursday, July 28th (today, as of this writing) to handle the exchange. I mentioned the fact that Evo 3D order was canceled, but he tells me that in fact it hasn't, according to his system.
The next day, July 27th, around 12 PM, I get a phone call from Derek, apologizing for his mistake, and that the order was indeed canceled. He then transfers me to another tech department, and at this point, I get the run around that their system experienced a bug and that they are unable to fulfill the promise, despite what my "customer note" said. At this point, I was at a boiling point, having spent nearly 5 hours on phone with them in order to fix THEIR mistake. The manager offers me a Nexus S, which I accepted.
On July 28th, I get another shipping confirmation. Unfortunately, it was shipping confirmation for the Evo 3D, still under my number. Angered and confused and desperate, I try calling customer service, only to be given a rundown "what do you want me to do?" At this point, I go to a local Sprint store, where I talk to Brandon, one of the store managers. After patiently listening to my story, and reading over the notes, he confirmed that it was Sprint mistake, and that he will resolve it however necessary. He also confirmed that the Evo 3D was shipped and that the Nexus S order was canceled. At this point, he wrote a lengthy note on my account. He says that Patrick should just active the 3D, and ship the 4G back, and that the note should take care of everything. I thanked him and left the store.
Fast forward a few hours later, Patrick received his phone. Unfortunately, the exchanged phone came with no battery, and 4G battery does NOT fit into a 3D. I call Brandon at the local store, and tells me that sometimes that happens, and that Patrick can simply go to a local store and get the right battery.
At his local store, Ryan, the assistant store manager, refused to provide a replacement battery, saying that Patrick received the 3D in error, and that he should have received a Nexus S instead, and that his system is showing that the Nexus S order is NOT canceled. At this point, I get a phone call from frustrated Patrick, using one of their in store phones. Ryan refused to call Brandon in my local Sprint store to confirm the story, and he also would not talk to me. After a lot more arguing, Ryan finally provided the battery for Patrick.
After this whole ordeal, I am simply APPALLED at the customer service that was provided. Being given a run around, and being left on hold for an hour two times just to get rid of me, I felt that both Patrick and I were mistreated and lied to. I do appreciate what Derek tried to do for me, and Brandon's customer service went far and beyond to attempt to resolve this issue, but overall, this has left a sour taste. Despite getting a free 3D upgrade, in the end, it just wasn't worth it.
Now, I am also scared of what may happen when the Evo 4G is shipped back. Guess I can always head to Brandon, the only person willing to help me out in all of this.
I don't really know why I posted this...I think I just had to vent. The sad thing is, my 30 day return window on Evo 3D ended 2 days ago. Otherwise, they would have lost a customer.
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Click to collapse
Sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope it all works out from now.
I had a pretty terrible experience with sprints customer service too: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182917
To put it simply, Sprint's CS is an absolute abomination for the most part, I like their pricing and products but they really need to continue to improve in how they treat customers.
Next time you experience an issue call this number (877)775-4886 This is the retention line and the folks in this department usually bend over backwards to help you out.
Its the only number I dial whenever I have any issues, no matter how small.
I hate dealing with Sprint on the phone.....What a bunch of Monkeys they are. I ALWAYS go to the local Sprint store.....for warranties, insurance claims, new phones, etc.. They deal with all of the BS for me.
Ok there are two options:
1) Call Sprint retentions and ask for an early upgrade. Tell them your whole ordeal and then explain to them that at this point, that's the only thing that would keep you as a customer. Throw in the whole "I've been a customer for 7 years and this is how you treat me?". It will renew your contract when you use but they'll give it to you. There's a whole thread about it. The direct number (no phone-tree menus) is: (877)775-4886
Thread is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093232
I can personally confirm this works as I'm now rocking an Evo 3D after only a year of having an Evo.
2) Email [email protected] with your problem, your name and number (and one to contact you at if it's different than your Sprint number). Someone from the Office of Dan Hesse (yes I'm serious) will contact you and help you solve your problem. I worked with them on several big issues. Your problem will always be dealt with by the same person you started with and they'll email you confirmations after every conversations along with their direct line. This is used for big problems, like what you're describing. They have a lot more power than normal reps and I suggest you use this if the first method isn't enough for you.
Thank you all for your responses. While the issue is currently resolved after the whole ordeal, there is still that chance that something will go awry when the 4G is sent back (since the warranty exchange was performed under my #/Evo 3D).
Even though the store manager placed in the notes what to do, I am not holding my breath. I'll email dan, and call retentions, if talking to the store manager doesn't resolve this potential issue.
Again, thank you. I truly feel better
thank god for tmobile, btw I bet if you had threaten to leave sprint they would've straighten you out quick fast and in a hurry.
Me and my mom had a similar problem. She called and used the same story on the evo 4g forums to upgrade early using her upgrade. Well we went to the sprint store and my mom tried talking to the sprint manager and he gave her the number to cs. shes on the phone with them for 2 hours saying she wants her upgrade early for her sons early birthday. Anyways after 2 hours and a chat with the manager of that facility she gets it and they say it takes 48 hours to activate the upgrade to the system and the manager promises her on monday it will be cleared. Monday rolls around and NO upgrade to her account. So my mom gets hysterical and the sprint people tell her to call cs again well my mom gets pissed with cs and they transfer her to retentions, where the retentions manager pushs an immediate push for the upgrade that was another hour on the phone. Then another 45 minutes for the sprint people to activate my evo 3d into the system. ahh well it saved me $350 for the early upgrade and 4 hourts argueing with the sprint peoples lol.
sounds to me like sprint is hooking yall up big time at the cost of jumping through a few hoops
Sent from my PG86100
I doubt you have anything to worry about with the return or whatever being under another number.... Not sure what it is youre worried about exactly
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
mcmikecruz1 said:
sounds to me like sprint is hooking yall up big time at the cost of jumping through a few hoops
Sent from my PG86100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. And also, what other cell company overnights new phones to customers and also will give you a free sprint airave if you ask them?
