I called Verizon Wireless on 8/30 to get a simple flip phone to replace a broken one. We needed something to last until 2/13 so we could upgrade to smartphones. Two were suggested and when the rep tried to get one for me it was sold out. After some minutes of waiting, she returned and said she had received approval from her supervisor to allow us to upgrade immediately because we were long time customers and good customers. I asked what phones were available for this and was told that any on the smartphone web page would be available but we would have to pay the shown cost plus $30 per line for each upgrade. I chose not to upgrade at that time so I could research the phones. After four days of research, both online and at Walmart, Best Buy and Verizon stores we settled on the Galaxy S 3. Called Verizon back and was told No. In fact, I was told I was 'crazy' to think I could upgrade early to this phone. CRAZY! Talked to the supervisor and he said I could get any but that one or the iPhone. I wrote an email to Verizon telling them of the entire incident. That night we agreed that we would accept another model of phone.
AND THEN IT GETS BETTER.... Verizon's internet customer service rep calls to tell me how concerned they are about what happened and then says that now none of the phones are available and they will not agree to an early upgrade at all. After they made the suggestion and the offers, one rep cancels it all and says 'sorry, the offers should never have been made'. No counter offers, nothing, just 'sorry'. And we wonder why companies have trouble keeping our business
