Verizon store people are...

[andyx3x]

Verizon employees don't get any different commission from one phone to the other, they get commission on the contract. I just asked a manager friend who works there (You'll have to read through the english, he's drunk and at a baseball game right now):

Two Verizon employees told me that. I think they should know. I'll go with their info.

There was also a big story on it on one of the big tech sites a month or so back in a story about why Android phones are outselling the iPhone 4 on Verizon. The article specifically mentioned $50 versus $5.

It's a definite fact that this is what is happening.

 

[wxman2003]

Didyou go into a corporate store or a licensed retailer? I never had problems at a verizon corporate store when it came to what phone I wanted. I went into the store, told the sales rep I wanted the 32gb iphone. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.

 

[chris2k5]

When I was exchanging my Thunderbolt for an iPhone 4 I got weird looks too. The Verizon store employees are generally very uneducated on any matter.

The old guy working there thought the Thunderbolt was superior just because it held a $250 price tag vs $199. I told him so does that mean the $299 32GB iPhone 4 is superior?

 

[Bobby Corwen]

Remember for years they did everything they knee to put down and downplay the iPhone because duh, they didn't have it.

The reps have been hating the iPhone since the original. Selling against it was very hard for them.

They believed all their own bs that was borne out of a necessary bias.

Simply, it's ignorance.

 

[andyx3x]

Didyou go into a corporate store or a licensed retailer? I never had problems at a verizon corporate store when it came to what phone I wanted. I went into the store, told the sales rep I wanted the 32gb iphone. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.

I'm sure if you tell them specifically what you want, they won't try and change your mind.

The customers who are effected are the ones who don't know what kind of phone they want and are guided down the path by the salesperson.

 

[magicpinkdrink]

If Verizon is anything like AT&T, they really do only make $5 commission on the iPhone. When I was trying to decide between the captivate, the bb torch, and the iPhone my friend who works for AT&T told me she'd make the least commission on the iPhone. But the iPhone was what I wanted, so that's what she sold me.

 

[imaketouchtheme]

Just to clear the air, it is a margin (commission) reason.

Resellers (Walmart, Radioshack, Best Buy, Premium Retailers) actually receive ZERO margin from selling an iPhone. They do, however, receive margin on features (i.e. data, text messaging, etc) but stores receive nothing for the actual upgrade or new contract. That goes for both AT&T and Verizon.

 

[tigress666]

Remember for years they did everything they knee to put down and downplay the iPhone because duh, they didn't have it.

The reps have been hating the iPhone since the original. Selling against it was very hard for them.

They believed all their own bs that was borne out of a necessary bias.

Simply, it's ignorance.

I'm betting this is what it is really (if it is not the commission thing but even with the commission thing I bet this doesn't help).

I just told my roommate today that it would be funny if I got a job at Microsoft, especially in the marketing department seeing as everything gadget/computer I have is Apple (and no, I didn't do that on purpose. I've always been a mac fan, then got sucked into an ipod that I ridiculed at first cause it was so expensive and you could get a cheaper mp3 player after having a crappy mp3 player, and then eventually got the iphone after making fun of it... I really didn't mean to end up with all Apple stuff, I originally was just a Mac fan and apple happened to make my computer of choice). I told him either I'd do horribly at it (cause I can't sell anything I don't believe in), or I'd start believing the hype and turning in all my Apple stuff for Microsoft stuff (I'd have to make myself believe it to sell it).

I do think if you spend a lot of time hyping one product at the expense of another and all the sudden was told to sell the other one while still selling the one you were hyping, you'd have a hard time selling it too. Especially if you started the job either neutral or no experience with the other that you at first were trying to tell people sucked.

 

[wxman2003]

Just to clear the air, it is a margin (commission) reason.

Resellers (Walmart, Radioshack, Best Buy, Premium Retailers) actually receive ZERO margin from selling an iPhone. They do, however, receive margin on features (i.e. data, text messaging, etc) but stores receive nothing for the actual upgrade or new contract. That goes for both AT&T and Verizon.

Resellers make their money off the iphone by selling screen protectors for $10. That ain't no joke. HUGE mark up.

 

[chris2k5]

Resellers make their money off the iphone by selling screen protectors for $10. That ain't no joke. HUGE mark up.

Lol its worse at Verizon Stores. A pack of screen protectors cost $15. @_@

 

[imaketouchtheme]

Resellers make their money off the iphone by selling screen protectors for $10. That ain't no joke. HUGE mark up.

That's how any business makes money. I was just referring to the general margin on the iPhone.

That's also exactly how Burger King makes money. They make NOTHING by selling you a double cheeseburger (in some cases they LOSE money) but they make almost everything you spend when you purchase a drink and fries, etc.

 

[Applejuiced]

Resellers make their money off the iphone by selling screen protectors for $10. That ain't no joke. HUGE mark up.

Exactly.
Screen protectors, applecare, cases, car chargers etc..

 

[chrono1081]

Two Verizon employees told me that. I think they should know. I'll go with their info.

There was also a big story on it on one of the big tech sites a month or so back in a story about why Android phones are outselling the iPhone 4 on Verizon. The article specifically mentioned $50 versus $5.

