Taking your cel phone in- suggestion
Maybe this will start a series of posts about cel phones, who knows? :D
I've been a tech in the wireless industry for almost 2 years, and I see many mistakes made that can not only prolong your visit, it can make you come back again and again...
1) Don'tbe an @ss. Most important. They'll treat you the same way you're treating them, if you act that way, they'll go by the books 100%. If you're nice, they might bend the rules a little for you.
2) Understand that (at least) approx 75% of all dropped calls are caused by network and interference.
Cel phone (a.k.a. wireless) networks ar enot perfect. You will not get the connection reliability of a landline phone. Any company that claims that you'll never drop a call is flat out lying.
Causes of signal interference:
<ul>[*] Weather. Electrical storms, snot storms, rain, wind, etc can all have a drastic affect on signal strength.[*] Usage. Plain and simple: The more people using a tower, the ness coverage that tower has. Comapnies can't just 'boost up' the power of a tower, doing so requires configuring that tower, and re-configuring all the towers that that tower overlaps with and so on, so to just boost up one tower, it is about a month long project.[*] Physical blockage. Buildings, hills, trees (esp "springtime foliage"), etc.. These all can physicaly block a signal. (And do it very well).[*] Being too close to a tower. Yes, you can be too close, the signal might be shot right over you, and therefore you don't get a signal.[*] Being too high. towers broadcast their signal DOWN, not up. If you're above 5 stories, thn you might not get a good signal.[*] Dead spots. Maps don't show you these. The company might not even know about them, but most coverages are like a slice of swiss cheese, full of holes. Coverage maps don't show these, even the computer generated ones don't. The only way to find out about these are to ask around. They can be as small as a few feet, and can also get rather large. The companies do their best to reduce these as much as possible.[*] Hospitals. Forget about making a call in a hospital, a lot of them have signal blockers installed. [*] Radio stations can also block (actualy more like overpower) cel signals, kinda like trying to hear someone from across the room with someone shouting between you.[*] Incorrect programming can have drastic affects on signals.[/list]
3) Bring the appropreate accessories with you. If your phone isn't charging, holding a charge, powering on, bring in the charger!!! (I send home many people a day who need to bring back their charger). Same with headsets etc..
4) Make sure the battery is charged. If not, you might have to wait an extra 30 minutes (unless its not charging / holding charge / powering on).
5) If there is a lock code, tell them!!! This can also add up to 30 minutes, and can be a pain to get. (See, these last 2 can reduce your visit by up to an hour!).
6) Be honest. If you dropped it in water, tell them, if you don't, they'll find out. If you're having signal issues, tell them exactly where, don't just say everywhere (unless you are) again, they'll know if you're BSing them or not. Honesty is the best way to get us here to bend the rules, or be more lenient here.
7) If you have an exended warranty - you need to go through the extended warranty company.
8) If you didn't buy it though the company. they cannot replace it. In other words, I will not replace a $5 Belkin car charger you bought at a flea markey (not approved by the manufacturer) with one that costs $20 and is approved by the mfg...
9) Those *censored* "signal amplifier" stickers DO NOT WORK. Plain and simple. They're a hoax, and a waste of $20, and can void your warranty. The only ones that do work should be approved by the FCC, maufacturer, and provider. the only amplifiers that I've seen that do truly work cost between $150 to $300.
10) Just because you don't like a phone, that is not a reason for the store to just order you a different model. Most companies are under strict guidelines under exchanging phones for different models. The only time I am allowed to do it with my company is if the handset is not available in the warehouse for an exchange. Not only that, "I don't like it" is not covered under warranty (thats why most of them give you 14 days to try it out).
I guess the main issues are:
<ul>[*] Don't be an @ss.[*] Be honest[*] Bring in what is relevant.[*] Remember to give them a lock code if you have one[*] Be understanding - cel phones are not perfect. They will drop calls.[/list]
I'm sure others who are in the industry will put in their $.02, and it is welcome, as long as it is honest, non-fraudulent, and helpful.
Also, hopefuly in the furure I'll be able to post more about services, myths/facts, etc...
Enioy and I hope this helps! :D :D :D
