Sprint Store

Cell phones are a personal choice and everyone has their needs and preferences. There is no point in debating the carriers because people will use what works best for them. I have been a customer of Sprint since I had just a pager, and they have met my needs. However, this is not a review of the carrier, rather the store that displays that carrier’s name.
I have been drooling over the new HTC EVO for months after seeing previews. I knew I wanted this phone and would get it as soon as I can. I knew Best Buy and Radio Shack were offering reservations, but I have been going to this store for a long time and prefer to shop where I have had positive experiences. I stopped in two weeks before launch and asked about the phone. I was told that each location had their own waiting list and would be treated separately. I asked to be put on the list and was told I was the first person at this location. I asked why the employees were not first on the list and was informed that they were not allowed to buy the phone for a set period of time to prevent problems. I was pretty excited.
The day before the launch I called to find out how early they opened, I had hoped to pick up the phone before work. I was informed that they opened at 9:00 and the EVO would be sold first come first served. I mentioned I was on the waiting list, the first in line, and was told that would not matter. They will only call people on the list a week after the launch. Who would bother putting themselves on a waiting list if they have to get in line behind anyone who walks into the store for a week?
I was annoyed, but made it a point to be the first in line the next morning to get my phone. The employees saw me in my car as they entered and let me in 15 minutes early to get my phone. I was the only person «in line» and the first in the store.
I was told I was lucky, its the last phone left. I asked why they only had one phone, they told me they had 5. I asked how it was possible that I am the first one here and they are nearly sold out. The employee just shrugged.
I have my phone, but the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. It bothered me that they made a point of setting my expectations and did whatever the hell they wanted anyway. I still gave them the third star because I did after all get my phone, but I still felt deceived throughout the entire process. It is very likely I will not be back to this store for my next purchase.
And on another note, the HTC EVO is everything I was hoping.