8 Confessions Of A Former Verizon Sales Rep
8 Confessions Of A Former Verizon Sales Rep
http://consumerist.com/consumer/verizon/8-confession ... »
A former Verizon sales rep, let's call him Steve, wrote to us recently offering insider advice to all Consumerist readers. We were excited because by knowing how the sales force at Verizon are compensated, consumers can get an edge when haggling over a new phone. What? Haggling!? Over a phone!? Yes, even you can do it. Verizon Steve confesses all he knows, from the simple to the sublime...:
Ӣ Never get a 2-year contract. "The only benefit to a 2 yr contract is a $50 savings on your phone. Its not worth it. Take the $50 and get a 1 year then you can upgrade to a new phone every 10 months."
Ӣ Ve...
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http://consumerist.com/consumer/verizon/8-confession ... »
A former Verizon sales rep, let's call him Steve, wrote to us recently offering insider advice to all Consumerist readers. We were excited because by knowing how the sales force at Verizon are compensated, consumers can get an edge when haggling over a new phone. What? Haggling!? Over a phone!? Yes, even you can do it. Verizon Steve confesses all he knows, from the simple to the sublime...:
Ӣ Never get a 2-year contract. "The only benefit to a 2 yr contract is a $50 savings on your phone. Its not worth it. Take the $50 and get a 1 year then you can upgrade to a new phone every 10 months."
Ӣ Ve...
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ok. so you tell someone to sign only a one year and then say to get a 59.99 plan for the upgrade every year. Also, you tell someone to outright lie. And you tell someone to be dishonest with reps.
Kudos! Good for you! Slim...
Kudos! Good for you! Slim...
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everything is true don't get mad what's this info going to affect .1 of your total base.
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OK. Thanks. There for a second I was fuming. LOL I really dont't give a rats arse, but I do not agree with dishonesty. If you do. That is between you and God.
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wow this community is seriously ****ing incredible. this former vzw guy comes and tries to help people out and all you can do is shoot his ass down.
and then everyone insists my program is a virus and im stuck defending something that i have worked on just to get pointers.
honestly, guys, wow.
and then everyone insists my program is a virus and im stuck defending something that i have worked on just to get pointers.
honestly, guys, wow.
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He's promoting lying.
He wants customer to go into a store and lie to get free or discount items.
That's like going to a restaurant with a dead rat in your pocket. Once you are done, throw the rat in the salad and tell them you want it for free.
He wants customer to go into a store and lie to get free or discount items.
That's like going to a restaurant with a dead rat in your pocket. Once you are done, throw the rat in the salad and tell them you want it for free.
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I disagree. I believe it the carriers policy which is promoting lying, by both customers and representatives.
Example, the Poodelman case, where a bench warrant was issued for Verizon's arrest and motions filed to size Verizon property.
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
Apparently, lying is only ok when it can turn a profit eh?
Example, the Poodelman case, where a bench warrant was issued for Verizon's arrest and motions filed to size Verizon property.
The refund is the long-awaited conclusion to the saga that began when Verizon double-billed Poodleman, ruined his credit, lied about not receiving his letters, and refused to fix their mistake. So he sued Verizon in small claims court, and won.
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
Apparently, lying is only ok when it can turn a profit eh?
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please you guys...as many times as I have heard stories of store reps doing pretty much whatever they can to make a buck, I don't think some of this stuff is that bad
I've actually had reps tell me some of this stuff. Just last week i was in a corp store and the rep told me about the 100 dollar credit for the unlimited data...then flat out told me I could cancel it over the phone and save a $100.
It's just working the system. If you don't like it, then don't do it...or don't fall for it in the case you store reps!
CW
I've actually had reps tell me some of this stuff. Just last week i was in a corp store and the rep told me about the 100 dollar credit for the unlimited data...then flat out told me I could cancel it over the phone and save a $100.
It's just working the system. If you don't like it, then don't do it...or don't fall for it in the case you store reps!
CW
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I totally agree. This guy was a slime ball to even suggest ways to beat the system and then he goes on to imply that Verizon Sales reps are dishonest.
I'd say he's the one with no bal-- to say something like that.
I'd say he's the one with no bal-- to say something like that.
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so you have never had a verizon rep be dishonest with you? your dad must sell phones.
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I do think that when you suggest that a person do an ethically improper action (Lost/Stolen phone, who's gonna know...) that it has stepped past helping consumers and into the realm of 'stickin' it to the company'. I do think the communist consumerist has always been this way from the info I've looked at but that not withstanding, suggesting acts that are morally inappropriate via directly posting the salespersons suggestions unedited is an endorsement of the activity. It shows that the 'consumerist' is not about deals but corporate hate.
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So, am I to understand, that you are of the position that the only lying that takes place should be perpetrated by the representative and/or carrier?
