Verizon stores ... bleeech!

George wrote:
> Esmail Bonakdarian wrote:
>> Does anyone else really dislike going into the Verizon stores?
>>
>> I really dislike getting intercepted the moment I step into the store
>> by some sales drone "directing" me to where I need to go. (with the
>> emphasis in "directing" being telling me where to go).
>>
>
> And would you complain if you were there for 10 minutes and no one
> seemed to pay attention to you?

I'm a big boy, I can handle asking for help when I need it. I
don't need anyone bothering/smothering me. 99% of other stores
don't feel the need to incept me the moment I step into their store.

>> Today it was even worse than usual. I walked in and this woman came up
>> to me and asked me what I wanted. I said I wanted to talk to someone
>> briefly about what was involved in changing my number since I was
>> moving to a different part of the country, but keeping my Verizon
>> mobile. She directed me to a video kiosk so that I could enter my phone
>> number and god knows what else.
>
> Actually would you expect to enter just a phone number and be able to
> change stuff? Think of all the interesting possibilities. They also ask
> you stuff when you call 611 to prevent the same possibilities.

I *didn't* want to make any changes today, I was there to ask about
what was involved in the process. So, no, there is no reason for me
to waste time entering information when it takes less than 30 seconds
for someone knowledgeable to give the time basic information.

>> I find this whole procedure absurd. I'm happy to jump through hoops
>> and provide information etc *if* there is a rational reason for it, but
>> not if there isn't. Clearly, to ask a brief question does not require
>> any of this.
>
> I am happy that VZW just doesn't roll over and provide information
> without having a reasonable idea who is asking. There are too many
> companies that are way too free with *my* personal information.

Yeah .. like there's a lot of danger to anyone's privacy with the
question: "I'm moving form OH to NY and plan to keep my Verizon
mobile phone. What's involved getting a local number in NY and
how long does it take, is there a charge?"

God .. just imagine how much private information is at risk with
that question!! Yes, thank God Verizon staff are the guardians
of our privacy ... and have you to appreciate their efforts.

>> I really only walked in because I happened to be in the
>> neighborhood. I truly find this "intercepting customers at the door"
>> incredibly annoying and intrusive. Anyone else bothered by this?
>
> No

Thanks for sharing your opinion re the process, this was my question,
and you provided one more data point.

It's also clear to me that Verizon designed their system with
folks like you in mind. Some people like guidance and being told
what to do and are happy to follow instructions, even if they
don't alway make sense .. I personally prefer the freedom to choose
how I interact with others, and what personal information (something
you seem to be concerned about) I divulge. There is no need for
me to provide any information other than that provided in my simple
question. Nor is there any necessity for me to spent time enter data
on a kiosk. I value my privacy and time.