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
They CAN and WILL give you an early upgrade. It adds another year to your contract (assuming you have one left already). And it takes effect immediately. If they say "it takes 24-48 hours to show up", they're lying. They tried that one me. I called back after 2 days and told them "so and so promised me an early upgrade and it's not there" and they did it IMMEDIATELY. I logged into my Sprint account while on the phone and saw it.
And on top of that the system glitched and gave me another upgrade even after I used it on the Evo 3D. Now I also have a Nexus S 4G lol.
This doesnt make any sense to me. You just got a FREE Evo 3D....I really dont care what it took to get it done...the fact that you got a free Evo 3D is pretty impressive and reason enough to be satisfied with the end result.
Granted the whole ordeal was a massive headache...but you still recieved a device that is so new Sprint has very limited flexibility with for FREE. Hell...I would have willingly gone thru all that you went thru to save the 200 bucks for a sweet ass phone.
Quis89 said:
This doesnt make any sense to me. You just got a FREE Evo 3D....I really dont care what it took to get it done...the fact that you got a free Evo 3D is pretty impressive and reason enough to be satisfied with the end result.
Granted the whole ordeal was a massive headache...but you still recieved a device that is so new Sprint has very limited flexibility with for FREE. Hell...I would have willingly gone thru all that you went thru to save the 200 bucks for a sweet ass phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 , how disgusting though lol
Sent from my PG86100
Product F(RED) said:
They CAN and WILL give you an early upgrade. It adds another year to your contract (assuming you have one left already). And it takes effect immediately. If they say "it takes 24-48 hours to show up", they're lying. They tried that one me. I called back after 2 days and told them "so and so promised me an early upgrade and it's not there" and they did it IMMEDIATELY. I logged into my Sprint account while on the phone and saw it.
And on top of that the system glitched and gave me another upgrade even after I used it on the Evo 3D. Now I also have a Nexus S 4G lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to call you out or anything, but the early upgrade is for those customers that would have had an upgrade from April through now August (they keep extending it) due to the Premiere Gold/Silver changes. Beyond that it is YMMV.
And sometimes it does take 1-2 days. I got one before and they said give it 1-2 days and it'll show up, and it didn't show up till the night of the next day, but yeah you're right, they also have the power to do it immediately as well. It could be the reason you got a double upgrade.
ReinMaker said:
Not to call you out or anything, but the early upgrade is for those customers that would have had an upgrade from April through now August (they keep extending it) due to the Premiere Gold/Silver changes. Beyond that it is YMMV.
And sometimes it does take 1-2 days. I got one before and they said give it 1-2 days and it'll show up, and it didn't show up till the night of the next day, but yeah you're right, they also have the power to do it immediately as well. It could be the reason you got a double upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine would have been this August, but they gave it to me in June because I brought up that point. They'll still give it to you. It's win-win. After about a year, you've finished paying back the difference between the retail and subsidized price of the phone, and by upgrading early, you're adding another year to your contract.
Still better than other companies you're usually on your own with them.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App

Power On/Off Button!!!

I don't know who/what/when/where or how, the power button on Photon is missing? I have never dropped my device, I don't even toss it onto bed!!! I hope I dont get a new phone because it took me over a WEEK, 10 - 14 hours a day to get it like I wanted it!!!
..... cool dude
That sucks bro. Happened to mine too. It's just held on by adhesive tape.
How is this under accessories? How is it under anything really...
Sent from my MB855 using XDA Premium App
beyondinferno said:
That sucks bro. Happened to mine too. It's just held on by adhesive tape.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, it appears its held on by some glue as I can see the white on the button on the bottom.
@Codee, I put it here becuase if I could (and I cant) find another button, I'd buy it and put it on myself.
Now: I'm a pretty easy going person, i rarely get upset at anything, life is too short. I go to Garden State Plaza to Sprint store to speak to one of the Brightest Minds in America. Her nametag says "Manager" so I know I have the correct person and I'm going to get top notch service!!! I tell her its broken, the power button fell off! The first thing out of her mouth was "Have you had the phone for 30 days or less?" (I will not insult you guys, phone came out August 1st, therefore, this chick cannot count!) After this hiccup, she ask where I got it? (Again, I will not insult you. I treat my toys well and I have insurance, I dont care if I got it in Mississippi, it says "Sprint" on it, you see my insurance on my account, give me a working phone!!!!) After 10 minutes on the phone with "whoever", she tells me I need the box because they need the IMEI #. ITS A BOX, I DONT GIVE A RATS...............I'm going back with box and phone at lunch.
Imei is under the battery too isn't it?
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
I will make this short and sweet, I got a new Photon. I'm pissed at the way I got it, but I got it. I could not figure out how to restore from my backup, so I started the pain staking task of putting it back like it was.
Now, I will bring some comedy to this thread!!
If you go to the Evo forum, the Fuze Forum.......any of them. Everyone can tell you I'm anal about my toys. If your here, you likely are too! My phone has special mouse pad to sit on everywhere.
I return to the same store with a guy I work with that used to do mobile support for our company. I talk to the same manager, she asked me the same 30-day question. I just turned around and looked at Will and srugged my shoulders. She then asked me to taked it to the technicians and signin. These 2 clowns come out and look at the phone, then then again ask me the 30-day question! The Photon is your flagship phone, its IMPOSSIBLE for me to have had it longer than 23 days!!! OK, we will replace it!