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Nope. Not my opinion at all. I do however, assume that your question was to lead to a debate of corporate ethics but I will pass. Lying and cheating has become ubiquitous in our society and practically acceptable behavior.
I will pass on that conversation.
I will pass on that conversation.
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I was looking forward to at least a little exploration of the ethical sides to the issue. ☹️
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I give people advice to get advantages all the time. Why would I hide something like that?
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captainplooky said:
I was looking forward to at least a little exploration of the ethical sides to the issue. ☹️
From your previous post:
"So, am I to understand, that you are of the position that the only lying that takes place should be perpetrated by the representative and/or carrier?"
The question, as you stated it, was a set up. It was a question intended to drive a respondent to defend a postion instead of actually debating the core of the issue. With your statement as made above, it implies a presupposition that corporations are bad. Avoiding that subject matter, the debate avoidance is predicated on my lack of will to convince a pre-made decision of corporation malfeasance as an implied operat...
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Actually... I was trying to examine the belief that a customer's statements should be binding, whereas, a representative's statement should not.
Like in the Cingular forum.
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
Like in the Cingular forum.
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
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Well, no...you said that lying should only then, be perpetrated by the carrier. I don't know that you defined the terms of your intent well enough to know that was your intent.
This would also be a flaw with a leading statement intended for baiting, your premise was not clear.
This would also be a flaw with a leading statement intended for baiting, your premise was not clear.
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Okay, some of his comments were questionable. But when he got to the last one and tells people to call customer service and renew their contract first and ask for a loyalty credit, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of! I would laugh in a customer's face (of course over the phone) for asking me for a $60 credit, just because.
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dont listen to this guy.
the 100 dollar advanced device promo is only if you keep the plan for 3 months, if you sign up, sure you will get the 100 dollars off, take it off the next daay and you will see that 100 dollars on your bill.
we wont give you instant rebates in the store, at least we are not suppose to, most managers wont, thats why they offer it online
the 100 dollar advanced device promo is only if you keep the plan for 3 months, if you sign up, sure you will get the 100 dollars off, take it off the next daay and you will see that 100 dollars on your bill.
we wont give you instant rebates in the store, at least we are not suppose to, most managers wont, thats why they offer it online
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Yeah, and unlimited data doesn't mean unlimited data does it?
Or are all those customers who are kicked off data plans for "excessive usage" misunderstanding Verizon's definition of 'unlimited'.
Wait, lets just see what a Verizon spokesman has to say about it:
It's so clear, they only mention it in one place at the back of the 20 page T&C's.
Hell, they don't even have to violate the T&C's to be kicked off data plans anymore do they? Much like ...
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Or are all those customers who are kicked off data plans for "excessive usage" misunderstanding Verizon's definition of 'unlimited'.
Wait, lets just see what a Verizon spokesman has to say about it:
Jeffrey Nelson, Verizon Wireless spokesman, said that calling the service, "unlimited" is not misleading.
"It's very clear in all the legal materials we put out," he said. "It's unlimited amounts of data for certain types of data," he said.
It's so clear, they only mention it in one place at the back of the 20 page T&C's.
Hell, they don't even have to violate the T&C's to be kicked off data plans anymore do they? Much like ...
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Just adding the bottom three lines of their log gives you more than two gigs. So their math isn't quite accurate either...
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Which doesn't really relate to this particular thread, Plook. Not saying you don't have a point, but you're taking away from your original post.
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toomuchinfo said:
dont listen to this guy.
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we wont give you instant rebates in the store, at least we are not suppose to, most managers wont, thats why they offer it online
I upgraded in the store on my last NE2 and the salesguy, who was the manager, gave me the instant rebate even before I could ask for it.
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Yet, it happens all the time and only at Verizon.
How do you explain that?
How do you explain that?
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it may happen all the time, and the customer my think its not a problem because they dont see behind the lines, but to whomever continues to do it, sales ops will find out, and it wont be fun, the more discounts like that they find, the lower the score which equals new management... that is the main reason there is no discounts, because of our audits
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captainplooky said:
Ӣ Never get a 2-year contract. "The only benefit to a 2 yr contract is a $50 savings on your phone. Its not worth it. Take the $50 and get a 1 year then you can upgrade to a new phone every 10 months."
I would say that 1yr contracts are better for those who wish to upgrade their phones every 10 months. Those who sign a 1yr and wait 2yrs to upgrade their phone are losing out on $50 (initial price difference) and $50-100 NE2 credit. To add insult to injury anyone on a $59.99+ calling plan can upgrade after 1yr (12 months) and get the 2yr pricing again. At that point they already have a 1yr contract so they are simply adding 1 additional year to their contract. Good advice though!
