Sprint turned me away - I'm waiting for Verizon

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 09:58 AM

I'm a longtime Sprint customer, looking to upgrade a phone that is over four years old. I was first in line at my local Sprint store today. Yes, this is a sad story. It's been a long morning. Bear with me as I vent my frustrations.

At 8:00am, bright and early, in my local Sprint store, I gave the Sprint associate my telephone number to begin the process of upgrading my phone. Right away, I was told I could not purchase the Palm Pre. The reason? Because my telephone number has an area code from a different region, and Sprint will not allow sales to non-local customers at this time. My only option was to change my telephone number, or drive more than 100 miles to a "flagship" Sprint store.

I left my local store, dismayed, and immediately called the "flagship" store. The very helpful associate at that store said she would sell me a phone, but they were going to run out of stock before I could arrive. It would take about two hours for me to drive to this "flagship" store.

I called Sprint customer service. I was told I could simply purchase the Pre online. At Sprint.com, I found a message saying I had to purchase the Pre from a retail store.

I called Sprint customer service again. I explained the situation, and I asked a simple question. What should I do to purchase a Palm Pre? I was transferred to telesales. Telesales couldn't sell me the Pre. I was transferred to account management. They were also unable to help me.

I asked when I would be able to purchase the phone at my local Sprint store. Customer service was unable to give me an answer, and they recommended I try again next week. But they cautioned it might be a month or longer before I'm able to buy the phone.

To be clear, I went to the local Sprint store, and although they had the phone in stock, I was turned away. I then called Sprint customer service. I was again turned away. Obviously, I'm frustrated.

At this point, I've decided to leave Sprint. I understand that if I just wait six months, I'll then be able to get the Palm Pre from a different carrier.

Grim · 06/06/2009, 10:01 AM

Ridiculous! Way to treat a long-time customer, Sprint!

despo88 · 06/06/2009, 10:03 AM

ok one store couldn't sell it because of your zip and the next store was too far.

online sales can't happen for EVERYONE, it's not like it's an isolated incident just for you.

It's probably better you wait a bit for the next shipment as people are starting to complain about bugs and light leakages.

I don't see how you're mad at Sprint, can't really be their fault. It's waiting 1 month vs. 6+, if that makes sense to you, get it on Verizon.

LateNight · 06/06/2009, 10:05 AM

Why not just set the Pre up as a new line on your plan , go home call sprint and they would move your phone number over.. No worries

fbeaumont · 06/06/2009, 10:08 AM

why would it make any difference what your area code is?

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:10 AM

OK, I understand what you're saying. But it's not because of my zip code. It's because of my telephone number.

My telephone number is more than six years old. People move to a place with a different area code all the time, so I don't think I'm an isolated case.

Sprint won't sell the Palm Pre to anyone with a non-local area code, except at certain stores. The stores which can sell to non-local area code customers are indistinguishable from stores where you can't buy the Pre. This is unreasonable at best.

I would have no problem with Sprint if they would simply give me some clear answer as to when they will accept my business. They're unable to give me any information as to when and where I can purchase the Pre. And they're unwilling to compensate me for the inconvenience I've suffered this morning.

At this point, I'd rather try my luck with another company.

IMethos · 06/06/2009, 10:10 AM

Thats nonsnese...I Live in Philly (267) and work in NJ (609) and bought my phone 1 hour ago...you should have made more of an effort. There is no rule/directive that states you cannot purchase non-locally.

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fbeaumont

why would it make any difference what your area code is?

The representative at my local store wasn't sure why the policy was in place. They said this policy applied only to the Pre, and he could have sold me any other phone without requiring me to change my phone number. Something about the Pre being on "lockdown."

They also said they had no idea when the policy would be lifted so that they could sell me the Pre. They recommended I try a "flagship" store (100 miles away).

Loonytunes · 06/06/2009, 10:13 AM

I live in Ohio (440) and have a New Jersey are code (609) and I bought one today in Ohio without a problem.

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMethos

Thats nonsnese...I Live in Philly (267) and work in NJ (609) and bought my phone 1 hour ago...you should have made more of an effort. There is no rule/directive that states you cannot purchase non-locally.

I can assure you there is a policy in place that prevented me from buying my Pre today.

If I lived near a flagship store, I apparently would have no problem. How to tell the difference between a flagship and non flagship store, I have no idea.

My local store *is* a Sprint corporate location.

