Verizon

Disgusting people work here. Truly rude and it really doesn’t get any worse. Three female staff were «working» but completely ignored my Au pair (from Spain) and were annoyed when she asked a question about porting a phone number from one iPhone to another. She was humiliated as she was already nervous about her English and getting this done. They all laughed and mumbled something, then continued their conversation. My Au pair asked if they would speak to me on the phone and they refused, then finally did because I insisted. We didn’t get it done and I will never deal with those people again. I don’t know how companies as big as Verizon don’t train employees on customer service. The 42 street location is great and Harlem location should either shut down or figure out how to treat customers with basic respect.

I was just in and out to drop off some hardware after canceling our service. During that short visit, I had the pleasure of dealing with a great sales associate. I didn’t catch his name, but I appreciated his measured tone and helpful-​but-​not-​forceful approach to customer service.

Awful customer service. I came in, waited for about 45 minutes without even being acknowledged by any employees. When I finally talked to someone (by someone who emerged from the back who hadn’t been there for the previous 45 minutes) it was only to take my name and ask what the problem was.
After a few more minutes where I watched more staff members berate other customers I left and went to the one on Broadway and 110^th.

Came in here after visiting AT&T and Metro PCS, trying to weigh my options before I decide if I want to get a second phone for myself through AT&T, or one through another carrier, or switch altogether.
I tried explaining my plight to a sales associate here at Verizon and of course, being a salesman, just wanted me to get two phones through him and call it a day. I wasn’t ready to do that, though, I really wanted to be smart about my purchase and figure out what it was I really wanted/​needed.
I had to take a business call while speaking to him — and after I got off the phone, he was wandering around talking to someone else. Fine. Another salesman approached me and said he’ll be helping me today. «Oh, I thought he *points finger* was helping me already.» «He told me to come take care of you.» Uhh, ok. Not really sure why they had to hand me off, but whatevs.
I felt like I was really being pushed by this salesman to make a purchase, telling me I was getting a great deal when all he was doing was telling me about the rebate offer that was clearly listed on the price next to the phone. Sorry sir, just because I’m indecisive at the moment about what I want to do doesn’t mean I’m DUMB, it means I want to weigh my options and make an informed decision. «So, you should really sign up and get this phone before you leave because it’s such a great deal. We really can never keep these phones in stock.» Really? Then how come I can buy one today?
Typical hard-​sell at this joint. I really didn’t feel at ease at all, but rather really pressured to either sign a contract or leave. Really, Verizon? Are you so hard pressed for customers you have to use this tactic? Lighten up a bit, it can’t be that serious.

I have strange experiences with electronics and that very much includes cell phones: I tend to short them out. A funky electrical system in my body seems to interfere with sensitive electronics, and seems to especially effect those with photo-​sensitive equipment, i.e. camera phones.
So…I keep wandering into Verizon stores looking for help. Between the tiny stores and unhappy crowds and pushy/​rude sales people, I have not had much luck — until today!
I wandered into this 125^th street store around 11 – 11:30 this morning and it was large enough that I felt I could breathe and the folks working there did not treat me like I was some kind of annoyance. I felt so confident, I told them about my electrical freakiness and asked for help finding a solid cell phone that did not have a camera.
Sadly, there is only one such phone and they consider it a «senior citizen» model, but it works and it didn’t cost me anything and I finally got to replace my 4-​year-​old phone that was literally beginning to crumble apart.
The only problem that occurred during this relaxed, easy errand was that my phone didn’t have the contacts in it and I didn’t notice it until I got home. I plan on returning to the 125^th street store, certain that they will correct this with an apology and a smile on their faces.
PS. When you ask a sales person a question, ever notice how they manage to slip into a sales speech and ignore your question? These folks didn’t do that, either!