Do you prefer corporate/direct cell phone shops-rather than an in-direct dealer? Why?

Question

Would you rather go to a mom & pop shop or say the mall or swap meet to get you cell phone or do you prefer to go to the carrier directly?

Now see I disagree w/ first to answerers- I work for the Mom & Pop shop, we truly believe in helping the customer to the fullest! Just yesterday a man got a text saying he was close to his spending limit & I told him to come down, we sat together and signed in online to see were the charges were adding up- fixed he left happy.

Answer 1

I f you go through the big Company shops you have to pay for the Company name and that is for the birds to eat. I would much Rather help out my neighbor and use an office that is run by someone that I know. Usually they will give you the best deals because they want you to referrer them other customers.

Answer 2

Directly to the carrier. Cell phones/plans are already so tricky that if you have an issue the last thing you'd want is to be fighting with the mom and pop shop who would only send you to the cell phone or carrier customer service dept. any way.

Answer 3

I prefer going to the carrier directly because an independent dealer could get you tied into a contract and have its own termination fees that are more than the direct company. Also the commercials that you see on TV for specials or sales prices don't always apply to independent dealers.

Answer 4

I would always go to directly to the company. Whenever possible, get as close to the source as you can. If you can get your phone from the guy who designed the chip that allows your phone to sprout legs and do a funky chicken dance, go for it.

But seriously, you'll find more options and reliability if you go to the corporate stores. A mall or swap meet may not have every model or plan advertised. Their information may also be a bit skewed.

Answer 5

I visit both whenever I am looking to change carriers. It's part of shopping around. I think it is important to go with the place where you feel comfortable with the employees. Sometimes independent dealers can get you better deals, sometimes it's the direct stores. It also depends on the carrier, and how much they tie people's hands.

Answer 6

You should never go to corporate/direct cell phone stores to get your cell phone. You would be paying at least $100-150 more for the same phone that you could have gotten from Internet cell phone dealers. I got my cell phone from this site: http://www.selectivemobile.com/Default.asp?aid=yh&ref=dealer I did lots of research before I went to them. Got the best deal that I couldn't ever find anywhere else.

Answer 7

I prefer doing my cell phone shopping online. Saves gas and my phone's delivered right to my door. My next choice is to go to the Verizon store in the next town. Can't say as I've seen and mom and pop shops in our area.

Answer 8

I work for Cingular wireless. TRUST ME, you need to go directly to the source. If a 3rd party retailer sells something, their job is done. If they tell you the wrong thing, so what, they are done. All they do is the selling. Therefore; they lie! If you deal directly with the company, you have someone you can make take accountability if they say the wrong thing or lie to you.

Answer 9

I prefer corporate because they have a better network and service. A guarantee is only as good as the provider. I know where to find a corporation but not always where to find an individual.