After 45 minutes, I get the same manager back. She tells me she needs to turn it on to make sure I did not root it. I have rooted/flashed likely 200+ times. Each one I'v done contain 4 things. Disclaimer that it will void your warranty, Instructions on how to Root/Flash, another Disclaimer that BEFORE you return to your carrier, and Instructions on how to un-root/Un-flash? One would think if I'm smart enough to root/flash, I would be smart enough to un-do it? Personally, I dont think she would know if i did or did not (Unless she noticed something like 'Sprint NASCAR" was missing?)
She then preceeds to tell me "This is clearly physical damage?" Again, I just turned and looked at co-worker. I asked her and the technican to find one single nick on that Photon! They tell me they cannot, but it was likely dropped. I say BS, show me.
I got tired of playing and had to get back from lunch. It dont matter, I have TEP and repair, you can't repair it, give me another one or similar phone per this $8.00 monthly TEP. She tells me physical damage is not covered. I say show me? After playing on her computer for 15 minutes, then a phone call, she gave me a new Photon.
Only at Sprint!!! Sad thing is, next year she will likely get promoted to CEO!!!!
dsims7_2000 said:
I will make this short and sweet, I got a new Photon. I'm pissed at the way I got it, but I got it. I could not figure out how to restore from my backup, so I started the pain staking task of putting it back like it was.
Now, I will bring some comedy to this thread!!
If you go to the Evo forum, the Fuze Forum.......any of them. Everyone can tell you I'm anal about my toys. If your here, you likely are too! My phone has special mouse pad to sit on everywhere.
I return to the same store with a guy I work with that used to do mobile support for our company. I talk to the same manager, she asked me the same 30-day question. I just turned around and looked at Will and srugged my shoulders. She then asked me to taked it to the technicians and signin. These 2 clowns come out and look at the phone, then then again ask me the 30-day question! The Photon is your flagship phone, its IMPOSSIBLE for me to have had it longer than 23 days!!! OK, we will replace it!
After 45 minutes, I get the same manager back. She tells me she needs to turn it on to make sure I did not root it. I have rooted/flashed likely 200+ times. Each one I'v done contain 4 things. Disclaimer that it will void your warranty, Instructions on how to Root/Flash, another Disclaimer that BEFORE you return to your carrier, and Instructions on how to un-root/Un-flash? One would think if I'm smart enough to root/flash, I would be smart enough to un-do it? Personally, I dont think she would know if i did or did not (Unless she noticed something like 'Sprint NASCAR" was missing?)
She then preceeds to tell me "This is clearly physical damage?" Again, I just turned and looked at co-worker. I asked her and the technican to find one single nick on that Photon! They tell me they cannot, but it was likely dropped. I say BS, show me.
I got tired of playing and had to get back from lunch. It dont matter, I have TEP and repair, you can't repair it, give me another one or similar phone per this $8.00 monthly TEP. She tells me physical damage is not covered. I say show me? After playing on her computer for 15 minutes, then a phone call, she gave me a new Photon.
Only at Sprint!!! Sad thing is, next year she will likely get promoted to CEO!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What was the address of the store? Did you get any part of her name at all?
EDIT: Got it, Garden State Plaza store. I'm going to escalate your experience to help improve future customer interactions. I'm not sure if this is a Sprint owned store or a 3rd party, but it shouldn't matter. You should be treated better than that.
Garden State Plaza
Merchant ID: 8015689253
Jessica Mendez
It's the one above the food court (there are 4 Sprint Stores in this Mall. They have the one I mention on Second floor above food court. In the food court they have a 3D/Photon Setup. They have a kiosh outside JC Penny's. And they have a store on the other side of Macy's!)
What I think is, Honestly, each of these stores are owned by different individuals. Each store likely get's a quoto # of Photon's to sell. The Store by Macy's told me I had to take it back where I got it, likely because it would cut into the number of phones THEY had to sell. Where I got it, more or less, just gave away $600.00!!! Just my opinion!
dsims7_2000 said:
What I think is, Honestly, each of these stores are owned by different individuals. Each store likely get's a quoto # of Photon's to sell. The Store by Macy's told me I had to take it back where I got it, likely because it would cut into the number of phones THEY had to sell. Where I got it, more or less, just gave away $600.00!!! Just my opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I'm pretty sure that's a 3rd party store, but they should still be more helpful and sound less clueless. Sprint is working hard to overcome a bad reputation for customer service and things like this don't help.
I'm glad you finally got resolution, but it should have been handled in one trip. The whole thing about the box was a joke. I'm betting she was hoping you would hit a different store when you came back
Online is not much better. Before reading, go to the middle of this and read my original complaint, then come back here and read Sprint's reply, then go to bottom and read my response!
Dear David Sims,
Thank you for contacting Sprint. I apologize for the inconvenience that
you have experienced.
As per your account, I can see that your phone is under 30 days return
policy. The Sprint 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee allows you to return a
like-new phone to the point of purchase.
If you will opt for the different phone, your account will be charged
for the $35.00 for restocking fee.
Also, I can understand that your account is charged for the
International long distance calling. Let me explain that what is the
difference between International long distance and the International
roaming.
1- International long distance (ILD) is defined as making a call from
the United States to other countries in the world.
2- International roaming (IR) is defined as traveling to countries
outside of the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
So, these charges are valid on your account. So, due to system
restriction, we are unable to apply the credit on your account.
We value your business and appreciate the opportunity to answer your
questions.
Sincerely,
Cheryl B.