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In reference to the Unlimited data plans, you say:
Could you clarify what you mean by this and if this info is in the T&C's?
If I'm not mistaken the magic number is 6 months.
Could you clarify what you mean by this and if this info is in the T&C's?
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6 months for most of us keeping our commissions, 3 months to avoid a hundred dollar charge to the account.
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If I discount your Treo 700P $100 because you added the $44.99 unlimited data plan and then called CS the next day and removed it then you would be violating the terms of my "indirect" company's contract and would be charged up to $295.00.
Might just be me but I don't think that's worth it for ya.
Might just be me but I don't think that's worth it for ya.
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What in the contract would they be violating?
Can you cite the passage or reference where one might read what you are speaking of.
Can you cite the passage or reference where one might read what you are speaking of.
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It would depend on the indirect dealer. Some of them don't have contracts or dealing with data disconnects, like mine, for instance.
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My indirect store has a clause to this effect on the point of sale receipt.
It says that they will keep the unlimited data feature for 6 months, and if they cancel it before then, they company will change their card back for the $100 discount they received.
And the customers must sign this section to be assured they read it.
It says that they will keep the unlimited data feature for 6 months, and if they cancel it before then, they company will change their card back for the $100 discount they received.
And the customers must sign this section to be assured they read it.
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captainplooky said:
What in the contract would they be violating?
Can you cite the passage or reference where one might read what you are speaking of.
1. Customer shall pay to WCI the Early Termination Charge listen in Section D in the event that: (a) the wireless service provided pursuant to the Carrier Agreement is interrupted, or the Carrier Agreement is canceled or terminated for any reason, prior to the end of the Minimum Service Period; (b) Customer changes plans prior to the end of the Minimum Service Period (unless such change results in a service plan with the Carrier that has a higher monthly service rate and which does not downgrade the service plan included in the Transaction)
*Minimum se...
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Thanks.
Now, where is the minimum service period listed in reference to a description of the plan or feature?
Now, where is the minimum service period listed in reference to a description of the plan or feature?
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temp_name said:captainplooky said:
Ӣ Mention the lost or stolen program to get 25% off a new phone, even if you're under contract. Who's to say you didn't lose it?
This is a common offer with two points to note: It requires a 2-yr renewal and it resets your time for your next discount. It doesn't matter if your phone is lost or stolen or working or not. You can request this once per rolling calendar year.
Cool! I know someone who may be needing that soon. Is that all there is to it... mention that your phone was lost, and you get 25% off, so long as you're willing to renew for 2 yrs?
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It doesn't even have to be lost or damaged at that. If you are not eligible for any other type of discounting you can renew for 2yrs and get 25% off to the point where it won't fall below 2yr pricing. Oh, and you are also not eligible for any type of additional discounts or rebates with this discounting.
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Ummm...
the 25% off is for lost/stolen/damaged phones. Please read the policies before saying stupid stuff.
If a customer calls in and says, "I don't like my phone I want another", it's full retail only.
Also, you can only do that once in a year.
the 25% off is for lost/stolen/damaged phones. Please read the policies before saying stupid stuff.
If a customer calls in and says, "I don't like my phone I want another", it's full retail only.
Also, you can only do that once in a year.
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Yeah, because it's not like they can't just say they just lost it the next day... it'll reach that point so why put more hassle for yourself.
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This article tells half-truths and won't always work. I'm disappointed they didn't say WHICH stores you should go to in order to get this kind of treatment. For example, I don't get paid for any text or data packages a customer adds on. I could care less if they tack it on to their plan. Will I drop the price of the phone because they add data? Nope. I have no reason to. In fact, I'd probably lose money over the deal. I like my job, but I don't like people I don't know enough to want to give them money out of my own pocket when I don't get anything in return.
Insurance CAN be a ripoff depending on which phone you get. If you have a phone that's less than $170, then it's a ripoff. Otherwise, it's a good deal. If you have a Treo,...
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Insurance CAN be a ripoff depending on which phone you get. If you have a phone that's less than $170, then it's a ripoff. Otherwise, it's a good deal. If you have a Treo,...
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That is all good info, any of you chumps who say "it's not nice to lie" are just being rediculous. Everyone lies, especially cell phone reps so you have to counter that with intenligence and creativity. Nice work Plook.
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So, you're saying lying is already? I don't agree with that at all.
It's not right for the customer to lie to get extra discounts. Likewise, it's not right for a rep to lie to make a sale.
I'm a rep and I will NOT lie to a customer. I tell them the flat out truth because I wouldn't want to be lied to, so why would I lie to somebody else.
As far as the discounts go. In the case of many indirect dealers, half of that isn't true.
I work for an indirect agent. I can NOT give a discount on the phone for any reason not approved by the owner of the company. And that's extremely rare.
