Our Verizon experience

[hulahips]

My husband and I recently purchased our first aindroid smartphones at Verizon on 441. Since we knew nothing we signed up for classes as recommended. Our experience was we really came out with no knowledge of how to use the phone but were convinced it's all a sales gimmick. She took 15 minutes out of the one hr to try to sell us the insurance. Then another 10 min or so talking about purchasing their products etc. The other night I stopped in still not knowing how to even hang up a call, get email, etc and when I finally got help the fellow said to me "I can't answer alot of questions. That is what the insurance is for. To give you access to the phone number to call for advice". Actually he came across as rude. Has anyone recently purchased a phone there and noticed the pushing of the insurance?

[PennBF]

If you get a chance to read the POA monthly bulletin there is an article regarding a rather large number of Verizon users who have complained to the POA and as a result it is being followed up by Seniors vs Crime with Verizon for resolutions. :mad:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Why didn't you speak up.

[buzzy]

My husband and I recently purchased our first aindroid smartphones at Verizon on 441. Since we knew nothing we signed up for classes as recommended. Our experience was we really came out with no knowledge of how to use the phone but were convinced it's all a sales gimmick. She took 15 minutes out of the one hr to try to sell us the insurance. Then another 10 min or so talking about purchasing their products etc. The other night I stopped in still not knowing how to even hang up a call, get email, etc and when I finally got help the fellow said to me "I can't answer alot of questions. That is what the insurance is for. To give you access to the phone number to call for advice". Actually he came across as rude. Has anyone recently purchased a phone there and noticed the pushing of the insurance?

Are you still within the exchange period? You may be better off with an iPhone. We have two, and find the functions and layout pretty easy to follow.

[rjn5656]

I never had a problem. I have a apple phone I bought elsewhere and every once in a while, I mess up the settings. I stop in and they have been very helpful to get it fixed. The one I use is on 441 by Rollng Acres. The one on 466 is a contract, not a actual verizon store.

[golfing eagles]

Very strange. I have Verizon FIOS internet, FIOS TV, Verizon landline and Verizon cell phones (I phone 5S) in NY and couldn't be happier. As far as "how to use", there is extensive on line documentation for all these phones. Sounds like this particular Verizon store on 441 is following their own agenda.

[tomwed]

I agree with you. I don't know why they make smartphones difficult to learn. I always thought that an app online that allowed you to use your mouse like a finger on a computer screen that looked like your smartphone seems like an obvious learning environment.

The next best teaching tool is youtube. Are you comfortable using youtube?

or try this
Online video tutorials & training | lynda.com (http://www.lynda.com/)
They have wonderful lessons and you can try it out for free.

[hulahips]

The store on 441 is one of the busiest they said. Class one the woman said "write down one question you want answered today before you walk out door. All 5 of us did however she never bothered to answer any of them. The sales portion took up too much time. I'm sure some people stop in with a question or problem and get it resolved however I was posting to see if anyone attended the classes very recently and what they experienced. Interesting poa is receiving complaints. Would love to know what that is all about

[gomoho]

If I attended that class about 5 minutes into her sales pitch I would have raised my hand and inquired when she would start going over the functions of the phone and how to use them. But, I also understand not everyone is comfortable with doing that. I have had luck calling Verizon for assistance - usually very patient and will work through things with you.

[hulahips]

Would U really? Maybe I will try one more class #2 and try that if necessary. Just have to get up the nerve but honestly I was frustrated

[FlamingoFlo]

I have been very happy with that store. My best advice is go find yourself a nice kid to teach you. ��. We get our best lessons when the grandkids are here. I would offer to help but we are an Apple family.

[hulahips]

Yes you are right. The kids today know everything. Anyone have a grandchild I can borrow? Lol.

[rjn5656]

A good bartender can help also. They are usually young and know the tricks. Just give him a good tip while you enjoy your beverage.

[hulahips]

Really? Hmmmm. Very interesting. He must be good looking of course!