Sprint
Get the best value for your money & exercise your freedom
to change plans anytime without penalties - we promise!
www.sprint.com/planpromise
Sprint.com is all about you! My Sprint puts what you want to know,
right at your fingertips -- take a tour and sign up today!
www.sprint.com/mysprint
Original Message Follows:
------------------------
========================================================================
Name: David Sims
Form: Ask A Question Learn OR Feedback and Suggestions - Learn
Topic: Equipment
Contact Number: 201-681-5429
========================================================================
Original Question:
Question: I have Motorola Photon 4G, somehow, the power on/off button
fell out. I took the phone to Garden State Plaza in New Jersey. At
first, she asked if I had the phone for 30 days or longer. As a manager,
I felt she should have known this as Sprint did not release the phone
until August 1st. She then asked where I got it, I told her that and she
told me I had to take it back there. 1. As the phone is almost new I
should be able to replace it at ANY Sprint store I choose. 2. I go back
to where I got it (Same Mall, different store), Im told I cannot replace
it without the box? 3. I have insurancce on the phone? I'm getting mixed
answers everyone. I spent $500+ 2 weeks ago, I would like a WORKING
phone!
========================================================================
****************************************************
Additional Data
****************************************************
SUB Topic : Insurance
Current Customer ?: Yes
Email Address: [email protected]
Address:
City:
State: PA
Zip: show details 4:30 PM (21 hours ago)
OK, I will attempt this ONE more time!! I was NOT returning the phone, I just wanted a WORKING phone. That's all I wanted. It was clear to the 2 technicans that looked at it, and it was clear manager the phone was missing this button. Additionally, this is SUPPOSED to be "Sprint's Flagship" phone. It was released August 1, 2011. The 30-day Risk-Free Guarantee should have never been a question as it's impossible for me to have owned this phone for more than 23 days. Next on this, I pay for insurance & equiptment repair to cover this, so it should not matter if I owned the device 2 days or 50 years. I was told by the Manager it was clearly physical damage. I asked her and her 2 technicans to show me ONE mark on that phone? After an hour, the phone was replaced.
Next, lets go back to my bill. CDMA Phones (Sprint and Verzion) do NOT work in Europe (well until this phone. All AT&T and T-Mobile work globally as they are GSM), If you looked at my account as you stated, you can see that 1. I do not have International dialing on my account nor did I enable it. Therefore it is impossible for me to make a International call. Secondly, in order for me to use THIS phone outside the US, I have to call Sprint to enable me in whatever country I am traveling to, therefore I could not have made those +44 (which is the UK by the way!) calls. I think we can both agree this HAD to be an incoming call (like all the rest of them!) In the last year this has not been on my bill!
Lastly, since I'm here, If you look at the attached invoice, my upgrade is $0.00. If I look at my current bill, it $19.08!!! Therefore, that charge should be removed from my bill!
Thank You for your understand.
Honestly that exchange is a little hard to follow. Did you mention the billing problem to the rep in the original submission?
I think that maybe she was trying to solve a problem when what she should have done was escalate the issue to an area manager. Did you get the billing issue fixed?
I actually noticed a Photon at the store with the power button not attached. Believe me, I will return mine in the event that falls off.
Thats like receiving a phone with a glued on screen and being help accountable if that glue wheres off and my screen is no longer attached.
To me it sounds like alot of people talking about policies and processes that they have NO OBVIOUS idea how they work.
Lets start:
First...the Evo 3D is Sprints "flagship" phone. Look up the definition if you need further assistance.
Second...ALL returns, regardless of 3rd party or Company owned require the original box when returned or a fee will be accessed. Its in your contract you sign. Try for starters to read it thoroughly before yelling and screaming at the ones of us that work for Sprint and can help you if you help yourself!
Can this be overridden? OF COURSE...but if your attitude sucks, chances are youre not going to get the "customer service" you think you are deserved.
Third...as for TEP, its Total Equipment Protection, not Insurance! BIG DIFFERENCE! This is to assist you in the cost reduction of a new device if something happens to yours. Again, reading the TEP agreement, physical damage is noted as obvious damage or missing components. YES I know, its a flaw in the design, BUT UNTIL Motorola releases a statement to Sprint verifing that this is a "known issue" with this device it will be looked at as physical damage! (Return a car to a dealer after 2 weeks with a missing door handle and see what happens...just sayin)
Fourth...its not as easy as walking in and saying "I want a new phone. Give it to me now". Again, this goes back to your TEP agreement and Sprints 30 day policy. If within 30 days, its exchange/replaced. Now, if you purchase at a Company owned store, you can return it at a Company owned store ANYWHERE. However, if you purchase it from a 3rd pary dealer, you must return it at one of their locations. This can be overridden thru customer care, but you will get NOWHERE in store. This is just the way this process works.
Fifth...understand that the person that you are dealing with in store has all the control, and its usually based off of the attitude the customer has. You yell and scream and act a fool, Im not doing **** for you. Flip side, youre calm and understanding of the processes Sprint has in place, Im gonna make SURE that you are taken care of. (Free accessory, bill credit, something...)
Hope this may lay to rest those that are only customers that think they are the CEO.
...And let the rage ensue..........
To be fair I have also walked into a sprint store and was mistreated by a person from the get go. I did nothing wrong or had any kind of bad attitude with them. I just knew the policies better then they did. Luckily a manager noticed the situation and took over helping me.
I do agree tho that some people do have horrible attitudes on both sides. Sad thing is it is those events that get blasted online. In your case I completely understand. The warranty question was ridiculous.