VaccPalm · 06/06/2009, 10:14 AM

Agree the store was hosing you, There is no policy, I know lots of folks who have differnet phone humbers from different states. Its not a SPRINT policy ,Its technically not "Sprints" fault as more its a morons who ran that store who knew they had more customers than phones and decided to screw you. It was the policy of the person who sold you a phoen but trust us it is not sprints policy!

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LateNight

Why not just set the Pre up as a new line on your plan , go home call sprint and they would move your phone number over.. No worries

If this was an option, no one at the store, or at customer service was aware of it. I was on the phone with customer service with 4 different representatives today, asking the same question ("How do I buy a Palm Pre?") over and over.

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:16 AM

The employees at the store were quite apologetic, and they said the policy was Sprint's decision, not theirs. But yes, they were going to sell a lot of Pres today even without my business.

So I blame Sprint for hosing me, not the local store.

Stihl · 06/06/2009, 10:19 AM

More of a matter of general beaucracy than sprint itself-I could honestly see this happening anywhere; not all the players in the chain of information knowing all the pieces of information. For instance, being first in line, they could have easily just told you to go get a prepaid phone, cloned your current number over the phone as you activated the pre with a new number, then swapped the numbers back as you dump the phone. But people can only help you as far as their general knowledge actuates them. You definitely got shafted, but pre shipments will probably be coming in pretty regularly.

*only reason I'm anti verizon is because they are highly overpriced, and I have a story similar to yours involving them, except it cost me 800 dollars

mrjcarter · 06/06/2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik2009

Because my telephone number has an area code from a different region, and Sprint will not allow sales to non-local customers at this time. My only option was to change my telephone number, or drive more than 100 miles to a "flagship" Sprint store.

I had this same issue. LUCKILY her manager next to her was cool and said she'll let it slide. I was about to walk out Pre-less if I had to change my number.

Erik2009 · 06/06/2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stihl

More of a matter of general beaucracy than sprint itself-I could honestly see this happening anywhere; not all the players in the chain of information knowing all the pieces of information.

Agreed, except that Sprint's policy regarding non-local telephone numbers makes no sense to me. That should not have been an issue.

I have no real desire to go to Verizon, because I'm sure customer service there is not that much better, and I'll probably end up spending more money there. At least it's got a better network.

Thanks for letting me vent, everyone. Enjoy your Pre, and please don't take it for granted that you could buy one today.

SandersJC1964 · 06/06/2009, 10:22 AM

Do you have more than one local Sprint store? Why not try there if so?

treotraveler · 06/06/2009, 11:05 AM

Sounds like Sprint's way of dealing with low Pre stock condition. Not selling to customers with a different area code. Still, if you showed up when they have a Pre to sell, you should have gotten your Pre.

neile45 · 06/06/2009, 11:12 AM

Yeah, I live in area code 985, but my number is a 504 number - don't understand this?

avrfreaks · 06/06/2009, 11:20 AM

Yeah I have no idea how this happened... my area code region is 1500 miles away from where I purchased the phone.

06/06/2009, 09:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Erik2009 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 15 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Sprint turned me away - I'm waiting for Verizon I'm a longtime Sprint customer, looking to upgrade a phone that is over four years old. I was first in line at my local Sprint store today. Yes, this is a sad story. It's been a long morning. Bear with me as I vent my frustrations. At 8:00am, bright and early, in my local Sprint store, I gave the Sprint associate my telephone number to begin the process of upgrading my phone. Right away, I was told I could not purchase the Palm Pre. The reason? Because my telephone number has an area code from a different region, and Sprint will not allow sales to non-local customers at this time. My only option was to change my telephone number, or drive more than 100 miles to a "flagship" Sprint store. I left my local store, dismayed, and immediately called the "flagship" store. The very helpful associate at that store said she would sell me a phone, but they were going to run out of stock before I could arrive. It would take about two hours for me to drive to this "flagship" store. I called Sprint customer service. I was told I could simply purchase the Pre online. At Sprint.com, I found a message saying I had to purchase the Pre from a retail store. I called Sprint customer service again. I explained the situation, and I asked a simple question. What should I do to purchase a Palm Pre? I was transferred to telesales. Telesales couldn't sell me the Pre. I was transferred to account management. They were also unable to help me. I asked when I would be able to purchase the phone at my local Sprint store. Customer service was unable to give me an answer, and they recommended I try again next week. But they cautioned it might be a month or longer before I'm able to buy the phone. To be clear, I went to the local Sprint store, and although they had the phone in stock, I was turned away. I then called Sprint customer service. I was again turned away. Obviously, I'm frustrated. At this point, I've decided to leave Sprint. I understand that if I just wait six months, I'll then be able to get the Palm Pre from a different carrier.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Grim Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Somewhere along the 45th parallel. Posts: 374 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 23 Thanked 23 Times in 20 Posts	Ridiculous! Way to treat a long-time customer, Sprint! __________________ “Wolves are the top of the food chain, and when the wolf population is healthy, all other animal and plant populations are healthy.” -- Lois Tulleners
	Liked by Thanked By: Erik2009

