Review: Jitterbug

I agree. I don't usually post anything but I had such a problem and disappointment that I feel obligated along with these two posts to add my experience. The positive - I think this phone is a very good idea and perfect for the elderly (my mother 85 years old is what I had in mind). I did internet research and this phone kept showing up as it also did in my mother's AARP magazine and AAA magazine. I felt comfortable ordering over the phone even though I didn't like the idea. I called the sales department two different times with a list of questions. Sales is VERY accomodating. At the time I spoke with them I explained in detail why I was ordering and would be the responsible party. This phone was for my mother who is 85 - for emergency use or the ability to contact family members if she isn't at home. At the time I spoke to Sales I also specifically told me what area code I needed-they only said that they didn't yet know the phone number and that it would be imprinted on the phone. They also told me the phone would be shipped in 7-10 business days. I wasn't happy about that but conceded because it was the only way to get this phone. First after waiting and waiting I called and was told by Customer Service that the phone was on backorder and it would be two more weeks before it came in and then the additional days to get it shipped. I asked if they were backordered at th time I ordered it and the Customer Service man told me that it was - but that Sales didn't know that. Well, why didn't they know it?! Poor communication within the company or it is outright deception. Finally, the phone showed up and I was so happy - I opened the phone and saw this ridiculous area code - an area 4 hours south of where we live. I assumed it was an error. NO! I called Customer Service and was told they have a problem getting certain area codes so they assign the next closest area code. Are they kidding?! So if my mother's next door neighbor called her she would be making a long distance phone call - she's in a retirement facility - how ridiculous! Then they said the other option was to use a toll free 866 area code number. I told them this was not an option - her contemporaries are not accustomed to this type of dialing or remembering a number like that - PLUS - there is a good chance others calling in the "toll free" number for them would talk a long time as they both would think it was free and there's a good chance they would exceed the minutes in the plan and then I would be paying for excess minutes caused by their great toll free solution. I agree also that the departments within this company are of the "right hand doesn't know what the left is doing" variety.The phone looks like a great product but unless and until this company gets their act together I don't see how they can be successful with as many unhappy customers as they will have. I did ship the phone back - now let's see how long they take to credit my card.