Shop Talk

For years now I have been using the VZW service at some of their stores to transfer my phone book to a new phone. At times it was frustrating because only some stores had the equipment but in general I reeeeally appreciated the service!

I understand it takes time for a sales person to do the work but it was a great service and would save me loads of time.

Last time I went into the store I noticed a sign stating that VZW was going to start charging for the service. This business decision seems short sighted.

If the person is a VZW customer they are coming in to transfer data to a new phone either because they upgraded or replaced a broken phone. The service maintains a happy customer and provides convenience to them at low cost. I recently had to hand input my wife's phone book since the phone would not work. I literally was in the store with my 15 month toddler for an extra 1/2 hour while I wrote down every entry she had (following him around the store to assure he would not damage merchandise). I needed to do this in the store because they needed the old phone before they released the new one. Neither my son nor I were particularly happy but I accepted it as a techological necessity.

No one likes being charged for something that was once free. Decreasing the availability of the service creates a barrier between customer and provider and builds alienation.

A possible alternative is a self service station for existing VZW customers.

Do other providers provide this free service?

opinions?