Also I have had beter experience at a corporate store than a 3rd party one and I always askif the store I am going to is corporate or not. I stay away from the 3rd party stores.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App

We have been played by Sprint fro iPhone 4G s

WE have been duped by Sprint people. Go to their website and you will notice the announcement of the iPhone 4Gs. You can even pre order it. This privilege was not given for the Samsung Galaxy S 2 ET4G.
Why...was this you say...it's obvious that Sprint knew it had made a deal to buy a **** load of IOS devices to secure this deal with Apple.so they didn't promote the galaxy ET4g. Now they have a big announcement tomorrow. They are going out of their way to let you pre order the iPhone as well.
Sad, and yes I feel they used us to get this deal, by canceling all perks, while giving us crappy service. My Photon has a red circle and no service, and I don't have a ET4G yet. Service has been terrible most of the summer all over NY and in mid town NYC.
If service was being interrupted to better service I may stick around, but not getting signal, failed messages, and paying for it and no credit with lies is unacceptable. Not being able to pre-order the phone I wanted because they made a deal with Crapple is also unforgivable. Price isn't the only thing that matters in a business relationship. It's I pay for service and expect to have it when I want it, not when you decide to give it.
Hell I was told by a customer service rep that I should be happy because I have had a lot of usage on my line. I then said yes that is true, but when I need my service to work it failed to deliver....I missed important calls. and meetings with people because of failed service.
People were telling me when they called the phone rang 3x's and hung up no message was able to be left. Others told me that they would get a network busy message please try again later. One rep verified this condition of calling me, and could not get through. The phone rang 3x's and the line just went dead when they called. I have been to tech centers, and have made many battery pulls, and software reboots, and finally I was told that there was a net work issue and they did not know when it would be cleared. Now when I call to talk about it they put me on hold no music and never come back to talk.
I just don't see it getting better, and when the next generation of phones IE Prime or what ever hits Verizon, and this is not cleared I am gone. When I feel I have to beg for service, or a credit for not receiving service after paying my bills for 15 years, and at one point having a $300 a month phone bills for business it's time to go.
My bill analysis shows that I average 240 msg a month, and average about 2g of data a month, and since I use my phone mostly for calls a Verizion 69.00 phone plan with 10 data, and 10.00 for data equals what I am paying now. So if this doesn't clear with the loss of perks I am outta here.lol
Not we. I use more messages, more data and pay half that. Verizon wouldn't be an option even if I wanted to.
I don't really think Sprint needed to market the ET4g, everyone and their mother knew that phone was coming to Sprint.
Sent from my Photon.
And why the hell is this thread in the PHOTON forum? Smfh...where is a mod when you need one......
Sent from my MoPho using XDA Premium.
Wrong forum dude, and i'm perfectly happy with my service. Who cares if they give iPhone pre-orders? Its not like its a big surprise. you're just bitter.
I'm team Android all the way, but let's be honest...Apple users aren't nearly as discerning as we are, because they dont have a choice. Therefore if you want one of their phones there is but one launch day, hence a partial explanation for the need of a pre-order.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
even still not having preorders on one of sprints flagship phones (wether they know it is or not) is still poor choice. i mean hell i preordered my ns4g and that was a year too little too late
Thank you for sharing OP.... Now beat it.
Man for a second I thought I was in the wrong forum! Lol!
R2DeeTard said:
Wrong forum dude, and i'm perfectly happy with my service. Who cares if they give iPhone pre-orders? Its not like its a big surprise. you're just bitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bitter....what would I be bitter about poor service through out the NY metro area, and getting no help but run around. Missing important calls and finding out about it hours and days later. This has to change and I am not the only one having connection issues around the states.
I have touted Sprint for 15 years buddy, so get a grip. But, now they seem to be reverting back to the early 2000 era when they fell off the 60 stock high....rofl.
I know I should be ecstatic for my paltry cash that I got **** service with no real explanation for the last 4 months. If it doesn't change by the time a the Prime launches on Verizon I ll be gone. This is not being bitter it's called paying for service, and expecting to get it every day in the areas that I normally have service rather than when they decide to fix it and then lie about it. A few of the major tech sites has made this same issue of service alert in their blogs, and to Sprint about this issue. Sprint has told them in mid September they are working on it , and yet tell me there is no know issue. When I tell them its all over the Sprint forums, and and tech sites they then say oh yeah we are working on it and don't know when this issue will be fixed. Not to mention that because they recognize there is a issue they even opted to let me out of my contract. Let me tell you if the Prime was on Verizon I'd be gone.
Please Big Red bring out the Prime so the Photon owners can have our forum back.

Verizon = shady employees

I'm about send a six page letter to the Verizon VP of retail operations and customer service. I have never experienced more improper behavior by the hourly employees of any company. Before the V10 release I called to confirm that unlimited data customers could buy the phone on the device payment plan on Nov. 15th. I received numerous confirmations over the phone. When I entered the store they had no idea what I was talking about. Fine, put that on Verizon corporate for not properly informing all the stores of what was going on. After many calls a customer service supervisor indicated that I was correct but that Verizon had not updated its own software to make the change in time. I placed the order online that night as the stores had already closed. When I called the next day with another supervisor they again told me I was correct and would make arrangement to ensure that I was given the device payment plan without losing my unlimited data. I arranged to pick up the phone at an official Verizon store. The supervisor assured me that she would follow up after I picked up the phone to make sure everything was correct.
SHADY BEHAVIOR #1 - that same supervisor went into the notes after the call the next day and left an outright lie indicating that she informed the customer (me) that I would NOT be able to buy on the device payment plan until December. The order was canceled and NO ONE notified until AFTER I walked into the store to pick up the phone. My order was canceled without any notification via email or text, so I basically wasted my time going to the store and making all these calls with the supervisor.