[saratogaman]

If it's a Samsung, go to Best Buy -- there are Samsung specialists there who are knowledgeable & helpful, regardless of where the unit was purchased.
Also, on Monday afternoons there is a helpful tech group that meets at Eisenhower...at 1pm, I think. Check Thursday Rec News for info on meeting.
The people in the group are very helpful...and it's free.

[SoccerCoach]

Guess we might live right, stopped into Verizon on 441 & purchased 2 phones. Took a class given by a male employee. No nonsense, answered all questions, no up sale of any kind. Those who cannot teach, try to sell.

[golfing eagles]

I hope this doesn't sound derogatory, but I've never heard of taking a class(much less a second class) on how to use a cell phone. I would think that anyone who does will probably only be using it for talking, text, possibly a little web browsing, and maybe e-mail or a few apps. I phone 5 has a lot of advanced features, most of which are useless, and I doubt very many at TV have a need to learn them. And again, if interested, there is a ton of online documentation. I can't imagine sitting thru a sales presentation to learn where the on switch is located. Most people buy way too much cell phone technology for their needs anyway. If you just plan on talking, save some $$$ and get a jitterbug

[babynurse]

You have gotten some great suggestions already. One more to consider is to check out the Extended Learning Center schedule. My SIL took a class there related to her new phone, and found it very helpful.

[tomwed]

What's the make and model number of your phone?

[hulahips]

What's the make and model number of your phone?
We bought the Samsung Galaxy 5

[juneroses]

Unlike the OP, my husband and I have had very positive interactions with the Verizon store on 441 in mid-May. We wanted to update from flip phones to Android smartphones and had decided on the latest Samsung Galaxy S6.

After talking with us about our usage, etc. the young Verizon salesman suggested that there were quite a few phones that would serve us well and for much less. I was going to stick with the S6 until I saw the size of it. Egads...a monster! So, taking his advice we selected a different Samsung model (much lower priced too) and we've been very happy with it. He guided us down on the data plan (said we could up it if usage warranted but that Villagers tend to use under 1G/month), and made it a family plan, again saving us money.

So...ours was a very positive experience!!

For my husband's benefit, we took the classes. Absolutely no upsell involved.

[saratogaman]

Google 'Samsung S 5 manual' and download it as a PDF and keep it on your computer for ready reference. I do that for all tech stuff. It's free.

[tomwed]

Take a look at this tutorial. click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF2szf7YKpA)
I'm listening to it now as I do other things online. It seems professional and easy to understand.
You may need to stop and rewind here and there.
If you don't like it, I'll look for another.
ps
I liked it. His voice is a bit robot like but that's fine. The author made 2 more for your phone, one about closing apps and the other about doing a reset.

[784caroline]

If you have a Samsung Galaxy 5 , which I do, You cannot beat the service that Samsung provides at the Best Buy Store. Its great everything from lessons to one on one attention. You can sign up on line for the lessons . OH and no cost and you did not have to buy your Samsung from Best Buy.

[Sweet Caroline]

I had to wait in line over an hour just to return a cable and they sold me the wrong thing! They do not have a "quick" line you just have to wait your turn. They are in the business of SELLING not educating. You will have to do that on your own. I found many UTube videos that helped me figure out the basics. I had a sales lady give me her card and I called 3 times and she never returned my calls. Not sure what I will do when I get ready to upgrade. There are many independent sales people out in the field but they are difficult to find and again, they are in the sales business. Good luck!

[buzzy]

..... (said we could up it if usage warranted but that Villagers tend to use under 1G/month).........



Absolutely, but I had figured that out already. Would have been nuts to pay for 2G for me and 2G for my wife. We got the shared 1G and use less than half of it for checking email, light web access, and occasional GPS navigation. But, it really comes in handy when you need it, especially checking out products in a store.

[tcxr750]

I bought an Iphone from Verizon. Attended one of the so called classes. I found more useful information on the Sprint website on smart phone usage. Many times going into a phone store is based on the luck of the draw as to who you work with answering your questions. I've discovered the turnover on employees almost guarantees you won't see the same person twice.
My wife and I both had flip phones until last year. I got the Iphone and enjoy using the camera features. Easy to use.