Warning to people buying iPhones

[vbtwo31984]

Even store in NYC tells me they won't sell outright!

Should I just try a walk-in at the Apple store?

Apple Store in NYC won't sell it to you without a contract. I saw reports of this in other threads and on Friday went in to the 5th Ave store to try to get one contract free. They had them in stock for walk-ins, but he said they will only sell if you get a contract or use your upgrade, they will not sell them device only. The first question he asked me after I inquired if they had any in stock was if I was getting a contract, even before I inquired about getting it device only.

You can try and see if you get someone who will sell it to you, but in my experience they won't do it.

 

[Southernboyj]

Apple Store in NYC won't sell it to you without a contract. I saw reports of this in other threads and on Friday went in to the 5th Ave store to try to get one contract free. They had them in stock for walk-ins, but he said they will only sell if you get a contract or use your upgrade, they will not sell them device only. The first question he asked me after I inquired if they had any in stock was if I was getting a contract, even before I inquired about getting it device only.

You can try and see if you get someone who will sell it to you, but in my experience they won't do it.

It really is BS how much EVERY company is milking the hell out of how hard it is to find an iPhone 5.. I guarantee you in 6 months, when iPhone 5's are readily available.. they won't have a problem selling you one.

 

[Scott2345]

When can we expect a factory unlocked version in the US? I think it's about time...

 

[Southernboyj]

When can we expect a factory unlocked version in the US? I think it's about time...

After it gets rolled out everywhere else.

 

[foam]

I had no problem walking into my local Apple store and purchasing 2 device only. I guess it depends on your store.

 

[Southernboyj]

I just received a return email from RadioShack Customer Care. It reads as follows:

"Thank you for contacting RadioShack.
We appreciate the time you took to write us concerning your purchase at RadioShack. Your information has been forwarded to the District Office in your area for resolution. Our goal is to contact you within two business days. Should you need further assistance, feel free to email or contact us at 800-843-7422 option 1, then option 9.

Thank You
Customer Escalation Team"

I'm awaiting the next response.

 

[Southernboyj]

I finally received a response from the District Manager.

"I apologize for your inconvenience in my store in Pascagoula Mississippi, we here at RadioShack do not operate as you stated in your email he I have taken the proper steps with my store manager to ensure this does not happen again. I am dedicated to getting you product that you would like and am willing to get one shipped in from another part of the country if you are still looking for this product. Please let me know which iPhone it is that you would like and I can have it shipped to the closest location to you so you will not have to drive out of your way to get it. Again I apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to satisfying you in the future, if you ever experience an issue where you are not getting the utmost respect and customer service in one of my stores please call my office at the number below or send me an email I will get it taken care of ASAP.

Thank you,
L. Chris Garner
District Manager 0694
Gulfport/Biloxi/Mobile
251-478-9558 Office
817-415-2058 Fax"

 

[Six8]

Ask him to use spell check next time too

 

[Southernboyj]

Ask him to use spell check next time too

Speaking of him, his next email consisted of this:

"Thank you for your understanding and I assure you that you will not receive that type of service from any of my locations again. I would like to go ahead and offer you a $50 RadioShack gift card coming from that store managers profit for the trouble you had. Please let me know if you would like us to mail it to or have you pick it up in the Tillman’s Corner Store.

 

[Leonard1818]

It's great that companies do the right thing in rectifying an issue. The sad part is that it has to go so far. Why should you, the customer, have YOUR time wasted because they want to make a buck or two more? I don't know about you but my time is worth a LOT to me these days... having to call and wait on hold to complain and be refunded or have the situation rectified is a shame.

I will now go out of my way to not do business with Radio Shack. With all of the online options that trump the place, I can't see it lasting a lot longer.

Shoulda done the right thing the first time around Radio Shack.

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I should probably qualify that by saying that I really don't have to literally go "out of my way" to avoid a radio shack. The one in my town closed down and the one in the town I work at is so small and crappy and all the way across town, I wouldn't go there anyway.

 

[lelisa13p]

It's great that companies do the right thing in rectifying an issue. The sad part is that it has to go so far. Why should you, the customer, have YOUR time wasted because they want to make a buck or two more? I don't know about you but my time is worth a LOT to me these days... having to call and wait on hold to complain and be refunded or have the situation rectified is a shame.

I will now go out of my way to not do business with Radio Shack. With all of the online options that trump the place, I can't see it lasting a lot longer.

Shoulda done the right thing the first time around Radio Shack.

That may have been the thinking that fueled the Manager's unfortunate behavior in the first place.

 

[Southernboyj]

It's great that companies do the right thing in rectifying an issue. The sad part is that it has to go so far. Why should you, the customer, have YOUR time wasted because they want to make a buck or two more? I don't know about you but my time is worth a LOT to me these days... having to call and wait on hold to complain and be refunded or have the situation rectified is a shame.

I will now go out of my way to not do business with Radio Shack. With all of the online options that trump the place, I can't see it lasting a lot longer.

Shoulda done the right thing the first time around Radio Shack.

----------

I should probably qualify that by saying that I really don't have to literally go "out of my way" to avoid a radio shack. The one in my town closed down and the one in the town I work at is so small and crappy and all the way across town, I wouldn't go there anyway.

Yeah. I told the Store Manager that I would be contacting someone above him. I suppose he didn't believe me as I'm just an 18 year old college student. His face when the District Manager is now pissed at him.

 

[Leonard1818]

That may have been the thinking that fueled the Manager's unfortunate behavior in the first place.

Well, a *smart* manager would realize the big picture, put their ego aside, and do right by the customer.

Similar to when I rented a movie from our local blockbuster under their "no late fee" policy. I found out "no late fees" means "you buy the movie and we charge you $16.50 for it". I complained to deaf ears.

I even said "In a small town like this, you need to treat your customers better. There are 4 or 5 redboxes within a quarter-mile radius of this blockbuster and with other offerings like netflix and VoD, I would hope you could re-consider the charge or we will go elsewhere.". Nope. The girl actually got snotty with me and said "We're doing just fine thank you very much..." (referring to them not needing my business).

I watched the market as blockbuster posted a GIANT loss that year and shortly after snapped the attached pic of my local branch.

I do live in a small town and I hate to see places close down. I support all of my local businesses whenever possible but this similarly shady practice leads me to say good riddance.

I secretly wanted to go in and take pictures of the empty shelves and offer to give them back the movie they made me buy so that they could re-sell it cause it looks like they need the money... just generally rub it in their faces. I elected to be more mature than that... but boy would it have been fun!

Yeah. I told the Store Manager that I would be contacting someone above him. I suppose he didn't believe me as I'm just an 18 year old college student. His face when the District Manager is now pissed at him.

ha ha! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall...