JoeKC
Newbie
Hello, everyone. As my first post I would like to relate my attempts today to purchase a Droid.
1) My first attempt, naturally, was my nearby Verizon Wireless store. There was some sort of desk at the entrance, but no one was at it so I just walked in and started browsing. The store was largely empty. Soon more customers came in. I found I wasn't being helped, but the people who came in after me were. Eventually the manager, "Rude Dude" informed me I would be helped last because I neglected to "sign in" when I entered. Of course the fact that no one was available to sign me in meant nothing. Eventually we got down to business, but no one seemed to know anything about the Droid, but rather seemed more interested in pushing a boatload of accesories at me. Eventually I became disgusted with their attitude and left.
2) Next stop, a more distant Verizon. Here they were much nicer, but wanted to add a $20 "upgrade fee" to the mix. I decided to move along.
3) And then to Best Buy where the lonely looking teenager was the best informed so far. He happily informed me that Best Buy would simply charge me the $199.99 for the phone and I wouldn't have to wait for a rebate debit card. Cool! But there was a catch, of course. He checked my Verizon record and informed me I would be charged a $100 "upgrade fee." So it's no go at Best Buy.
4) A long story should have a happy ending. I returned home and made the purchase online for $199.99, no rebate required, no upgrade fee. Furthermore, I purchased a case and screen protectors for about 30% off. Furthermore they were having a "sale" on their data plan, regular $29.99 for $23.99. Talk about the gift that will keep on giving!
Moral of the story, shop around. Even within the Verizon family, prices seem to vary. (My phone will arrive Thursday, with free Fedex two day shipping.)
I'm glad I found this forum. I already know more about the Droid than any Verizon people I talked to today and I'm looking forward to learning much more.
1) My first attempt, naturally, was my nearby Verizon Wireless store. There was some sort of desk at the entrance, but no one was at it so I just walked in and started browsing. The store was largely empty. Soon more customers came in. I found I wasn't being helped, but the people who came in after me were. Eventually the manager, "Rude Dude" informed me I would be helped last because I neglected to "sign in" when I entered. Of course the fact that no one was available to sign me in meant nothing. Eventually we got down to business, but no one seemed to know anything about the Droid, but rather seemed more interested in pushing a boatload of accesories at me. Eventually I became disgusted with their attitude and left.
2) Next stop, a more distant Verizon. Here they were much nicer, but wanted to add a $20 "upgrade fee" to the mix. I decided to move along.
3) And then to Best Buy where the lonely looking teenager was the best informed so far. He happily informed me that Best Buy would simply charge me the $199.99 for the phone and I wouldn't have to wait for a rebate debit card. Cool! But there was a catch, of course. He checked my Verizon record and informed me I would be charged a $100 "upgrade fee." So it's no go at Best Buy.
4) A long story should have a happy ending. I returned home and made the purchase online for $199.99, no rebate required, no upgrade fee. Furthermore, I purchased a case and screen protectors for about 30% off. Furthermore they were having a "sale" on their data plan, regular $29.99 for $23.99. Talk about the gift that will keep on giving!
Moral of the story, shop around. Even within the Verizon family, prices seem to vary. (My phone will arrive Thursday, with free Fedex two day shipping.)
I'm glad I found this forum. I already know more about the Droid than any Verizon people I talked to today and I'm looking forward to learning much more.
