Beware purchasing cell phones through Amazon.com -

[Kermitt Gribble]

I'm sure most cell phone purchases through Amazon are painless, but I thought I'd share the experience I had this past week to inform prospective customers about Amazon's customer service, should there be a problem with their order.

My brother bought a phone through Amazon a few months ago, and the phone was fully functional right out of the box, so I placed my order. I saved $50.00 plus tax buying through Amazon versus the local AT&T store. The phone arrived in 2 business days, but I recieved an email from Amazon informing me that the IMEI number of the phone was not registered prior to shipment. I was instructed to email the IMEI number when the phone arrived, but they did not provide clear instructions on where to send the email so I called customer service. The customer service rep was located offshore, and the communication was poor at best. The rep ultimately directed me to Amazon's US cell phone department, where another rep took my IMEI number and said my phone would be activated shortly.

The next day, I recieved another email from Amazon stating my IMEI number has been recieved, and that my phone would be activated within 24-48 hours. So I waited patiently.

48 hours had passed, and my phone is still unregistered. I spent most of the day trying to reach someone who could help me understand what is taking so long - after multiple phone calls and emails, I was left frustrated. The representatives I talked to said they were not qualified to help me with my problem, and that Amazon's actual wireless techs do not provide phone support. My brother even called because he couldn't believe the response I was getting - he was given the same information.
He asked the tech if he could speak with a supervisor, but, of course, all the supervisers were busy at that time, but they would call back within 2 hours.

2 hours later, I recieved a call from a supervisor. He told me my phone would be registered in 1 week. I asked him why it will take so long when the AT&T store can register a sim card in 30 seconds, but he could not answer. In 2 days they could have shipped me a registered sim card and the problem would have been solved but according to the supervisor, that was not an option. When I got off the phone I went to the AT&T store and walked out with a new cell phone and new service plan within 30 minutes. Needless to say, I'm returning the phone I purchased through Amazon.

[roody]

1. Don't buy anything from Amazon.

Shop in your own town at local vendors. The money stays in your town and recirculates.

[Kermitt Gribble]

2. I understand

the benefit of that, but I'd buy everything online if I could. The less I have to leave the house to shop the happier I am.

[roody]

3. I understand that too.

[CRF450]

4. I would if the stores had what I wanted.

I bought my sister a Skindred cd from Amazon for Christmas cause I couldn't find it anywhere else, not even walmart. I bought my computer parts from newegg.com because the local computer stores dont have any high performance computer hardware, and if they did, it would cost me a shit load of money. Most stuff I buy is from the net, except clothes, furniture, car/dirtbike parts and tools, and some other handy stuff for the home.