BlackBerry and Verizon
JackCarr
Enthusiast - Level 3

BlackBerry and Verizon

I recently became eligible for a phone upgrade on my account.  I currently have a BlackBerry Q10 and decided to go with the BlackBerry with the virtual keyboard, the Z10.  I went to two different Verizon stores and upon telling the salesperson that I was interested in a Z10, I was told that no Verizon stores stock BlackBerry phones and that my only avenue was to get the phone through Verizon's website.  The sales people didn't want to deal with me beyond what I just shared.  With the second experience I said to the sales rep, "I'm just being honest based on experience, but I feel as if Verizon just isn't interested in BlackBerry customers or devices at all."  That's certainly how I was treated as a long-time Verizon customer who was interested in getting a new BlackBerry to replace my old one.  The sales person said, "BlackBerry doesn't sell, so we don't stock their phones.  When they released the Z10 and the Q10, both failed to sell and so we just don't deal with them anymore."  That's what I was told.  And to boot...the salesperson who said this to me also added, "I sold for other wireless carriers before Verizon and BlackBerry didn't sell at those other provider's stores either."

So what am I...a phantom?  I'm standing in front of this lady and telling her I want to spend my money and she just can't be moved to help me.  It's unreal!  I mean it's unconscionable!  The salesperson was actually condescending to me as if I were some pariah that should leave the store lest I pollute the air in it. 

Verizon is lucky I'm a nice guy.  I did get my Z10 through their website.  Well... at least I ordered it.  I suppose I'll see if it actually shows up.  I'll be honest...I could care a less what kind of smartphone you like or don't like.  That doesn't mean anything to me at all.  It's all personal preference to me.  But that's the way it should also be with the salesperson.  What does it matter what kind of phone I want?  When I got my Q10, they didn't have it in stock.  They had to order it and I went and picked it up a few days later.  I would have been fine with that.  But no!  They just couldn't be bothered...and why?  because I wanted a BlackBerry?  Big deal!  Who cares what phone it was.  I feel like it's some kind of smartphone Civil War or something.  I mean it's unbelievable how I was treated.  What a disgrace! 

Verizon....STRIKE ONE!      

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Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
winterbaby18
Specialist - Level 1

Her comments about her former employer and her opinion on BlackBerry aka RIM was absolutely unprofessional.  You told her you wanted a particular phone and all she should have said we don't stock those and where to get it. 

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
JackCarr
Enthusiast - Level 3

Yup...exactly.  Spare me your personal opinion and past experience selling a product that your current company claims to be offering its customers.  Your personal dislike for a particular product for whatever reason shouldn't enter into a sales transaction.  And the fact that no Verizon rep has looked at this thread and responded with some kind of apology or company policy is disgraceful.      

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
winterbaby18
Specialist - Level 1

If I want a product a company sells then plain and simple I have the right to buy it.  All of those reps could have ordered you one and had it delivered to the store unless VZW has a company policy disallowing it.  Also, BlackBerry's are great phones to own and use.

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
JackCarr
Enthusiast - Level 3

Smartphone prejudice...plain and simple.  If I wanted an iPhone or an Android phone, their sales staff would have been all over me.  But because I chose an "unpopular" device, I was summarily and flippantly ignored.  See what all that negative press does?!   The pen is truly mightier than the sword.  By the way...after several months of use, I got rid of an iPhone 4 to get the Q10 I have now and was not disappointed.  I got sick and tired of double-pumping apps out of memory so my battery life didn't get eaten up in half a day.  I have nothing against Apple or any other phone manufacturer...its just personal preference.  But apparently, saying the word BlackBerry in a Verizon store is akin to saying hijack on an airplane flight.  

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
winterbaby18
Specialist - Level 1

I totally agree with you.  I actually view myself as someone who is platform agnostic.  Give me a phone which doesn't spy on me and lets me do what I need to do then I will use it.  I wouldn't mind getting another BlackBerry.  The big appeal for me on BlackBerry is security.  Seriously considering adding a BlackBerry to my current arsenals of Android and Apple.

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
blkdragon2015
Enthusiast - Level 1

Agreed!  I recently went into a Verizon store, hoping to hear news of the Classic or get a Z30.  The location of the store I will not say, but was in Nashville ,TN and was told how the Z10 was the latest and best BlackBerry touch screen.  At least they knew what a Z10 was but went on to state false specs and then said they were not trained on these devices.  I give them some friendly advice about the new line up and told them what the new BlackBerry devices could do, and the rep actually stated, "Man, I wonder why we are not selling those in the store, I would buy one!"  I feel like this lack of BlackBerry choice is getting to be ridiculous as well and I feel that this needs to be corrected and possibly on the BlackBerry side.  Let's go Verizon and BlackBerry get together on your marketing.  And to Verizon.....get it together and give your customers the in-store choices and train your reps!  It's not that hard!

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
Snn5
Legend

rep actually stated, "Man, I wonder why we are not selling those in the store, I would buy one!"


Sarcasm. That was the tone in the reps voice.

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
CrackberryBaby
Enthusiast - Level 1

I agree with you.  The sales reps are clearly not interested.  Verizon needs to step up their game.  I am frustrated by the silence on the release date, and availability.

Re: BlackBerry and Verizon
winterbaby18
Specialist - Level 1

I don't understand why BlackBerry doesn't sell their phones on their website.  Instead, they just send buyers to VZW or two other sites.