Disclosure and garbage Charges going into a franchised store.

[PissedinVA]

So I recently upgraded with a pair of Pixel 5's and added lines for senior parents. I attempted to do this on-line with Verizon but after 1.5 hours of the associate multitasking then my chat session being dropped, I decided to go into a local "Verizon" store where I might get the uninterrupted service of an associate. 

In short, I was charged what was called an activation fee on the phones, 39.99 each. No receipt was given nor disclosure of the fact that they were charging an in-store fee that was not the Verizon activation fee. No receipt was given detailing the charge until I picked up the phones 5 days later and it was called "READY?GO! PACKAGE" on the detail.

I am wondering if there are others who have file complaints with the SCC and FTC for non-disclosure of fees.

This is the garbage that caused car dealers to have to disclose "Doc Fees" and is why they will post it all over the dealership.

I understand WIRELESS ZONE® store are independent franchises, but Verizon should really provide more disclosure and assistance to people before they get included in some legal complaint.

angry in VA 

[Tigerstep]

Verizon has a store locator at the top of their website which indicates which are corporate stores and which aren't.

[acraftylady2]

When you picked up the phones and looked at the receipt what did they say when you questioned them on it?  I would have probsbly said return everything and I would have headed to a corporate store.  You can always find where the corporate stores are in your area.  Even if you have to drive a bit well worth it.  

[vzw_customer_support]

No one likes to have unexpected fees, PissedinVA. We understand where you are coming from, and will be sure to send this feedback to our franchise owners. It is imperative that our customers are made aware of any and all expenses when it comes to purchasing new devices. Are you within the store's return period? If yes, would you receive a refund of the store fees by returning the devices, or would doing so incur yet more charges?

GeorgeS_VZW

[VerizonCustomerXY]

The problem is these stores 100% look like a Verizon store.  There is no other signage indicating this this is not a true Verizon Store nor that they operate under the business name Wireless Zone.  Even their uniforms look like Verizon employees.  The sales people are scammers, telling you that you would have to pay for gas to go over to the Apple Store to buy the iPhone there instead of here for which they charge $10 more for already, or just a flat $100 markup if you just want the phone without activation.  They never once told me that they charge a $39.99 Readgy?Go! Package fee until I went back into the store (costing me additional gas) after discovering this on my receipt and asking them what it is.  Only then they explained, and enforced the fact that this is "non-refundable" and exclaimed it was installing any accessory we bought here (which we did not buy anything at a 100% markup there either) 

[VerizonCustomerXY]

They charge a $50 restocking fee and will not refund either their Ready?Go! fee nor the Verizon $35 startup fee.  So it would end up costing  at least $85 for restocking and another Verizon setup fee, and you're also out the $39.99 fraudulently added, undisclosed fees that they claim are NON-REFUNDABLE.  

[Doggo]

They'll say "premium retailer" or similar, corporate stores don't have those signs. They also have their store name printed on the receipt.

[acraftylady2]

I believe you can still find corporate stores via a search on the verizon wireless site to check before you walk into a store.  When I put my zip code in can tell by the name wireless sales, wireless zone, those are not corporate stores.  Also a simple Google search of the store I want will probably bring up the same.  This helps me if I am traveling and need to find a corporate store.  One can always walk in and ask if they are a corporate store and if not walk out.

[Feelingduped]

The same thing happened to me in NH!  Shame on me that I did not even realize it wasn't a Verizon store. But when there is huge Verizon sign outside the store and the employees wear the Verizon logo on their shirts... This is truly deceptive!   $19.99 for READY?GO!PACKAGE and $20 for EMAIL SETUP.  And not told about the fees or given the chance to do our own setup?  I am going to call about returning the phones and move to a different carrier.  Buh bye Verizon!

[vzw_customer_support]

Feelingduped, we appreciate your sharing your feedback and for bringing this to our attention in regard to the service experience that you had at one of our authorized store locations. Please be advised that these fees are issued based on the franchise location you go to, but we will be happy to help with this concern. Please be on the lookout for a private message to better assist.-Kevin