AT&T Employees Screwed iPhone Customers
Folks, the local AT&T store has lost my business forever.
Yesterday, I lined up at the AT&T store to get an iPhone. I was the 21st person on line.
At 6 PM, they started letting customers in 2 at a time. After about 20 minutes, two customers walked out with iPhones. Another 15 minutes later, another 2 customers walked out with iPhones. (How on earth it takes 35 minutes to ring up 4 customers, I can't understand.) During that time, no one else was allowed into the store. Not even customers who weren't there for iPhones. They turned away at least 10 angry people who wanted accessories/assistance in the time I waited in line.
After that, an AT&T employee came outside and said they were all sold out of iPhones. But they offered to let ...
(continues)
Yesterday, I lined up at the AT&T store to get an iPhone. I was the 21st person on line.
At 6 PM, they started letting customers in 2 at a time. After about 20 minutes, two customers walked out with iPhones. Another 15 minutes later, another 2 customers walked out with iPhones. (How on earth it takes 35 minutes to ring up 4 customers, I can't understand.) During that time, no one else was allowed into the store. Not even customers who weren't there for iPhones. They turned away at least 10 angry people who wanted accessories/assistance in the time I waited in line.
After that, an AT&T employee came outside and said they were all sold out of iPhones. But they offered to let ...
(continues)
...
thats why they should have had indirects selling them also, the cor stores want to force so much add on garbage down your throat that it takes forever (and alot of extra money) to get out of there
...
Trust me, guys, working with Apple isn't worth your time. As a RadioShack dealer, selling iPods isn't worth the time and effort and required display space. The mark up is often less than a few dollars and the volume rarely makes up for it. Indirects have even more hoops to jump through when dealing with Apple, and you wouldn't enjoy the process or the profits (if you could produce any).
Just wait, if it's as profitable as Cingular hopes, they will allow you, too, to join in the misery. Then you will all understand.
Just wait, if it's as profitable as Cingular hopes, they will allow you, too, to join in the misery. Then you will all understand.
...
I'm a linux person personally, but there's not much out there for someone who can't stand Apple or Microsoft. I'd rather have Microsoft and quirkiness than give Apple one dime of my money.
...
I agree with that. The ROKR looked cool, but sucked. 20 second videos WITH the memory card? I don't think so! Have you tried? Palm or Symbian?
...
I don't have a smart phone, we're waiting on the Q, at the moment. Hubby loves Palm, likes Windows Mobile, and hates whatever the Blackberry runs.
...
krickt said:
I don't have a smart phone, we're waiting on the Q, at the moment. Hubby loves Palm, likes Windows Mobile, and hates whatever the Blackberry runs.
It's Blackberry! ๐ I'd love the GSM-Q also, but Ima wait until the bugs are known.
...
The reason it took so long is that they are actually signing contracts and activating them at the at&t stores. And no, they werent trying to screw you. Our whole Las Vegas market was sold out in about an hour or two.
...
The reason it took so long is that they are actually signing contracts and activating them at the at&t stores.
I think you might be mistaken there.
...
One word: Itunes
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
As far as activating the phone, no activation was done in ANY store be it Apple or at&t.
It was actually Apple's idea to have the user take home the phone plug it in and see how "easy" the process was.
...
Interesting... I did not know that. I work in an indirect store so we didnt sell the iphone here, but I wonder where the contracts were signed...
...
i watched the video on apple.com for activating the iPhone and it seems as if they were signed electronically thru iTunes. . .
...
Apparently that's what the employees of the AT&T store thought.
I would have been incredibly frustrated that they did not have the courtesy to let people in line know beforehand that had a limited supply (which I doubt) and just let them sit outside.
Seriously. If you have a small number of something and over five times that many people waiting in line - then it make absolutely no sense and clearly demonstrates a lack of respect/courtesy towards the customer by not informing them.
Funny thing is many people don't want to buy an Iphone simply because they have to deal with AT&T and these type of situations are only going to reaffirm their position.
I would have been incredibly frustrated that they did not have the courtesy to let people in line know beforehand that had a limited supply (which I doubt) and just let them sit outside.
Seriously. If you have a small number of something and over five times that many people waiting in line - then it make absolutely no sense and clearly demonstrates a lack of respect/courtesy towards the customer by not informing them.
Funny thing is many people don't want to buy an Iphone simply because they have to deal with AT&T and these type of situations are only going to reaffirm their position.
...
I agree like PS3 line hey we only got 20 they said and like 40 other people left and didnt have to waste their time
...
I cant believe people waited in lines for a phone!
Then whine about it.
Wait a week and you can get all you want! The "First on the Block" Syndrome is alive and well.
Then whine about it.
Wait a week and you can get all you want! The "First on the Block" Syndrome is alive and well.
...
I agree with you, but the guy that started the thread is a moderator for phonescoop. Him getting an iPhone means a quicker report about the pros and cons on the phonescoop page. I'm glad he didn't wait for a week (but I think the average Joes that were waiting are idiots).
...
Did you report this to anyone? If you haven't I would ask to either speak to their area manager and let them know of your experience. I find it ironic that Indirect locations (even premier indirects) were not given the option to sell the device for this very reason. Not to mention how Cor knocks on us all the time but they still preform worse than us. Hypocrites.
...
How exactly do you KNOW they had more than 4? On what are you basing the statement that this is the largest AT&T store in the country? The store I was at was assisting 8 at a time. That was a pretty small store in El Paso compared to the monsters I have seen in Dallas and Houston.
Did you walk out with your phone activated from the iPhone store? How much explanation was given about AT&T service. Obviously not much.
It takes a typical sale around 1/2 hour to complete when you look at all the aspects of the sale. I have been in this business 15 years and that has been average for all carriers I have represented over that time (Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, AT&T, GTE, Airtouch, etc...).
