How can I get someone to answer the phone? I'm ready to give VERIZON my business. I sat on the phone for over 20 minutes only to be transferred to "Sales." I then sat on the phone for another 15 minutes!!!! I finally hung up.

Question

How can I get someone to answer the phone? I'm ready to give VERIZON my business. I sat on the phone for over 20 minutes only to be transferred to "Sales." I then sat on the phone for another 15 minutes!!!! I finally hung up.

Answer 1

It takes an enormous amount of patience and time to get through to a qualified person.
My Samsung S5 was locked out and needed a factory reset. Including attempts to achieve this locally, it took over an hour before my problem was even addressed.
You may be interested in my journey to a very good technical support person.
First I called the local sales person who had given me his personal business card with the friendly advice to call me with any questions. No answer at about 8:30 am when the business was open. His voice mailbox was full.
Then I called the local store where I had purchased the phone. The person who answered the phone had learned all the proper stock phrases, but was not familiar with the issue, stated that there were no customers in the store, and I should go there in about an hour when there would be more staff. He suggested dialing *411 from my phone (which was locked). Then he gave me a number to call Verizon, which he had to look up, and it took a minute or so. The number was (removed). That is an internal number for employees and contractors and requires a code to access, obviously not designed for customers' use. He finally cut me off by stating that there were a number of customers in line waiting for his attention!
After researching all my papers I found 800-922-0204 on my bill. The automated message suggested a hold time of 5 minutes, it took 20 minutes for a Customer Service Representative to pick up, and then I was referred to technical assistance. The hold time was announced to take 5 minutes, after 12 minutes I finally was connected.
Fortunately I had my computer set up for Skype on a loudspeaker, and was able to do some other paperwork while waiting.
Persistence was rewarded by having the good fortune to be connected to a very experienced, qualified and patient technical support staff with the name of Thomas (removed). He solved my problem, answered my questions during the process of resetting the phone, and gave an example of courteous and kind customer service that I had never experienced before when dealing with any major internet company.
>> Edited to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<
Edited by:  Verizon Moderator