SHADY BEHAVIOR #2 - When I called customer service from wihin the store, another supervisor, who said she knew the first supervisor personally, began telling me that I had no order. I emailed it to her and she began refuting the validity of it and when I asked her to give me the status of the order she admitted she had no way of knowing because she had no access to internet orders, which was not her department. Clearly she was just trying to cover for her supervisor friend. I immediately told her to stop wasting my time, now some 30 minutes after first calling, and connect me with a supervisor in the internet orders department ASAP, what she should have done from the beginning. Unbelievable... they see that you are clearly angered and yet they try to blame you the customer for their mistakes.
I returned the phone after I was told that device payment plan would start exactly one week later. On the day I was eligible for the DPP I purchased a new phone. After spending nearly 10 hours and speaking to over a dozen different Verizon employees I wasn't about to come away from the ordeal without the device payment play as I was assured I would.
SHADY BEHAVIOR #3 - In the store the new phone (#2) was handed to me without a screen protector and a receipt was not given to me.
SHADY BEHAVIOR #4 - when I went back into the store to ask for a receipt, and point out that the phone was not working, a employee passed himself off as being "THE" manager. I asked him if he was the store manager and he admitted he was not. He would not provide me with receipt because the store was now closed although many employees were still inside with some customers. He said my receipt information would be available online, which was false. Even the confirmation email sent did not make reference to the model of the phone that was purchased it only made reference to my old phone.
SHADY BEHAVIOR #5 - The next day I returned the phone and was finally given a receipt. This phone also stopped working properly after a few hours! I called a store near my work to confirm if they had a replacement phone in stock and they said they did. I walked over to the store and they said, after finding out it was for an exchange, that they did not have the phone in stock after all. Huh? I drove over to another Verizon store as no one was picking up the phone (??) and as soon as I walked in I asked if they had my phone in stock. They said sure we have it. I asked them to confirm but they would not tell me unless I gave them my phone number, presumably to see if I was there for an exchange or for a new line activation. I told the guy it was for an exchange and he went in the back stock room and, when he came out surprise, surprise they didn't have the phone in stock. I'm tenacious so I walked over to the third Verizon store of the night. On the way over I called and asked if they had the phone in stock, they confirmed that they did and that they had more than one in stock. When I walked in they tried to do the same thing, as soon as I asked if they had it in stock they wouldn't answer unless I gave them my phone number. But this time I had them on the hook because the guy told me over the phone that they the phone in stock and "PLENTY". The employee that took care of me tried to give me the run around too once they saw it was an exchange. She took my phone to the back room to show it to her manager and confirm the equipment problem. I asked her to tell him to come out as I did not want my phone leaving my sight for long. She said he could not come out..... shady. She comes out with a new phone and I ask her to turn it on before she switches over the service as I want to make sure the screen is 100% operational before I have to go through a third exchange. She says she can't take it out of the box without switching over the service. I asked her if they had more than one of the phone in stock in case there was a problem, and without making eye contact she responds with an incoherent "nu uhh" and head shake. I did not tell her that her own co-worker confirmed that they IN FACT did have more than one phone in stock nor did I ask why they were now singing a different tune. Seriously... this is how a publicly traded company runs its retail operations?
To summarize, I was LIED to repeatedly by Verizon employees. Supervisors lied in their notes to cover up their giving out incorrect information. Verizon retail stores make it deliberately hard for your to exchange a phone. I plan to send this letter to the consumer protection agency run by the federal government.
Somehow I find it hard to believe you where treated this badly by VZ. You had 3 brand new defective phones in a row??
I have dealt with 3 different VZ stores in my area & have had excellent/courteous service from all 3. Sure, we where all upset when VZ raised the price of the unlimited data service by $20 a month (I cancelled 3 lines because of that) but that was not their employees fault.
I owned a retail store for over 20 years & your whole attitude seems to me as being one of those customers that is never satisfied no matter how hard they try.
~John
^ Yes I can tell you were a retail owner. To make a blanket statement like "your whole attitude" is indicative of that.
You made not a single mention of the outright lies that were told by the Verizon employees but instead opted to put it on the customer or impugned the customer's integrity by voicing skepticism of faulty equipment without any solid basis for that skepticism. You don't know me, and you don't know the track record of an entirely new phone. Have you visited the LG forums to see those who have had to make multiple returns? Of course not. Yours is the typical management response of Fortune 500 companies that are loathed by the public.
Also, there were two returns for faulty equipment, each confirmed at the Verizon store before a new phone was given. The first return was simply my prerogative to take advantage of the device payment plan, as I was initially told by numerous Verizon employees prior to the initial sale. And secondly you fail to address the point that the stores apparently have unethical motivation to make an exchange of their inventory for another location's sale of hotly sought after phones deliberately more difficult.
And by the way, I worked for a five star hotel, deemed the best in the metropolitan area, all through college where we bent over backwards to ensure customer loyalty and to deliver value for premium services. I had to take written tests for AAA certification to verify that I knew all the latest information required of my job and had frequent training seminars to ensure that we were all worthy of the "best in class" title. Verizon like trumpet that they're the best, evidently they don't visit their own stores very often. You know how well your operation is doing when the customer has a problem, and not just for how well they handle mundane transactions. Can your staff rectify the problem as quickly as possible without further aggravation to customer? But ultimately we're not talking about just dropped balls and incompetence here, we're talking of employees repeatedly making deliberately false statements to customers. That's beyond acceptable.
Sucks to be PorscheOscar.
Is there any chance that the humanity of at least ONE employee would have come forth and done at least half-of-the-right-thing by you if you were presenting a good persona?