Apple sold you and phone with little or no ...
(continues)
Did you walk out with your phone activated from the iPhone store? How much explanation was given about AT&T service. Obviously not much.
It takes a typical sale around 1/2 hour to complete when you look at all the aspects of the sale. I have been in this business 15 years and that has been average for all carriers I have represented over that time (Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, AT&T, GTE, Airtouch, etc...).
Apple sold you and phone with little or no ...
(continues)
...
Are you freaking kidding?
This coming from someone who rather insult a customer than actually admit that you don't know something or that there might have been a mistake made that is actually the fault of At&t and not the customer.
Why should he trust an At&t store over an Iphone store anyways? You yourself have openly stated that you don't trust your own organization.
Perhaps he should have hopped on a plane and come to your store? ๐คฃ
What you are ignoring (not surprising) is that even if the store only had 4 Iphones, they still allowed over twenty people to wait in line for a product they knew they didn't have.
Also, as far as baseless accusations, wouldn't you assumption that:
(continues)
This coming from someone who rather insult a customer than actually admit that you don't know something or that there might have been a mistake made that is actually the fault of At&t and not the customer.
Why should he trust an At&t store over an Iphone store anyways? You yourself have openly stated that you don't trust your own organization.
Perhaps he should have hopped on a plane and come to your store? ๐คฃ
What you are ignoring (not surprising) is that even if the store only had 4 Iphones, they still allowed over twenty people to wait in line for a product they knew they didn't have.
Also, as far as baseless accusations, wouldn't you assumption that:
...
Apple
(continues)
...
I see in his post that he says:
Aren't most stores supposed to be replenishing their stock overnight?
That's quite a time difference of one week.
Also, I still say if they only had four left they should have let the crowd know before wasting time in line like that.
After that, an AT&T employee came outside and said they were all sold out of iPhones. But they offered to let us pay the full price, and promised to deliver the iPhones to our house next week.
Aren't most stores supposed to be replenishing their stock overnight?
That's quite a time difference of one week.
Also, I still say if they only had four left they should have let the crowd know before wasting time in line like that.
...
Wow, you have zero knowledge about distribution logistics don't you.
If Apple made x handsets and all of x were divided amoung 1800 AT&T and Apple stores country wide where exactly would the next batch be coming from to replenish them the next day.
Steve Jobs was hoping they would sell out the first day and for the most part they did.
As for your first post, 50 phones in ten minutes? That is called handing your CC to the clerk and them handing you a box. And the proof? Apple in it's own press releases stated they would direct folks to the internet to activate their iPhones and get more than just a pamphlet for AT&T service.
We already know your stance on this one. You wished it would flop.
If Apple made x handsets and all of x were divided amoung 1800 AT&T and Apple stores country wide where exactly would the next batch be coming from to replenish them the next day.
Steve Jobs was hoping they would sell out the first day and for the most part they did.
As for your first post, 50 phones in ten minutes? That is called handing your CC to the clerk and them handing you a box. And the proof? Apple in it's own press releases stated they would direct folks to the internet to activate their iPhones and get more than just a pamphlet for AT&T service.
We already know your stance on this one. You wished it would flop.
...
OK, so here's the deal. at&t was screwed by Apple. In my area the at&t cor stores only received 20-40 iPhones, while one of the local Apple stores was reported to have received almost 1000.
As far as activating the phone, no activation was done in ANY store be it Apple or at&t. It was actually Apple's idea to have the user take home the phone plug it in and see how "easy" the process was. Here in-lies the problem...too many users trying to do the same thing at the same time. Along with lack of knowledge of the plans (if purchased at an Apple store or an at&t store that didn't do their job.) I am impressed with the phone, and I am actually rather impressed with how at&t is trying to fix problems that arise as fast as possible. And t...
(continues)
As far as activating the phone, no activation was done in ANY store be it Apple or at&t. It was actually Apple's idea to have the user take home the phone plug it in and see how "easy" the process was. Here in-lies the problem...too many users trying to do the same thing at the same time. Along with lack of knowledge of the plans (if purchased at an Apple store or an at&t store that didn't do their job.) I am impressed with the phone, and I am actually rather impressed with how at&t is trying to fix problems that arise as fast as possible. And t...
(continues)
...
I agree completely. Apple kept the lionshare of the inventory on the first wave. I don't blame them (why sell to a distribution partner what you can sell for yourself at retail).
...
๐คฃ
What were you saying about distribution logistics now? I guess you have a mystery on your hands... first you have to figure out that and then you have to figure out where the next batch comes from. That should keep you busy at least a week.
(continues)
Dwight Hickman, AT&Tโs area retail sales manager, based in Starkville
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=246112&pu ... »
Hickman, who supervises all the stores north of U.S. 82, said the company had โa couple of locations that have sold out in one hour.โย
He said the stores would replenish their supply overnight and be ready in the morning, adding, โWe had real good sales success.โย
What were you saying about distribution logistics now? I guess you have a mystery on your hands... first you have to figure out that and then you have to figure out where the next batch comes from. That should keep you busy at least a week.
iPhones iPlenty: the sell-out...
(continues)
...
Our location didn't sell out until today, right at the end of the day. Some stores in PHX (I'm in Arizona) sold out, but that's to be expected.
All the stores in AZ handled things very well. I haven't heard any horror stories from our market, much less from another.
Our store was very smooth. We let one GROUP of people per rep in at a time. We got rid of our 50 person line within 2 hours. I spent about 10 minutes per person (which was a bit too fast I think, but we had to move quickly. I like spending time with people to make sure they understand exactly what's going on).
All the stores in AZ handled things very well. I haven't heard any horror stories from our market, much less from another.
