I found out about 2 years ago that my LG flip phone was not water proof or at least river proof.  Therefore I had to spring for a new phone and because I didn't carry Verizon's insurance I had to pay full tilt.  The Chocolate was the coolest thing out at the time, so I sprung for one of those, paying almost $300, and it was the worst $300 I've ever spent.

For about 2 weeks after the purchase the phone was great, but soon afterward the touch sensitive buttons reared their ugly heads.  Forget calling out when you are sweaty, forget sliding open the phone and not calling the first person on your contact list, and forget about playing MP3's unless you purchase their $100 package for software and memory card.  I was pissed, but at least I had a phone again, which I protected with an insurance plan.

Finally a few months ago I got fed up and decided to call Verizon's insurance company to see about getting a replacement.  I was informed that I was required to pay a $50 premium to qualify for a new phone, the same crappy Chocolate mind you.  That didn't set well with me, so I took my complaints to a Verizon dealer in the local mall.

As it turns out Verizon dealers in malls are not required to have a personality, be polite, or even look you in the eye unless you are buying a new Blueberry.  After pulling up my account I was informed the only thing I could do was use my upgrade to get a 2 year pricing plan price on a new phone and/or pay $50 to get my phone replaced by Verizon, not the insurance company.  To upset my situation even further I was astounded to find that Verizon doesn't even offer an inexpensive phone anymore.  For a phone with basic picture and text messaging you had to pay around $100 WITH a 2 year plan.  Outrageous, especially how I was just treated by a man who spent too much time in a salon.

Are you bored yet? If not, then read on to find out how I argued with a Verizon store's actual manager on duty about getting some phone, kinda cheap, without signing another agreement.

The moment I entered the Verizon store I was bombarded by the manager on duty trying to act like she cared, but really just sign me up for another 2 year plan.  It was after 45 minutes of arguing that she finally conceded that they offered 1 year plans and that I could actually have my phone replaced for the $50 fee and a $20 service charge.  Apparently the price just keeps going up depending on who you talk to in customer service.  I reluctantly agreed to this charge, since I didn't want to commit to another contract, and was told to see the manager in the service dept.

How To Get A Free New Phone From Verizon

It's amazing, but I was immediately informed by the manager in the service department that my phone qualified to be replaced FOR FREE!  He informed me that most of Verizon's phones come with an extended service plan that state if the phone were to have a malfunction within your contract, they will replace it with the same phone for free.  For free, did you hear me?  No need to sign another contract, no need to pay nickel and dime games for service fees, only walk in, transfer your contacts and here is your new phone nothing attached.  The polite gentlemen behind the counter informed me that Verizon insisted on keeping it's customers in a working phone while they sere under an agreement.  Of course a salesman isn't going to tell you this.

Verizon Customer Service Sucks

I asked the Verizon service manager if every Verizon kiosk would be able to tell this information from my account.  I was informed that it's clear as day on your account, pulled up on any Verizon computer.  I feel that I was lied to, misled, and abused for several hours by Verizon's customer service just so they could try and bully me into an extended plan or new phone.  Maybe when my contract is up in August I'll be looking at what AT&T has to offer.

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