BlackBerry and Verizon

[JackCarr]

BlackBerry and Verizon

I recently became eligible for a phone upgrade on my account.  I currently have a BlackBerry Q10 and decided to go with the BlackBerry with the virtual keyboard, the Z10.  I went to two different Verizon stores and upon telling the salesperson that I was interested in a Z10, I was told that no Verizon stores stock BlackBerry phones and that my only avenue was to get the phone through Verizon's website.  The sales people didn't want to deal with me beyond what I just shared.  With the second experience I said to the sales rep, "I'm just being honest based on experience, but I feel as if Verizon just isn't interested in BlackBerry customers or devices at all."  That's certainly how I was treated as a long-time Verizon customer who was interested in getting a new BlackBerry to replace my old one.  The sales person said, "BlackBerry doesn't sell, so we don't stock their phones.  When they released the Z10 and the Q10, both failed to sell and so we just don't deal with them anymore."  That's what I was told.  And to boot...the salesperson who said this to me also added, "I sold for other wireless carriers before Verizon and BlackBerry didn't sell at those other provider's stores either."

So what am I...a phantom?  I'm standing in front of this lady and telling her I want to spend my money and she just can't be moved to help me.  It's unreal!  I mean it's unconscionable!  The salesperson was actually condescending to me as if I were some pariah that should leave the store lest I pollute the air in it. 

Verizon is lucky I'm a nice guy.  I did get my Z10 through their website.  Well... at least I ordered it.  I suppose I'll see if it actually shows up.  I'll be honest...I could care a less what kind of smartphone you like or don't like.  That doesn't mean anything to me at all.  It's all personal preference to me.  But that's the way it should also be with the salesperson.  What does it matter what kind of phone I want?  When I got my Q10, they didn't have it in stock.  They had to order it and I went and picked it up a few days later.  I would have been fine with that.  But no!  They just couldn't be bothered...and why?  because I wanted a BlackBerry?  Big deal!  Who cares what phone it was.  I feel like it's some kind of smartphone Civil War or something.  I mean it's unbelievable how I was treated.  What a disgrace! 

Verizon....STRIKE ONE!      

[Snn5]

In other news, this looks fun, under-powered, but the screen is finally 5 inches.  BlackBerry's next smartphone leaks out in new photos | TechnoBuffalo

[HLake]

Verizon has been dissing BB for years now.  My theory is that the don't like the fact that the Playbook could Bridge to the phone and then you didn't have to pay extra to use your tablet.  As I remember, they never carried the Playbook and, after it came out, their support of BB went down every year. 

They really went big for iPhone and Androids.  Neither are for me.  I am a certified Crackberry. 

[Snn5]

Office Depot tried like all get out to sell that Playbook.  We could never get it to operate correctly.  We tried several, then the company said, "Too much liability, cease it."  So, poof it was gone. 

[blkdragon2015]

Agreed!  I recently went into a Verizon store, hoping to hear news of the Classic or get a Z30.  The location of the store I will not say, but was in Nashville ,TN and was told how the Z10 was the latest and best BlackBerry touch screen.  At least they knew what a Z10 was but went on to state false specs and then said they were not trained on these devices.  I give them some friendly advice about the new line up and told them what the new BlackBerry devices could do, and the rep actually stated, "Man, I wonder why we are not selling those in the store, I would buy one!"  I feel like this lack of BlackBerry choice is getting to be ridiculous as well and I feel that this needs to be corrected and possibly on the BlackBerry side.  Let's go Verizon and BlackBerry get together on your marketing.  And to Verizon.....get it together and give your customers the in-store choices and train your reps!  It's not that hard!

[Snn5]

rep actually stated, "Man, I wonder why we are not selling those in the store, I would buy one!"

Sarcasm. That was the tone in the reps voice.