Our store was very smooth. We let one GROUP of people per rep in at a time. We got rid of our 50 person line within 2 hours. I spent about 10 minutes per person (which was a bit too fast I think, but we had to move quickly. I like spending time with people to make sure they understand exactly what's going on).
...
texaswireless
Wow, you have zero knowledge about distribution logistics don't you.
If Apple made x handsets and all of x were divided amoung 1800 AT&T and Apple stores country wide where exactly would the next batch be coming from to replenish them the next day.
...
Dwight Hickman, AT&Tโs area retail sales manager, based in Starkville
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=246112&pu ... »
Hickman, who supervises all the stores north of U.S. 82, said the company had โa couple of locations that have sold out in one hour.โย
He said the stores would replenish their supply overnight and be ready in the morning, adding, โWe had real good sales success.โย
(continues)
...
Keep waiting. No stores in North Texas, AT&T's stronghold on activations, were restocked. Some local paper with some local yahoo does not mean you are suddenly refuting my explanation.
...
You're missing the point. The store should have told the people in line how many they had before they made them wait in line KNOWING that some of the people in line would not be getting iPhones. They should have told the first 4 people in line that they had the stock for them, and told everyone else that they would have the opportunity to place an order to get one in a week or so. That should have happened when the line was forming. That way, potential customers wouldn't have to be irritated when they find out A) they can't get the phone at that store and B) they could have had a better spot in a line at a different store if they were better informed.
It was just piss poor customer service at this particular store.
It was just piss poor customer service at this particular store.
...
robtheman said:...
You're missing the point. The store should have told the people in line how many they had before they made them wait in line KNOWING that some of the people in line would not be getting iPhones. They should have told the first 4 people in line that they had the stock for them, and told everyone else that they would have the opportunity to place an order to get one in a week or so. That should have happened when the line was forming. That way, potential customers wouldn't have to be irritated when they find out A) they can't get the phone at that store and B) they could have had a better spot in a line at a different store if they were better informed.
It was just piss poor customer service at this p
(continues)
...
I do not agree with the explanation that the BUSIEST AT&T store only had 4 phones. I am not going to selectively reply to each point when the messaged was biased in the first place.
You start sending people all over town to possibly find a phone and they get upset with that. You can't make everyone happy. And like I said, I do not know that his statement was even 20% truthful. It was irresponsible.
Others asked for the store location and he was unwilling (or yet to) reply. I can tell you unless he was in Texas it is not likely he was at the busiest AT&T store (how does he assess that anyways? It is not public information).
You start sending people all over town to possibly find a phone and they get upset with that. You can't make everyone happy. And like I said, I do not know that his statement was even 20% truthful. It was irresponsible.
Others asked for the store location and he was unwilling (or yet to) reply. I can tell you unless he was in Texas it is not likely he was at the busiest AT&T store (how does he assess that anyways? It is not public information).
...
I already corrected your assumption that it was the busiest store in the country. He said county, not country. I don't know where he lives. There is no reason not to believe him.
I didn't say that the store should start sending people elsewhere. I said they should have informed the customers on what the stock was and that if they were 5+ in line, they would have the opportunity to order one. The customer could then stand in line to place an order or go stand in line somewhere else. At least they wouldn't be standing in line thinking they would be walking out with a phone that day. If I were one of those people, I'd be pissed off too.
I didn't say that the store should start sending people elsewhere. I said they should have informed the customers on what the stock was and that if they were 5+ in line, they would have the opportunity to order one. The customer could then stand in line to place an order or go stand in line somewhere else. At least they wouldn't be standing in line thinking they would be walking out with a phone that day. If I were one of those people, I'd be pissed off too.
...
I don't blame him for being upset. I blame him for taking that frustration to a higher level by accusing these folks of hoarding.
You want to complain about AT&T, fine. I see 100's of posts here that I never respond to as I was not there and cannot comment on the sitation.
You want to complain about AT&T, fine. I see 100's of posts here that I never respond to as I was not there and cannot comment on the sitation.
...
we were not allow to tell the customers how many phones we had as the reps did not know at least we didnt the managers got the phones for us out of the inventory room . We were told that if we sold out to take direct fullfilment orders and then they would be mailed to the customers wiht no eta .
...
Then that sounds like a really poor decision from AT&T management. It's obviously going to make a lot of people angry.
...
Apparently not disclosing how many they had available was simply a tactic used to keep customers from going to an Apple store and buying it there instead of at the At&t store.
Another tactic, that was employed in some areas (perhaps others) was forcing customers who purchased an Iphone to buy accessories.
Gizmodo reported:
(continues)
Another tactic, that was employed in some areas (perhaps others) was forcing customers who purchased an Iphone to buy accessories.
Gizmodo reported:
...
Several AT&T Stores Forced Customers to Buy Accessories With iPhone
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/ripoff/breaking-several-a ... »
Following up on the launch difference between AT&T and Apple stores, we've got three separate accounts of people reporting that AT&T is forcing them to buy accessories along with their iPhone at three di
(continues)
...
I don't see this as a shock. With over-saturation in the wireless market? I don't condone AT&T for their business tactics, however, it is the wireless industry that is the next to commodotize and pay their employees Wal-Mart-esque wages...
Wait... What's that??? ...an iPhone stampede!!!
Wait... What's that??? ...an iPhone stampede!!!
...
Good job twisting the intent of the post. I have no intention of arguing with you about this subject. You made your intent well known. You want it to flop.
You will support anything negative and denounce anyone who replies otherwise. Your methods are predetermined.
Good luck in your spin cycle to bring down the iPhone.
You will support anything negative and denounce anyone who replies otherwise. Your methods are predetermined.