But I feel for you ... because of course ... ALL the employee's in the store wouldn't have the same negative attitude and manipulate a computer system because the person in front of them was completely rational, respectful and courteous. It has to be some corporate level decision that was sent through the regional representatives and programmed into the one store to single YOU out and destroy your integrity.
I've been disappointed by some of Verizon's products and also their staff before - but instead of finding a manager within the store that supported someone I couldn't get a positive interaction with, I just drove 5 to 10 miles in any direction and went to a different Verizon store.
Good luck trying to get good service from a Verizon Rep based on the computer notes now!
I've been with Verizon for 10+ years (also have unlimited data). I've been pretty happy with their service. I typically call 611 when I have issues rather than visiting a call. The stores #1 (and seemingly only) objective is to sell devices. They have no interest in handling returns/defects/etc. I've actually called 611 from within a store when a sales rep told me something wasn't covered.
The information they told you could have been true and false at the same time. Did they have several brand new V10's in inventory? Yes. Did they have refurbed V10's in inventory to issue as replacements? No. Most companies will not give you a brand new phone as a replacement. A manager can choose to give you one but that's few and far between. Though Verizon (in terms of the big 4 carriers) is your best bet at getting such replacement.
Next time try calling 611. They'll ship you a replacement and give you a return label for the defective one.
All in all, your experience is still better than you'd expect from AT&T. Wanna test that? Ask a Verizon rep to send you a text or e-mail (written confirmation) of something. They will. I've been fighting AT&T U-Verse since July for a bill that I don't owe. Every month they bill me, every month I call and explain, and every month some rep (or manager) has said not to worry and they've removed it from my account. EVERY SINGLE REP has told me they're not allowed to send any e-mails, texts, faxes, or mail...no written confirmation. I got my first collection letter last week. It's my word against theirs. Sorry POS company!
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joshw0000 said:
I've been with Verizon for 10+ years (also have unlimited data). I've been pretty happy with their service. I typically call 611 when I have issues rather than visiting a call. The stores #1 (and seemingly only) objective is to sell devices. They have no interest in handling returns/defects/etc. I've actually called 611 from within a store when a sales rep told me something wasn't covered.
The information they told you could have been true and false at the same time. Did they have several brand new V10's in inventory? Yes. Did they have refurbed V10's in inventory to issue as replacements? No. Most companies will not give you a brand new phone as a replacement. A manager can choose to give you one but that's few and far between. Though Verizon (in terms of the big 4 carriers) is your best bet at getting such replacement.
Next time try calling 611. They'll ship you a replacement and give you a return label for the defective one.
All in all, your experience is still better than you'd expect from AT&T. Wanna test that? Ask a Verizon rep to send you a text or e-mail (written confirmation) of something. They will. I've been fighting AT&T U-Verse since July for a bill that I don't owe. Every month they bill me, every month I call and explain, and every month some rep (or manager) has said not to worry and they've removed it from my account. EVERY SINGLE REP has told me they're not allowed to send any e-mails, texts, faxes, or mail...no written confirmation. I got my first collection letter last week. It's my word against theirs. Sorry POS company!
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1. I'm glad you pointed out the issue about exchanges vs. Refunds. Note to all: if you are still in your two week return window and have an issue DO NOT EXCHANGE. RETURN FOR REDUND ONLY. They will not tell you if you are receiving a refurbished phone. Demand a new phone. I can't believe I made this mistake because I had exactly this same experience 6 years ago with Droid X. They kept giving me refurbished phones one after the other until I was in my 9th return. Verizon have very poor if nonexistent quality control testing of refurbished phones. I'm going to have to give hard thought to returning this phone if they confirm that it's a refurb, even if I have to eat the $35 restocking fee. Given how the manager of the store couldn't be bothered to leave the back room I have no issue with giving him a return.
2. Yes AT&T is bad, Sprint is Worse and Tmobil I once caught red handed doing something shady on international calls which I reported to the State Attorneys and FCC. But Verizon leads them all for expensive service. The expectation of competent and non-shady service goes up. This all unfortunate because I reward straight shooters with long term loyalty. I would expect this from a fly by night Cell phone company but not an established company with millions of shareholders.
Was the Droid X that long ago? I loved that phone.
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I've never had issues with Verizon by phone conversation. but going to a Verizon retail store is a different story. stay away
I called LG to verify I had a new phone and They said it was. Also, while I was in the phone with them I asked about an issue I was having with a set of refurbished LG 900 Infinium headphones purchased on Amazon. I was told that if you buy LG Bluetooth headphones and have an issue they will send you new unit not a refurbished even though they were refurbs to begin with.
I also called Verizon tech support and they claim that if you go in store for an exchange they can only give you new phones as they don't stock refurbs. If however you make a claim over the phone They will send you refurbished units. Avoid that at all costs if you are in your 14 day return window.
joshw0000 said:
Was the Droid X that long ago? I loved that phone.
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I keep every phone I ever had in my desk as a little museum. I still have my BlackBerry Pearl..the first must have phone all my friends ran out and switched too, the iphone wasn't the first. But the Droid X was the phone I got when I left T-Mobile just to secure unlimited data. When the iPhone 4 was announced still without 4G, I was Android do good.
porscheoscar said:
I keep every phone I ever had in my desk as a little museum. I still have my BlackBerry Pearl..the first must have phone all my friends ran out and switched too, the iphone wasn't the first. But the Droid X was the phone I got when I left T-Mobile just to secure unlimited data. When the iPhone 4 was announced still without 4G, I was Android do good.
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I sell mine as soon as a better phone is released. That's how I get to try every new phone that will work on Verizon.
