DO NOT PATRONAGE THE VERIZON STORE located at 1201 S Powerline Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 - BUYER BEWARE!! HIDDEN FEES - UNNECESSARY UPSELL CHARGES!!
I went to this "authorized dealer" (on 5/7/23) because it was close proximity to my residence - I typically shop/frequent the non-franchise locations; as I realize that franchises are more willing to upsell and not honor what the corporate stores are advertising. Nonetheless, I stopped in this particular "authorized dealer" to see if they would honor the advertised Verizon trade-in on my S21+ phone - the transaction was going good when they would. During my 2 HOUR transaction, the individual who was assisting me (Bryon) said that I while the data is being transferred I can look at their accessories. I looked and didn't find the case I prefer, so I ordered a case on Amazon for $40, to be delivered the same day to my residence. I told Bryon that I'll get a case on my own; at which time, that I could pick out any phone case because "it was included." I said, it was "included" - he replied "yes." Byron also stated that an screen protector and wall charger (aka brick) was "included" as well. I thought, well if it is "included" then I'll take a case that as a back-up. Bryon continued to share the good news, that I pre-qualified for a CC w/ $200 of store credit, which I declined. Bryon tried to upsell me on my home internet service, which I declined. Bryon said that the new phone also "included a FREE Samsung Watch 5" (valued over $200) - with the disclaimer that I would have to pay a "$5.00 monthly fee for the service." I said, why $5.00 for a Bluetooth watch; at which time, Bryon explained that the watch was a dedicated line and I didn't need to be close to my phone for the watch to work - it is a stand alone LTE watch w/ all the apps that is on my phone. I'm like cool - I can talk/text through my watch, even if I inadvertently leave my phone at home - SIGN ME UP for this "FREE watch." After I selected my watch, he didn't have it in stock, but the "FREE watch" would be delivered on Tuesday (5/9) - I said, no problem. During, checkout for my new phone - The bill was $216.63. After 2 HOURS of sitting there and being held for constant upselling progandana - I just paid and left the store. Later, I realized Bryon charged me for wall charger ($39.99), the screen protector ($49.99) and the case ($50.00) - all items that Bryon said was "included" and nor did I select the screen protector or the wall charger (these items were selected by Bryon, because they were "INCLUDED.") I said to myself, my recourse is to return the items when I pickup my "FREE watch" and/or write a lengthy blog (so, here it is as promised...this could've been a positive blog and how the manager corrected my concerns, BUT it was the sales associates/manager that dictated the outcome!)
On 5/12, I got a call from the "Authorized Dealer" store aka Verizon....stating my watch was in. I said, great - just to confirm; all I need to do is come in and pick it up? This sales associate said, yes.....(wait for it)...all I would have to do is pay the sales taxes. I replied, on a FREE watch? The sales associate replied, "yes." So, much for FREE - so, I said how much are the sales taxes on the "FREE watch" - the reply was $15-$20 dollars. I said, okay I'll be in shortly.
On 5/15, I went to the "authorized dealer" Verizon store to pick-up my "FREE watch" that is going to cost me (average) of $17.00 plus $5.00 a month (scacarsm). This time, a individual came out (of the office) wearing a name tag scribed with "store manager" - I should get great customer service now for sure AND be able to correct the over-charges for the unnecessary accessories. HAHA! The store manager, said that I to pay a ACTIVATION FEE for the "FREE watch" - I said, nope, I don't want it. He tried to salvage the deal, by saying, that I could call Verizon to have it waived. I said, no, you can call Verizon to have it waived - I don't want it now! Next, I'm calling Verizon - stay tuned! read more