Good luck in your spin cycle to bring down the iPhone.
...
texaswireless said:
How exactly do you KNOW they had more than 4? On what are you basing the statement that this is the largest AT&T store in the country?
He said county. Not country.
...
My mistake.
But it still does not account for the fact that he has ZERO clue as to how many phones they were given. He made accusations as to the intent of these employees without a shred of evidence.
Once you start streching the truth or even just completely disregarding it your other points, no matter how accurate, are lost.
But it still does not account for the fact that he has ZERO clue as to how many phones they were given. He made accusations as to the intent of these employees without a shred of evidence.
Once you start streching the truth or even just completely disregarding it your other points, no matter how accurate, are lost.
...
Does he have enough access with Phonescoop to know how many phones are being shipped to stores near him? I doubt it, but you can't say that he doesn't have that knowledge. You're making baseless claims by saying he has zero clue as to how many phones they were given.
The thing is that he had a horrible customer experience waiting for one of the most anticipated devices this year. He shared his experience. I don't know why you don't just say: "Wow, that sucks. I can't believe that store handled things that way. AT&T is usually better than that." Instead of trying to throw the whole thing back in his face. It really is ridiculous.
The thing is that he had a horrible customer experience waiting for one of the most anticipated devices this year. He shared his experience. I don't know why you don't just say: "Wow, that sucks. I can't believe that store handled things that way. AT&T is usually better than that." Instead of trying to throw the whole thing back in his face. It really is ridiculous.
...
My last post on this subject. If you don't understand my point ok, your right to disagree.
He stated that only 4 phones were sold. He stated they MUST be hoarding because they MUST have had more than 4 phones. How exactly does he know they were hoarding? He doesn't. He just made that up. Did he see folks walking out the back door selling them to their buddies? No.
He has no basis for saying phones were being hoarded. Period.
He stated that only 4 phones were sold. He stated they MUST be hoarding because they MUST have had more than 4 phones. How exactly does he know they were hoarding? He doesn't. He just made that up. Did he see folks walking out the back door selling them to their buddies? No.
He has no basis for saying phones were being hoarded. Period.
...
Go back and re-read my first paragraph. You apparently missed it the first time.
You have no way of knowing that he didn't use his Phonescoop connections and know the distribution ahead of time. He may know that they were hoarding.
You have no way of knowing that he didn't use his Phonescoop connections and know the distribution ahead of time. He may know that they were hoarding.
...
Then, as asked by others, he should report the store on here and to AT&T.
He did not say that either. If he did know they had more and had a source he would have mentioned as such.
Eric is a big boy. You white knights need to let him answer for himself on this one instead of spinning his response.
He did not say that either. If he did know they had more and had a source he would have mentioned as such.
Eric is a big boy. You white knights need to let him answer for himself on this one instead of spinning his response.
...
That's twice you've assumed things as truth which is the same thing that you're yelling at him about. ๐
...
We will have to agree to disagree. I would hope Eric is willing to come in and answer the questions that have been asked.
...
robtheman said:
That's twice you've assumed things as truth which is the same thing that you're yelling at him about. ๐
Bingo. TexWireless = Pot. Kettle. Black.
But that's why we luv him so. ๐
...
texaswireless said:
Once you start streching the truth or even just completely disregarding, it your other points, no matter how accurate, are lost.
I would disagree with that.
You made an assertion in one of your posts ('country' vs 'county') that ended up being wrong, which someone could interpret as a 'stretching of the truth' rather than an honest mistake. Are we then to disregard absolutely everything else you say, because of that? ๐
Sounds overly harsh. Let's try to give Eric the benefit of the doubt, just as we are trying to give it to you also.
...
You disregard most everything I say anyways. I made a comprehension and reading mistake, which when pointed out to me I admitted. You go ahead and act like that was the same as his accusations.
...
texaswireless said:
You disregard most everything I say anyways. [Ed. note: Waaah.]
I made a comprehension and reading mistake, which when pointed out to me I admitted. You go ahead and act like that was the same as his accusations.
That's kind of the whole point.
Your 'mistake' was either an honest one or calculated, depending on whether one chooses to give you the benefit of the doubt or not. Just like Eric's comments were either just the heat of the moment or had an agenda behind them, depending on whether or not one gives Eric the benefit of the doubt.
Need it spelled out further, or are you going to insist that you should be trusted, while dastardly moderator Eric must automatically be...
(continues)
...
You seem to think I care whether or not you, plooky, others believe or disbelieve my posts.
I was not the only one who missed the county vs. country part of his post. Hounding them as well?
Have a good evening.
I was not the only one who missed the county vs. country part of his post. Hounding them as well?
Have a good evening.
...
Knew I could bait ya into one more post past 'Good evening'.
Too easy, Tex. ๐
Too easy, Tex. ๐
...
texaswireless said:
You should be ashamed of your baseless accusations.
Ah... but do you have any basis for your shameless accusations?
See how I turned that around there? ๐คฃ
Fun aside, I can't see any reason to scream "BIAS!" at a Moderator just because he was treated badly by an ATT store and had the temerity to say so.
If you can prove a pattern of bias then you might have a case for your accusation of "bias", otherwise, just sounds like you're mad because he told it like it is and the picture was not particularly flattering to ATT.
Oh well. No carrier is perfect. And the iPhone is still a net win for ATT, even if some individual ATT stores botched their iPhone launches.
...
The store only had 4 phones therefore they must be hoarding?
I have not seen any reports from major agencies (marketwatch, AP, Reuters, etc.) that state there has been any reported hoarding.
He was upset that he felt he was treated badly (and I did not argue that point that he felt upset, he has that right) but to extend that to an accusation of hoarding is where I felt it was biased.