It's a definite fact that this is what is happening.

No its not a fact. You don't have to believe the text I posted but don't call something a fact when it isn't. The person I texted is a manager at Verizon so I'm pretty sure he knows what he is talking about.

EDIT: Also a quick google will show you that employees do not make commission on handsets. Heres one, there are plenty more. (Read the first reply)

 

[nburwell]

Agreed. It's why I don't shop in brick-and-mortar stores anymore (that and price).

I agree with your point. The majority of the time I skip the brick and mortar stores for electronics, and buy online; especially if I don't need the product that day. Plus, a lot of online stores offer free shipping. I'd much rather rather a day or two for my iPhone in the mail than have to deal with a pushy sales associate.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

I agree with your point. The majority of the time I skip the brick and mortar stores for electronics, and buy online; especially if I don't need the product that day. Plus, a lot of online stores offer free shipping. I'd much rather rather a day or two for my iPhone in the mail than have to deal with a pushy sales associate.

Prices and convenience aside, which I agree with.. I was kinda shocked by your last comment.

Are you that meek to such an extreme degree that it causes that much anxiety in your brain that someone does their sales job? How is that part a factor?

The majority of society wants to be sold and to have a positive shopping experience. From a business standpoint it makes sense to pay commission and try to massage more profits via training employees to upsell. It's the smart choice for certain businesses.

Your attitude towards such things is not normal... It's anti-social in fact.

Did you have a variety of friends from different walks of life growing up or just a small cluster of scared defensive people who all bonded in fear of the big bad world together?

Is a simple exchange of words stating your intent and refusing a recommendation really such a huge burden to bear?

Sounds like you need a healthier diet filled with more protein and some basic weightlifting so you can help relieve some of your symptoms of depression.

The perspective from which that comment came from was so depressing, that it made ME slightly depressed.

 

[Applejuiced]

Prices and convenience aside, which I agree with.. I was kinda shocked by your last comment.

Are you that meek to such an extreme degree that it causes that much anxiety in your brain that someone does their sales job? How is that part a factor?

The majority of society wants to be sold and to have a positive shopping experience. From a business standpoint it makes sense to pay commission and try to massage more profits via training employees to upsell. It's the smart choice for certain businesses.

Your attitude towards such things is not normal... It's anti-social in fact.

Did you have a variety of friends from different walks of life growing up or just a small cluster of scared defensive people who all bonded in fear of the big bad world together?

Is a simple exchange of words stating your intent and refusing a recommendation really such a huge burden to bear?

Sounds like you need a healthier diet filled with more protein and some basic weightlifting so you can help relieve some of your symptoms of depression.

The perspective from which that comment came from was so depressing, that it made ME slightly depressed.

No, your attitude and response is not normal. Who are you to question his social life, mental state or upbringing and act like its really that weird or not normal to shop online. You are that shallow or into sales and hate people that purchase things online?
Is it that hard to believe that some people know what they need and want and just want to buy it without the hassle of a salesperson? Maybe they dont want sales associates trying to sell them other products or services that they dont need, or wait in line till a rep is available, filling out paperwork, showing their licence for verification and many other steps when all can be done online in a few minutes.
Some sales people do get pushy and persistant and people dont want to deal with that.

 

[jk4lebron23]

Prices and convenience aside, which I agree with.. I was kinda shocked by your last comment.

Are you that meek to such an extreme degree that it causes that much anxiety in your brain that someone does their sales job? How is that part a factor?

The majority of society wants to be sold and to have a positive shopping experience. From a business standpoint it makes sense to pay commission and try to massage more profits via training employees to upsell. It's the smart choice for certain businesses.

Your attitude towards such things is not normal... It's anti-social in fact.

Did you have a variety of friends from different walks of life growing up or just a small cluster of scared defensive people who all bonded in fear of the big bad world together?

Is a simple exchange of words stating your intent and refusing a recommendation really such a huge burden to bear?

Sounds like you need a healthier diet filled with more protein and some basic weightlifting so you can help relieve some of your symptoms of depression.

The perspective from which that comment came from was so depressing, that it made ME slightly depressed.

Really?

Who made you the Dr. Phil of macrumors?
Wait...Dr. Phil is actually somewhat smart

 

[mofunk]

Unusually anti-iPhone 4...Its weird. I walked in there with a MacBook Pro in my hand because I came from school. Everyone in the store was seemingly 'programmed' to be against iPhone and iPad. I was stunned!

I went in there to buy my iPhone and two other kids my age (17~) were also there looking to buy iPhones and the store reps were more or less biting at our ankles NOT to buy the iPhone and buy the droid X. They kept spouting that the white iPhone would not fit in any cases they sold despite me pulling up 3 articles right there on my MacBook disproving that then when we all eventually checked out with the iPhones they were quiet...no praising no help with email, contacts, photos, etc. (Not like I care this is how I prefer it but still). It was just strange...I'm assuming this has to do with improving android sales but still it was crazy at how much BS they spewed out... Anyone else notice this at the Verizon store? I felt like I was surrounded by store reps blatantly trollin'...