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i'm not sure how you got so far as to preorder on the phone then schedule an in store pick up. I called about 3 times before actually going through with a purchase on my UDP line and making sure every questions was answered. I then proceeded to get the phone picked the phone and color then the person couldn't proceed. I was then transferred and they clearly explained to me the deal after again trying and not being able to proceed while keeping the UDP line. I then had to wait til my pay period ended. 3 days later I went to the store and did the actual DPP on my UDP line.
Sorry you had a bad experience. I usually avoid the stores at all costs.
I've had generally good experiences with Verizon stores, but tend to do my business online, simply because I don't have to worry about being pushed or "pitched" anything. Recently, my wife's LG G4 was caught in a bootloop (showed LG logo, then went black). After 3 store reps fiddled around with it trying to factory reset it (BTW, it said "Modified" on the menu, but none noticed that fact!) As one of them was processing the warranty replacement, another guy walked into the store with a G4 and it was doing the exact same thing! Anyway, I asked them if there was anything else I could do since my wife wanted to take photos for Christmas (this was on the 23rd) and the replacement was shipping 2-day. They did offer for me to buy a new phone, but her G4 is 6 months old. Anyway, they seemed very helpful to me and I've never experienced what the OP did--doesn't mean it can't happen, but I would say it's rare.
As a small side-note to my story, I happened to be shopping at BJ's Wholesale during the day on Christmas Eve. In the store, there's a Verizon Kiosk, which is actually run by Diamond Wireless. EVERY SINGLE TIME I've done anything through them, they've been amazing. I guess it actually helps to have some degrees of separation from VZW! I told the guy what happened to my wife's phone. I asked him if I could buy a phone, then return it within 14 days without being worse for the wear--which he confirmed. He then suggested I "buy" the V10 as it has a better camera, etc. Since VZW had already issued a warranty replacement G4, he said they couldn't cancel it, but he suggested that I do a "buddy upgrade" (I have 3 total lines eligible), which I did. Unfortunately, my employee discount doesn't allow payment plan, so I was out $300 temporarily. HOWEVER, LG is giving a $100 rebate (Visa Gift Card). Then on top of that, the replacement G4 that will arrive shortly will be all mine--I'm hoping to sell it for at least $200, so I will break even in the long run. The Diamond Wireless guy walked me through everything, answering all my pesky questions and ensuring everything was done properly. The best part is that my wife has an amazing new phone and took many great Christmas photos with it. I like the phone so much, I'm thinking of switching to a V10 myself... I may wait to see if/what HTC releases next (usually March) and if it doesn't suit my fancy, I'm a new LG V10 owner.
Hell yeah the VZW stores are shady! I had to call CS for 3 months to get a 50 dollar credit I was assured was coming to me. I've jumped from Verizon since then, same bull**** just different source at this point
My experiences have been just the opposite. The instore folks have been so helpful. The telehelp people were clueless about all the discounts on my account and completely jacked everything up. The store manager did some creative genius and my account got fixed. His creativity cost me $35 but it saved me over $1,000 in the end. Everytime I've been in to the store I've had great experiences. I've been in so much recently that I practically know all the employees by first name. (Lots of $300 trade-ins of $10 phones. Thank Vzw!)
I'm not trying to negate your negative experiences as I've seen upset people in the Vzw store every time I've gone in. I understand your frustration and writing the letter was probably very therapuetic. However, sending it probably won't make one bit of difference. The stores are meant for one purpose and only one purpose, sign up new accounts and do phone upgrades. They aren't there to do exchanges like Walmart. If they give you a new phone then that means there's one less new phone in the store to sell. Verizon is a business in business to make money. Exchanging a phone doesn't bring them any new money. Like it or not, that's the facts jack.
If you haven't sent the letter yet then don't bother. You'll probably get a nasty note added to your file.
Op.
You are whats wrong with america, everytime you think you have been wronged in the SLIGHTEST way, You go cry to the better business bureau or aaa or fbi cia dea, obama, whoever will listen to your little violin playing at your pity party.. ...big red is a big companh, they dont give 2 f's about you or your opinion, and neither does the government agency who has their contracted service through big red... Play the game, or get pegged as a pest...and then treated as such
porscheoscar said:
I'm about send a six page letter to the Verizon VP of retail operations and customer service.
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You can stop right there. Your post here is already tl;dr.
Time to do some serious editing. Ideally, you'll parse it down to a single page. Two pages is the max.
Beyond that, you're into serial killer manifesto territory. The only reason anybody will read beyond the second page is to see if you're just a kook, or if you're actually a threat and they need to report you to law enforcement.
Itt: people who don't know what a sales quota is,so they're surprised a corporate verizon rep is only concerned with a sale. Their quotas are so high their jobs are quite frequently on the chopping block if they take time to actually help customers with issues like this.
It sucks, but that's why I usually go to authorized retailers instead.
There's always two sides. Funny thing is 97% of the shadiness I've seen from T-Mobile AND Verizon was to benefit me. You probably come off as pretentious and entitled over the phone, same as in text.
Sorry you had to go through all that nonsense but its true if its a Corporate store they do not care about customer service I have experienced myself and have been lied to also , its much better to go thru a 3rd party where they will treat you better or customer service and since all the nonsense with corp stores I always avoid them would rather get the phone on ebay or amazon or even craigslist before I go to a corp store cuz all they are interested in is sales vs customer sevices and I have many friends and family memebers with Verizon that have had bad experiences so I beleive you sir and its a shame that it happens cuz they are a huge corp that should not be acting like that and should try to make the customer happy even though there are some customers out there that are worse than the employees cuz they expect to get their way cuz of that stupid saying "The Customer is always RIGHT" which is also aload of bs,Anyways it works both ways!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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