I have not seen any reports from major agencies (marketwatch, AP, Reuters, etc.) that state there has been any reported hoarding.
He was upset that he felt he was treated badly (and I did not argue that point that he felt upset, he has that right) but to extend that to an accusation of hoarding is where I felt it was biased.
...
texaswireless said:
The store only had 4 phones therefore they must be hoarding?
If it was a large ATT store, and Eric seemed to indicate that it was, 4 does seem awfully low, you must agree. Anecdotal reports from Mac news sites seem to indicate 20 to 100 iPhones per ATT store.
If you run the numbers, it does seem like something was fishy. If most ATT stores got only 4 phones, wow, did they get screwed on stock, as that'd mean that Apple Stores would be selling nearly all of them. Ouch.
I have not seen any reports from major agencies (marketwatch, AP, Reuters, etc.) that state there has been any reported hoarding.
Its only been 48 hours. If it holds true for a few more days, ...
(continues)
...
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
You can call it hear-say but when you hear it from multiple people at different locations it makes you wonder. From the sounds of it, store reps presold the phones to friends or family. Unless the 50 phones per a store numbers were inaccurate. Being they sold 500,000 phones over the weekend though, I find that hard to believe.
You can call it hear-say but when you hear it from multiple people at different locations it makes you wonder. From the sounds of it, store reps presold the phones to friends or family. Unless the 50 phones per a store numbers were inaccurate. Being they sold 500,000 phones over the weekend though, I find that hard to believe.
...
I am a little confused. How does pre-ordered phones constitute selling to family and friends. So what you are saying is that when GameWorks and other retailers let you preorder the PS3, that they sold the majority of them to family and friends. Get out of here. If they allowed for preorders, anyone on the street could have walked in the store and done so. He did not have any connections as to inside information because if he did, he would have said so. Tex just pointed that out. The fact that this is the second time that the Moderator has come on here and made blanket statements about the company instead of narrowing it down to the rep or store that slighted him DOES show bias in my book. The fact that Mr. Phonescoop tried to compare...
(continues)
(continues)
...
FYI, there were no allowed pre-orders for the Iphone. So, if they sold the Iphone prior to 6:00pm to someone outside of the line, that would qualify as a presale. Since this is rather obvious in this case, and the one I mentioned as well, it would qualify him to say that ATT has no control over their reps. ๐
...
No it would qualify him to say they have no control over reps at that store. I would say that less than 5% constitute as widespread evil-doing ๐คฃ
By the way, you can roll your eyes all you want! I just choose to disagree with you on a few points thats all. Stop acting like you are on your period. Its not that serious!
By the way, you can roll your eyes all you want! I just choose to disagree with you on a few points thats all. Stop acting like you are on your period. Its not that serious!
...
See we can all get along ๐คฃ
Oh yeah, the period statement was completely uncalled for and I apologize ๐
Oh yeah, the period statement was completely uncalled for and I apologize ๐
...
Why would he have said he had inside information? Maybe that would put someone's job at risk, and he would lose his inside contact. Either way makes sense. Don't just assume your reasoning is right. tx might jump on your case for making assumptions.
I didn't see any blanket statements. He was complaining about the store he was in, and he referenced other complaints that he's heard. Your interpretation may be of AT&T as a company, but the story is of one store.
This isn't the second time he's done it. It's the first time. It's the second time a moderator has had a negative experience with AT&T and posted about it.
Seriously, I don't know why there's a difference between a regular member posting something like this or a modera...
(continues)
I didn't see any blanket statements. He was complaining about the store he was in, and he referenced other complaints that he's heard. Your interpretation may be of AT&T as a company, but the story is of one store.
This isn't the second time he's done it. It's the first time. It's the second time a moderator has had a negative experience with AT&T and posted about it.
Seriously, I don't know why there's a difference between a regular member posting something like this or a modera...
(continues)
...
Exactly. If the Mod bought a phone he is a customer. He has as much right to post the experience as anyone else. Key factors here are that he didn't post anything that would drive away customers per-say. He did post under a subject line that would draw attention, but his complaint was legit and worthy of posting. Since I heard similar complaints about my local Cor store I am inclined to believe it was more wide spread than what is currently revealed.
...
Paaallleeeeaaaassssseeeee! This website is based on inside information. And this is the second time he has had a bad experience and felt he could label the whole company as whatever. He did make blanket statements. One was ATT has no control over their employees. But hey, we can argue this to the cow's come home and still wont change anyone's mine. So how is the weather where you are at ๐
...
The website is based on inside information. If they came out and said that, it might endanger someone's position with AT&T causing the site to lose its inside information with AT&T. It's completely understandable if he leaves that untouched.
This is the first time. Go ahead and find a different time that he made a negative comment.
This is the first time. Go ahead and find a different time that he made a negative comment.
...
Dude, no one said that he needed to spill the beans on anyone. All I was saying is that if he said that he had inside info about how many phones they had in stock, it would have sat better with me. But he does not have to tidy up his comments to sway me, HE CAN do what he likes since it is his site but if he gives half-assed info and someone calls him out on it, then it is his fault. The way you word things will always determine the kind of response you get back. Thats all! So how is the weather in your town ๐
...
The fact that Mr. Phonescoop tried to compare his Apple experience with the ATT store experience when HE KNEW that the stores were activated the devices there and Apple sent you home to do that online. Which one do you think would require more time?
There were no in store activations. It was all done through Itunes. So my question is, how did you decide that "HE KNEW that stores were activated (sic) the devices there and Apple sent you home to do that online".
https://www.phonescoop.com/carriers/forum.php?fm=m&f ... »
Then he stated that ATT has no control of their employees WHICH he is a statement that he is not qualified to make.
That indicates that it a delibe...