Interesting observation. Back when I first signed with Verizon, I noticed this too. I think over the years, I found maybe one rep who was a gadget head that understood and was aware of both platforms. He saw the needs of why I was using a Mac. And also, noticed the flaws in Verizon OS too. Regardless of what phone you use, some of those Verizon features don't transfer well between computers.


I think when the Motorola Razr came out, you didn't see as much of a divide as you do now. And the Razr had just as much buzz as the iPhone.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

No, your attitude and response is not normal. Who are you to question his social life, mental state or upbringing and act like its really that weird or not normal to shop online. You are that shallow or into sales and hate people that purchase things online?
Is it that hard to believe that some people know what they need and want and just want to buy it without the hassle of a salesperson? Maybe they dont want sales associates trying to sell them other products or services that they dont need, or wait in line till a rep is available, filling out paperwork, showing their licence for verification and many other steps when all can be done online in a few minutes.
Some sales people do get pushy and persistant and people dont want to deal with that.

Who am I to question his life?

Ummm maybe someone who studied a lifetime of psychology.

A salesperson can't actually force you to buy anything... You DO realize that right?

So if you're so mentally soft that you can't handle that...

All I can think is "wow."

It's like the same principle with people who claim they stop using Pandora because it has ads.

 

[Consultant]

Two Verizon employees told me that. I think they should know. I'll go with their info.

There was also a big story on it on one of the big tech sites a month or so back in a story about why Android phones are outselling the iPhone 4 on Verizon. The article specifically mentioned $50 versus $5.

It's a definite fact that this is what is happening.

WRONG.
https://www.macrumors.com/2011/04/0...sales-in-february-as-android-surge-continues/

No its not a fact. You don't have to believe the text I posted but don't call something a fact when it isn't. The person I texted is a manager at Verizon so I'm pretty sure he knows what he is talking about.

EDIT: Also a quick google will show you that employees do not make commission on handsets. Heres one, there are plenty more. (Read the first reply)

And this

 

[Apple...]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

I hate biased sales reps. If you're going to work at any electronics store, you need to lose the bias and sell what's best FOR THE CUSTOMER. I don't care if you get payed more or if you think Apple is garbage. Your job is to help me - it's not the other way around.

 

[Applejuiced]

Who am I to question his life?

Ummm maybe someone who studied a lifetime of psychology.

A salesperson can't actually force you to buy anything... You DO realize that right?

So if you're so mentally soft that you can't handle that...

All I can think is "wow."

It's like the same principle with people who claim they stop using Pandora because it has ads.

You study psychology you say but you're the one that needs a psychiatrist.
Judging by your post you got issues.

 

[tigress666]

Who am I to question his life?

Ummm maybe someone who studied a lifetime of psychology.

A salesperson can't actually force you to buy anything... You DO realize that right?

So if you're so mentally soft that you can't handle that...

All I can think is "wow."

It's like the same principle with people who claim they stop using Pandora because it has ads.

I hope you don't actually work in psychology cause you can't seriously have studied psychology and learned anything if you really think you can immediately infer a whole lot of crap from one statement. Especially the leap of logic you used.

You went from him saying he doesn't want to deal with a pushy sales associate to some how assuming that he felt he was going to get forced to buy something and feared going in cause he was afraid he would be forced to get something.

News flash, maybe he just doesn't like dealing with them cause they annoy him. I don't like pushy sales people either. It doesn't mean I fear that they might sell me something I don't like. In fact it usually means I don't buy anything from them. It means it pisses me off when they don't take "I'm not interested" as an answer.

You may have taken all sorts of classes (honestly, judging from the leaps of logic you used I don't think so). But you apparently didn't learn anything from them. Basic common sense and being around people have taught me a lot more how to read people than whatever those classes taught you (and I took a few psychology classes, psychology interests me. But that doesn't mean I think I am all the sudden the expert on reading people. I actually learned more how to read people from working retail for years and having to deal with people everyday. That teaches you a lot more about how to read people than some psychology class).

 

[RebeccaL]

As some already mentioned, the companies (ATT, VRZ, etc.) and their representatives make big bucks from the services not the phones themselves.

That's why when you call CS to ask a question they get so pushy trying you to get more services or upgrade your plan.


The bias of verizon employees most likely is due to years of being conditioned to bash the iPhone and push Android. They just recently got the iPhone so it will take time for them to get "unconditioned".

 

[Bobby Corwen]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8J2 Safari/6533.18.5)

I hate biased sales reps. If you're going to work at any electronics store, you need to lose the bias and sell what's best FOR THE CUSTOMER. I don't care if you get payed more or if you think Apple is garbage. Your job is to help me - it's not the other way around.

Wrong, you lost that right when you chose service with them. Although advertising and providing stress free shopping is a potential business model for some companies, it pales in comparison to the profit that the logistical superiority of the commission model brings a company.

They are betting they will make much more money pressuring customers for extra profits vs the loss incurred from having Shy Ronnie not want to come to their store because it's irritating.

Case in point: Saturn the car company. Where are they now??