4 Replacements with bad screens

[VorticistsSuite]

Verizon has now sent me 4 refurbished Droid 1 phones all with severe defects in the screen. This is just madness! Furthermore, Verizon has been unwilling to assist or flat out lied to me.

My job took me to a remote area in Montana and I was without service. I called *228 in an attempt to update my preferred roaming list (PRL). The phone accessed what seemed to be a mom and pop cellular service in the area and my phone activated on their network. It seems as though I inadvertantly switched carriers. Returning home i noticed I only had one bar of service and no internet access. I tried to update the PRL again but dialing any verizon number resulted in an old fashioned recording of "your call cannot be completed as dialed". I brought the device in to my local verizon store where the store manager, on the line with tech support worked on it for over an hour. They tried everything. Completely wiped the phones memory and everything. They were unable to fix it and out of frustration, offered me a "NEW phone". I accepted. 

The first "new" phone arrived the next day. The screen was barely attached to the keyboard. It was just like the experience on a blackberry storm device where the entire screen presses in like a button. I took the device to my local verizon and the staff was appauled at the quality of the "new" device i received. They promptly ordered me another and apologized for such an insult. The next day, another phone arrived the next day. This phone had the exact same problem. I returned to verizon for the third time to show them what I received. Again, they were shocked at what I was given. They said they could order me another, but recommended I contact Verizon by phone. I called in and explained my situation and the rep was very nice and said he would sent me a "new" phone. 

The next day, my third "new" phone arrived. SAME PROBLEM. Instead of going to the store, I called verizon directly. The rep said there was nothing more they could do, that all replacement phones that are sent out are refurbished. He said he could transfer me to tier 2, and escalation line who has the authority to send new phones. This rep grudginly said they are not supposed to do this, but he would send me a "new" phone due to my inconvenience. Finally, resolution!

Again, fedex delivered a package the next day. I breathed a sigh of relief as I opened the package only find.... ANOTHER REFURBISHED PHONE WITH THE SCREEN HANGING BY A THREAD! I immediately called verizon and was told there was nothing they could do but recommended that I could sign a new 2 year contract and get a big, fat, whopping $30 off a new $300-$400 phone. So, I get the runaround from verizon, and there solution is for me to dish out a bunch of money? 

The rep again offered to transfer me to "tier 2" which I accepted. Tier 2 said there was nothing else they could do, but offered to transfer me to Motorola. I accepted. Motorola said the phone is out of warranty and they arent supposed to do this, but due to my situation could have me send in the phone for repair at no cost. I would be responsible for packing the device and paying for shipping to send it to moto and I would be stuck without a phone for weeks. Seriously? The verizon agent called me back to discuss the resolution. I told him there wasnt any. He put me on hold for 10 minutes while he researched other options. He came back to inform me that they were willing to send me another replacement, but he was going to be honest finally and told me this will be another refurbished device. Having no other options, I accepted to receive a FIFTH device. 

Does this sound wrong to anybody else? I have to go through all this because of verizons mistake? Why should I have to suffer for this? Its not easy to find time to intercept fedex every single day and then spend hours on the phone with verizon trying to get this resolved. If anybody would like to add their two cents to this, please do! I dont know what to do at this point.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

I can certainly understand how frustrating this situation can be.  I have had to have my phone replaced as well.  In regards to your situation, I would recommend moving into a different device.  There is a shelf life that runs its course on mobile technology.  The Droid 1 is out of production and new ones will not be sent out anymore.

You mentioned that you were offered to upgrade (and that option is something is on the table) but you can move into a certified pre-owned phone as well.  You can find that info here.  Or you can put an old phone on your device.

If you would like, you can contact me via PM and please send me your name and number so we can discuss the replacement options you have.  Also, you can call our customer service number at 800.922.0204 and review your options via phone.  I hope this helps.  Thanks.