(continues)
...
Dude, you have a handful of stores when you compare the percentages. Like I posted earlier 5% does not constitute company evil-doing. But I have to agree that those who participated in what you posted above is FOS. Bundling with accessories and all of that is shady. I totally agree with you but in Mr Phonescoop's issue, that was not what we were talking about. As far as them acting like used car salesman, they are commissioned so what do you expect. The only point that I was trying to make was that dude was pulling stuff from his rear without any facts. As far as his experience, sounds like a bad one and he has every right to bitch about that but he made a couple of blanket statements that myself and others could disagree with. I am ...
(continues)
(continues)
...
50 per store is not accurate. The three store here in El Paso all received different amounts depending on their allocation. As there were only 3 stores here in a city of 850K (another 1.5 million in Juarez) they received more than a typical store in say Dallas (where there are a couple dozen company stores to 3 million people in the metroplex).
Apple received the lionshare of the handsets.
Apple received the lionshare of the handsets.
...
So its feasable that a store only got 4? Or in the case of my town 15? ๐คจ
...
Yes it is feasable.
When the iTunes ROKR was launched on an allocation basis we received more phones than any other agent store in town. This was based on the number of RAZR handsets we were selling at the time. When the iTunes RAZR came out it was the same way. There were stores that did not receive ANY.
That is why I am very skeptical about the mods post. There is history with Apple and AT&T (Cingular) that phones are allocated. Some stores received far less handsets than others (and some received none). AS A MODERATOR he can find this information on HIS website, a website that is touted to be a source of information for consumers.
To then make the leap to say phones were being hoarding and policy not followed was ridiculous...
(continues)
When the iTunes ROKR was launched on an allocation basis we received more phones than any other agent store in town. This was based on the number of RAZR handsets we were selling at the time. When the iTunes RAZR came out it was the same way. There were stores that did not receive ANY.
That is why I am very skeptical about the mods post. There is history with Apple and AT&T (Cingular) that phones are allocated. Some stores received far less handsets than others (and some received none). AS A MODERATOR he can find this information on HIS website, a website that is touted to be a source of information for consumers.
To then make the leap to say phones were being hoarding and policy not followed was ridiculous...
(continues)
...
With only 1800 att distribution points why would they limit a store to only 15 handsets that has a consumer base in the high thousands? Let alone 4 handsets?
If you want I can PM you my location and you could look up how many they sold. If it were over fifteen then either my customer lied and drove to an hour for the fun of it, or they were hoarding.
If you want I can PM you my location and you could look up how many they sold. If it were over fifteen then either my customer lied and drove to an hour for the fun of it, or they were hoarding.
...
I do have that information to share, sorry. I know the numbers in El Paso as I am here opening my own new stores and met with the market managers for the direct side. They shared some non-exact information to give me a general idea about what went down.
I do know there was allocation and not all stores got the same amount. I do know they did not get more stock the next day. I do know the average store received far less than the average apple store.
I do know there was allocation and not all stores got the same amount. I do know they did not get more stock the next day. I do know the average store received far less than the average apple store.
...
Sure, but Cor reps on here posted 50 in each of their stores last week, with some touting as many as 150.
...
I am sure that could be the case. But not all stores posted and that is hardly an accurate sampling rate to make a statistical prediction for how many handsets were received country wide. I run into employees all the time who have never heard of phonescoop.
...
Were employees even allowed to announce how many they had in stock?
As a store manager I would've wanted to make sure the people waiting at 4:30 knew how many I had in stock just to avoid an unpleasant scene, but if your bosses say you cant then there's little you can do.
As a store manager I would've wanted to make sure the people waiting at 4:30 knew how many I had in stock just to avoid an unpleasant scene, but if your bosses say you cant then there's little you can do.
...
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!
Employees at these stores were not allowed to say what they had by threat of termination. When they were getting low they could tell customers, "Ok, we have XXX left" (and all of the stores in the West Texas area did so).
So let's say you know you have 50, and you have a line of 60. Who is to say that some people may not buy one and someone who was 51st would get one?
Employees at these stores were not allowed to say what they had by threat of termination. When they were getting low they could tell customers, "Ok, we have XXX left" (and all of the stores in the West Texas area did so).
So let's say you know you have 50, and you have a line of 60. Who is to say that some people may not buy one and someone who was 51st would get one?
...
Or who would or wouldn't need a deposit. That makes it a little different.
I keep thinking about when I stood in line for my Wii. The store manager came by frequently to check and see who was in line and take a count of who was planning on buying a Wii.
I keep thinking about when I stood in line for my Wii. The store manager came by frequently to check and see who was in line and take a count of who was planning on buying a Wii.
...
texaswitless
I do know they did not get more stock the next day.
Dwight Hickman, AT&Tโs area retail sales manager, based in Starkville
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=246112&pu ... »
Hickman, who supervises all the stores north of U.S. 82, said the company had โa couple of locations that have sold out in one hour.โย
He said the stores would replenish their supply overnight and be ready in the morning, adding, โWe had real good sales success.โย
texaswitless...
Wow, you have zero knowledge about distribution logistics don't you.
If Apple made x handsets and all of x were divided amoung 1800 AT&T and Apple sto
(continues)
...
I am amazed at your ability to fixate on one person or one subject. Your mother must be proud.
...
I bet the papers for his restraining orders lay in stacks around his house.
...
Just so you know, based on how old the store is, and what their average sales of phones per month...is how the number of iPhones they carry was determined.
...
I find this extremely hard to believe. Lately the Phonescoop mods (save for Rich, who usually lets his secret biases stay hidden) have really been loving to hate AT&T.
I want to know what store this was at. Tell me what location it is, I would like to get in touch with the crew there and ask them exactly what happened.