06/06/2009, 10:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
despo88 Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 60 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 24 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	ok one store couldn't sell it because of your zip and the next store was too far. online sales can't happen for EVERYONE, it's not like it's an isolated incident just for you. It's probably better you wait a bit for the next shipment as people are starting to complain about bugs and light leakages. I don't see how you're mad at Sprint, can't really be their fault. It's waiting 1 month vs. 6+, if that makes sense to you, get it on Verizon.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
LateNight Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 142 Likes Received: 1 Thanks: 17 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Why not just set the Pre up as a new line on your plan , go home call sprint and they would move your phone number over.. No worries
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
fbeaumont Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 100 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 1 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	why would it make any difference what your area code is?
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
Erik2009 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 15 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	OK, I understand what you're saying. But it's not because of my zip code. It's because of my telephone number. My telephone number is more than six years old. People move to a place with a different area code all the time, so I don't think I'm an isolated case. Sprint won't sell the Palm Pre to anyone with a non-local area code, except at certain stores. The stores which can sell to non-local area code customers are indistinguishable from stores where you can't buy the Pre. This is unreasonable at best. I would have no problem with Sprint if they would simply give me some clear answer as to when they will accept my business. They're unable to give me any information as to when and where I can purchase the Pre. And they're unwilling to compensate me for the inconvenience I've suffered this morning. At this point, I'd rather try my luck with another company.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
IMethos Banned Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 497 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 31 Thanked 48 Times in 38 Posts	Thats nonsnese...I Live in Philly (267) and work in NJ (609) and bought my phone 1 hour ago...you should have made more of an effort. There is no rule/directive that states you cannot purchase non-locally.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
Loonytunes Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 298 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 52 Thanked 62 Times in 25 Posts	I live in Ohio (440) and have a New Jersey are code (609) and I bought one today in Ohio without a problem.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
VaccPalm Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,300 Likes Received: 9 Thanks: 18 Thanked 127 Times in 97 Posts	Agree the store was hosing you, There is no policy, I know lots of folks who have differnet phone humbers from different states. Its not a SPRINT policy ,Its technically not "Sprints" fault as more its a morons who ran that store who knew they had more customers than phones and decided to screw you. It was the policy of the person who sold you a phoen but trust us it is not sprints policy!
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
Erik2009 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 15 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 4 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	The employees at the store were quite apologetic, and they said the policy was Sprint's decision, not theirs. But yes, they were going to sell a lot of Pres today even without my business. So I blame Sprint for hosing me, not the local store.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 10:19 AM	#14 (permalink)
Stihl Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 744 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 63 Thanked 137 Times in 76 Posts	More of a matter of general beaucracy than sprint itself-I could honestly see this happening anywhere; not all the players in the chain of information knowing all the pieces of information. For instance, being first in line, they could have easily just told you to go get a prepaid phone, cloned your current number over the phone as you activated the pre with a new number, then swapped the numbers back as you dump the phone. But people can only help you as far as their general knowledge actuates them. You definitely got shafted, but pre shipments will probably be coming in pretty regularly. *only reason I'm anti verizon is because they are highly overpriced, and I have a story similar to yours involving them, except it cost me 800 dollars
	Liked by Thanked By: Erik2009

06/06/2009, 10:22 AM	#17 (permalink)
SandersJC1964 Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 269 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 12 Posts	Do you have more than one local Sprint store? Why not try there if so?
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 11:05 AM	#18 (permalink)
treotraveler Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 970 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	Sounds like Sprint's way of dealing with low Pre stock condition. Not selling to customers with a different area code. Still, if you showed up when they have a Pre to sell, you should have gotten your Pre.
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 11:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
neile45 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 216 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 9 Thanked 25 Times in 12 Posts	Yeah, I live in area code 985, but my number is a 504 number - don't understand this?
	Liked by

06/06/2009, 11:20 AM	#20 (permalink)
avrfreaks Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 27 Likes Received: 0 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Yeah I have no idea how this happened... my area code region is 1500 miles away from where I purchased the phone.
	Liked by

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