If you're one of the 1-year upgrade people, keep walking. We don't even deal with those in my store.
Annual upgrade? See above comment.
The $100 o...
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It's not right for the customer to lie to get extra discounts. Likewise, it's not right for a rep to lie to make a sale.
I'm a rep and I will NOT lie to a customer. I tell them the flat out truth because I wouldn't want to be lied to, so why would I lie to somebody else.
As far as the discounts go. In the case of many indirect dealers, half of that isn't true.
I work for an indirect agent. I can NOT give a discount on the phone for any reason not approved by the owner of the company. And that's extremely rare.
If you're one of the 1-year upgrade people, keep walking. We don't even deal with those in my store.
Annual upgrade? See above comment.
The $100 o...
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Foamy said:
So, you're saying lying is already?
I meant to say "So, you're saying lying is alright?"
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But you will pass on a 1 year upgrade or annual upgrade?? Why? They all make money and make the customer happy. If you push them away chances are they won't come back to you to add that new line later.
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Annual upgrade Verizon won't let us do. They just won't give us the power at the moment. Though they're "working on it" whatever that means.
And the 1 year upgrade. That's not my policy, it the companies policy, but with the annual upgrade program they have now I can't see any reason why you'd bother with a 1 year upgrade anyway.
And the 1 year upgrade. That's not my policy, it the companies policy, but with the annual upgrade program they have now I can't see any reason why you'd bother with a 1 year upgrade anyway.
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I guess Annual is still good for people on $39.99 and $9.99 lines since they don't qualify for Annual.
That's strange they don't let you. They let us in the Midwest start doing it on Feb 1st, I guess I figured it was everyone.
That's strange they don't let you. They let us in the Midwest start doing it on Feb 1st, I guess I figured it was everyone.
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Honestly, VZW probably gives us the ability. It's most likely the retards that run my company that can't figure out how to do it right so they won't let us.
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Some of it is alright, but as Foamy has pointed out, much of the info wouldn't apply to indirects.
Additionaly, the article essentially encourages lying in order to obtain a better price. When you're dealing with an agent and you agree to buy x in order to get discount y, knowing that you plan to return x tomorrow, you're lying. In fact, I would go so far as to say you're stealing- at least in the case where the rep makes a commission on the various components of a sale.
Using the excuse that everybody is doing it is not only false, it is the aegis of the weak willed. If you wish to lie and/or steal, fine, but don't hide behind some pathetic excuse in an attempt to justify your personal choices.
Additionaly, the article essentially encourages lying in order to obtain a better price. When you're dealing with an agent and you agree to buy x in order to get discount y, knowing that you plan to return x tomorrow, you're lying. In fact, I would go so far as to say you're stealing- at least in the case where the rep makes a commission on the various components of a sale.
Using the excuse that everybody is doing it is not only false, it is the aegis of the weak willed. If you wish to lie and/or steal, fine, but don't hide behind some pathetic excuse in an attempt to justify your personal choices.
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This gentleman suggests not getting a two year contract because the only bonus to that is $50.00 off your next phone after 2 years. I always sign two year contracts because I LOVE verizon and do not plan on going anywhere else anytime soon. Why would you not sign for two years if you love your service? Two years fly by anyway. AND I always get $100.00 off the price of my upgrade and I believe, for some reason, you can upgrade after slightly less time than 24 months. I've been with Verizon for 5 years now, NEVER had a problem. I get signal INSIDE my house, which I know is a problem for some people with a lot of providers, VERY SELDOM have dropped calls, if ever, I think it was the person I was talking to, not me. Customer service is delightfu...
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I too was a Verizon Wireless employee. I just literally left the company. This is some bad information. If you get the $100.00 off of a PDA device for adding the unlimited data, you are not allowed to take it off the next day, in fact if you call in, they will tell you that you have to leave it on for atleast three months. Insurance works for people who break their phones within the first year...and if you are not one of those people, then don't get it. Reps make money from new lines and ALL ACCESSORIES, not just some. However, if they are caught using code 62 or 64 or whatever code it is to discount them down and they don't have a legitimate business case in the remarks( customer was going to walk is NOT accepted) they're in violation of co...
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Even if you agree to a 2 year contract, you can stillupgrade after 1 year for the discounted price. I just got off the phone with Verizon. I am in a contract until 8/7/08 and I was told that in 8/7/07, I can do an early upgrade for the 2yr agreement price. So there still is benefit do agreeing to 2yrs and getting a much cheaper price right off the bat.
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This thread became an article on the web and is being featured on Yahoo....
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/verizon/8-confes ... »
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/verizon/8-confes ... »
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I found this on the Consumerist and posted it from there.
The credit is theirs. 🙂
The credit is theirs. 🙂
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