There is not a single god damned store in the country that only got 4 iPhones, that's absolutely absurd. And we have been told that we CANNOT be sold iPhones for at least 30 days, I'm sure the reps didn't do this.
I don't mean to call you a liar Eric, but I guess that's what I'm doing. I love your reviews, you're very thorough - but this is f***ing stupid man.
What store did you go to? If you don't at least gi...
(continues)
I want to know what store this was at. Tell me what location it is, I would like to get in touch with the crew there and ask them exactly what happened.
There is not a single god damned store in the country that only got 4 iPhones, that's absolutely absurd. And we have been told that we CANNOT be sold iPhones for at least 30 days, I'm sure the reps didn't do this.
I don't mean to call you a liar Eric, but I guess that's what I'm doing. I love your reviews, you're very thorough - but this is f***ing stupid man.
What store did you go to? If you don't at least gi...
(continues)
...
I agree ,I don't respond often to these post but I just had to state that I have observed a trend of moderators not moderating and using this forum in a very biased way .I feel that this site is starting to lose its credibility as an open objective forum dealing with all things wireless, and that I must say is very sad, when you have moderators making statements with no facts to back it up it really kills there credibility. ๐
...
That post belonged in some sort of Editorial section. I have not been here lately but I had thought Rich was going to set something like that up.
...
Ash you are hard core Kool aid drinker to the max, sad and pathetic bro!! Eric had a bad experience I find it highly unlikely that anything he said was not 100 percent the truth..he had a bad experience with ATT deal with it geez ๐
...
welcome to at&t... now that you have your iphone enjoy the next two years
...
ericzeman said:
This just goes to show you how incompetently run some AT&T stores are and how little control AT&T has over its employees, and how LITTLE REGARD AT&T EMPLOYEES HAVE FOR CUSTOMERS. And I was not alone. We heard similar reports from people all over the country.
My guess is that this trend has something to do with the ever falling compensation plans that Cingular/at&t keep rolling out. Reps aren't payed nearly as well as they used to be. Because of this, many of their most experienced (read best) sales reps and managers are leaving the company. If you offer McDonalds wages, you get McDonalds workers...
...
ericzeman said:...
Folks, the local AT&T store has lost my business forever.
Yesterday, I lined up at the AT&T store to get an iPhone. I was the 21st person on line.
At 6 PM, they started letting customers in 2 at a time. After about 20 minutes, two customers walked out with iPhones. Another 15 minutes later, another 2 customers walked out with iPhones. (How on earth it takes 35 minutes to ring up 4 customers, I can't understand.) During that time, no one else was allowed into the store. Not even customers who weren't there for iPhones. They turned away at least 10 angry people who wanted accessories/assistance in the time I waited in line.
After that, an AT&T employee came outside and said they were all sold out
(continues)
...
Want to know how many phones stores in my area got? an average of 40 (in a major metro area). Apple stores has over 500 in this area.
We were also under the expectation to complete a "pre-credit check", and sell accessories while trying to explain the damn plans, all in under 12 minutes per customer.
So before you go ranting off on AT&T, maybe you should be directing your anger at Apple, which by the way, controlled shipping, and allocation...
Perhaps you should research something a little better before you open your uneducated mouth about anything. ๐ฟ
We were also under the expectation to complete a "pre-credit check", and sell accessories while trying to explain the damn plans, all in under 12 minutes per customer.
So before you go ranting off on AT&T, maybe you should be directing your anger at Apple, which by the way, controlled shipping, and allocation...
Perhaps you should research something a little better before you open your uneducated mouth about anything. ๐ฟ
...
We were also under the expectation to complete a "pre-credit check", and sell accessories while trying to explain the damn plans, all in under 12 minutes per customer.
but but but texaswireless said that never happens in the 15 years of business since being in the industry
texaswireless
It takes a typical sale around 1/2 hour to complete when you look at all the aspects of the sale. I have been in this business 15 years and that has been average for all carriers I have represented over that time (Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, AT&T, GTE, Airtouch, etc...).
lol sure...
Ashdizzle...
Our store was very smooth. We let one GROUP of people per rep in at a tim
(continues)
...
That's true, but we are in a major metro area (philly). I'm not going to guess how many they had shipped to them.
The whole launch was screwed up. We didn't even know what came in the damn box.
As far as Texas and his estimates. They are correct in regular activations.. We weren't activating them in store, so it was alot shorter time frame.
The whole launch was screwed up. We didn't even know what came in the damn box.
As far as Texas and his estimates. They are correct in regular activations.. We weren't activating them in store, so it was alot shorter time frame.
...
I had a customer complain of a similar experience in my home town. They went to a cor store that sold out after 15 phones. The customer was showing me his phone and telling me his story. He ended up driving about 45 miles to an apple store where there were no lines and an easy buying experience.
...
I refered all inquiries to the two apple stores in my area. Since all the phones have to be activated through iTunes I don't know why it would take 35 minutes to sell an iPhone either.
I just had my first customer with an iPhone problem. An indirect mall kiosk took a deposit for a new customer AND initiated his port request. I hope the guy can get this fixed, cus that agent just screwed him BAD.
I just had my first customer with an iPhone problem. An indirect mall kiosk took a deposit for a new customer AND initiated his port request. I hope the guy can get this fixed, cus that agent just screwed him BAD.
...
That sucks. Agents and Cor are both just made up with people. People make choices. A location isn't going to assist you in making said choices. It is sad that so many people wasted time waiting though, only to be told sorry after a few minutes. So much for 50 phones a store.
In the case with the port customer, why couldn't they get the Iphone on the plan? If he did the port request properly then it should be able to be activated on the newly created plan from what I read. ๐
In the case with the port customer, why couldn't they get the Iphone on the plan? If he did the port request properly then it should be able to be activated on the newly created plan from what I read. ๐
...
Because the iPhone has to be activated through iTunes. It won't do the port, since it's already been ported, and the deposit for iPhone accounts has to be paid at a COR store. They'll probably have to move it over manually, but it's not going to be something that can be fixed in a few minutes.
To top it all off, I think the store ran it without his social on the account, so he may not have even needed a deposit.
To top it all off, I think the store ran it without his social on the account, so he may not have even needed a deposit.
...
When I first read this post on Saturday, I dismissed it as simply another at&t basher trying to start a flame war. I completely missed the (moderator) qualifier next to the posters name.
I have no way of knowing whether or not this moderator is telling the truth about his experience, and neither does anyone else in this thread, whether you support him or not. My problem with the post is it's written in a way so that it can't help but cause people to fight with each other in the forum. As I understand it, moderators are supposed to prevent that sort of thing, not contribute to it, or worse yet, start it. The internet is already a medium wherein it's very difficult to believe most of what you read. Forums and blogs, in particular, are ...
(continues)
I have no way of knowing whether or not this moderator is telling the truth about his experience, and neither does anyone else in this thread, whether you support him or not. My problem with the post is it's written in a way so that it can't help but cause people to fight with each other in the forum. As I understand it, moderators are supposed to prevent that sort of thing, not contribute to it, or worse yet, start it. The internet is already a medium wherein it's very difficult to believe most of what you read. Forums and blogs, in particular, are ...
(continues)
...
๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ ๐คฃ Get a grip!!! Just because he is a moderator doesn't mean it can't share a bad experience!!!! It's not like he is trolling he just shared a bad experience geeezzzzzzzzzz ๐
...
I agree. As I posted, I have heard similar experiences, and am sure more will be surface as well. Its not like he is saying AT&T coverage sucks, he meerly pointed out a poor experience. I would say it was more than justified.
...
Agreed, all forum posters, mod's included, have the right to post their experiences. However, moderators of a site, in order to preserve that sites credibility, have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a professional manner. If that means they have to tone down their postings a little bit, then so be it. It's the same as those of us who work in a store, or a call center; we have to tone down some of the things we say to our customers, employers or employees, simply because it's our job and we have to maintain a certain level of professionalism. I just feel like the original post was written in a way that was designed to start a flame war. And sure enough, it did. Ordinarily, I never would have responded to the post (operating on ...
(continues)
(continues)
...
Is it legal to have two women kiss in your store if they rreeeaaaallly want an iPhone?
...
It's their site. They will do what they want with it.
Have fun at howardforums.
Have fun at howardforums.
...
No, I'm not. He doesn't like the way that the moderators are posting. He threatened to leave.
The moderators run this site. They will do as they please. If he doesn't like what they're doing, then he can leave (as he threatened to do). So have fun at howardforums.
The moderators run this site. They will do as they please. If he doesn't like what they're doing, then he can leave (as he threatened to do). So have fun at howardforums.
...
You also have a point BUT whatever. We are not going to get anywhere here. So how is the weather where you are at ๐
...
Your point is valid, it IS their site, and they will run it the way they want. As members of the site, however, we do have the right to criticize them for the way they conduct themselves when running it.
Will I leave the site? Probably not over one posting that I'm unhappy about. I enjoy the posting from other users too much to do that. I do think more care should have been used when writing this post.
By the way, I did check out howardforums once, and I think it sucks. Again, my humble opinion.
Will I leave the site? Probably not over one posting that I'm unhappy about. I enjoy the posting from other users too much to do that. I do think more care should have been used when writing this post.
By the way, I did check out howardforums once, and I think it sucks. Again, my humble opinion.
...
You can criticize them for the way they conduct the site, but don't expect it to change anything. Seriously, criticizing them makes the problem look more valid. I get the impression that it's a widespread problem when the AT&T employees can only say: "It's not fair for you to point out this problem," instead of: "Wow, that really surprises me."
...
Again, I wasnt complaining about the criticism itself. His criticism of the event, if true, is legitimate. (without going into the details of his story, no way to verify any of them, and not relevant to my point anyway) My problem was with the manner in which the criticism was presented. It's a subtle distinction, but an important one. I thought the whole post, from thread header to the end, was inflammatory, and a site moderator shouldn't be inflammatory, they should be moderating the flames, so to speak. And the number of posts, both in support of and opposition against, back up my claim (no surprise there really, it doesnt take much to be inflammatory on the internet!).
Quite honestly, the fact that Eric, and others, had problems...
(continues)
Quite honestly, the fact that Eric, and others, had problems...
(continues)
...
And my point is that responding in the way that you are (at least in my eyes) validates the problem. In essence, you're making it worse for someone that might be interested in AT&T and reading the forum. It really is a ridiculous response. Who cares if a website moderator thinks a certain thing because of a bad experience he had? The fact that AT&T employees are responding by saying that he shouldn't be sharing those experiences says a lot about the company.
That doesn't apply to all of the employees in the thread. There are some that didn't slaughter eric for the way he posted his message. Posts getting on eric's case for being a site moderator really make the company look bad.
That doesn't apply to all of the employees in the thread. There are some that didn't slaughter eric for the way he posted his message. Posts getting on eric's case for being a site moderator really make the company look bad.
...
As often and as hard as possible. From their customers, to their employees, and indirect agents, it doesn't matter. They are screwing everyone indiscriminately.
...
robtheman said:
Hey cing, where are your iPhones? I want to buy one from your store.
cing cing works with me at the ATT store in totem lake, know wait I work at the Alderwood mall for tmobile, no that aint right either i run my own successful business and don't work in the industry, yeah that's right.
...
