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Sprint Stiffing Pre-Order Customers! (Defective Phones, Rant)

So here's the deal, since I got my Evo the back cover hasn't fit properly - I don't mind too much so I placed a small sheet of paper which gave the back the proper curve and fixed it.
But now I've got a new issue starting to appear - The screen coming loose towards the bottom!
My friend got an Evo and his is flawless, why should I suffer from pre-ordering!?
I work in Chicago, and naturally I went to a Radioshack close to where I actually live - no Evo's, can't help me.
I call Sprint, they tell me go to where I bought it or all the can do is sent me a re-certified phone - that's bull****, the phone is brand new & not even two weeks old yet.
I go to the Radioshack where I bought it - No Evo's, all they can do is call me when one comes in. Also claim they haven't been sent any since launch.
So here it is, I'm a new Sprint customer who just switched from Verizon and they are already leaving me dry. I've got 30 days to cancel all this, yet they don't seem to care enough to get me a new phone.
My phone is brand new and defective, how the hell does Sprint think they can send me some re-certified model!?
Do they have some deal where if they don't send phones back to HTC they get a discount? I mean seriously, if this phone isn't under a manufacturer's warranty against defects it damn well should be!
This also doesn't cover the fact when I preordered, Radioshack told me there was no $10 data fee - not to mention failed to tell me about activation fees and Sprint surcharges!
I asked about it, almost insisting they could be wrong, yet they kept reassuring me there was no charge. I put $50 down on a non-refundable gift card to pre-order, bull**** they didn't know/disclose all costs when I asked! (Their disclosure of costs was "taxes")
If I don't get my NEW phone before 29 days, I will cancel the whole thing and rant anywhere and everywhere until I am heard!
EDIT: Let me put it this way, for all those who don't understand...If Sprint guaranteed me a new phone when there's availability, that would be 100% fine with me, this is not the case, they want to send me a re-certified phone right after I just bought one brand new!
EDIT #2: Here's my logic...the phone is provided by Sprint (to Radioshack), Sprint pays a spiff (to Radioshack), my service is through Sprint (which is paying off the phone), and my contract is through Sprint.
Why does the fact that I bought it at Radioshack even matter!? Sprint is at the core of all of this.
It's like saying a have a 1 year warranty on an Sharp TV that Sears sold me and trying to take care of it through Sears...after that 30 days it's not Sears' problem. The service through Sprint is ongoing and this phone is part of it, how is Sprint not responsible?

You have got to be kidding me with this post right? I guess you assume the magic phone maker ferry is going to make YOU a phone just so YOU can be happy, but everyone else has to wait until they get re stocked because they sold out of all their phones.
Please, just cancel it already, people like this ruin it for the rest of us. How can you not understand that being back ordered means NO ONE is getting new ones right now, they can't just make it appear out of nowhere. Yikes.

lol wow lets give baby what he wants....

Neotelos_com said:
So here's the deal, since I got my Evo the back cover hasn't fit properly - I don't mind too much so I placed a small sheet of paper which gave the back the proper curve and fixed it.
But now I've got a new issue starting to appear - The screen coming loose towards the bottom!
My friend got an Evo and his is flawless, why should I suffer from pre-ordering!?
I work in Chicago, and naturally I went to a Radioshack close to where I actually live - no Evo's, can't help me.
I call Sprint, they tell me go to where I bought it or all the can do is sent me a re-certified phone - that's bull****, the phone is brand new & not even two weeks old yet.
I go to the Radioshack where I bought it - No Evo's, all they can do is call me when one comes in. Also claim they haven't been sent any since launch.
So here it is, I'm a new Sprint customer who just switched from Verizon and they are already leaving me dry. I've got 30 days to cancel all this, yet they don't seem to care enough to get me a new phone.
My phone is brand new and defective, how the hell does Sprint think they can send me some re-certified model!?
Do they have some deal where if they don't send phones back to HTC they get a discount? I mean seriously, if this phone isn't under a manufacturer's warranty against defects it damn well should be!
This also doesn't cover the fact when I preordered, Radioshack told me there was no $10 data fee - not to mention failed to tell me about activation fees and Sprint surcharges!
I asked about it, almost insisting they could be wrong, yet they kept reassuring me there was no charge. I put $50 down on a non-refundable gift card to pre-order, bull**** they didn't know/disclose all costs when I asked! (Their disclosure of costs was "taxes")
If I don't get my NEW phone before 29 days, I will cancel the whole thing and rant anywhere and everywhere until I am heard!
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My situation is similar. I planned on switching from AT&T to Sprint, however, now, I don't know what to do. I have two defective EVOs, bought from Best Buy, and I have called every Best Buy in a 1 hour driving radius from my home in order to locate one (5 or 6 of them), none had any AND they refused to even take down my information to call me when they came in. Basically, they just told me to screw off. I am free to call back whenever I want to check, but they refuse to hold it in store even if I find one. Apparently it's a first come first serve basis, since they already have my money, what do they care?
Best Buy told me to use my warranty, Sprint won't do me any good because I don't want a recertified phone, as mine isn't even two weeks old yet.
And it's sad, because I really like my Sprint service, but I don't have time to screw around driving all over the face of the planet, escalating issues, etc. I just want two working phones, and that's all. I don't want credits, I don't want freebies. I'll even buy two new screen protectors with my own money.
But, 30 days is fast approaching, and once that mark hits they're no longer liable to care at all about my issues, and I have a feeling that's just what will happen.
I'll try over the next two weeks to locate a replacement. Otherwise, I'll just have to cancel (and I feel bad for Sprint, as it's not really their fault).

I understand all that, but where in the contract does it say the 30 days is waved from such circumstances?
Where does it say after 30 days I will still be eligible to trade for a new phone?
You both seem to be missing my point, the contract says 30 days if you have issues or want to cancel, it doesn't mention circumstances such as this.
What makes you think they wont give someone bull**** about the 30 day policy?
I've been ****ed over at least once by every phone provider I've had, I don't put anything past them.

return phone and port out within 30 days, wait for EVO stock to come back in, port back in. You also got free service for the days you were with Sprint anyway so who cares.

themyst said:
return phone and port out within 30 days, wait for EVO stock to come back in, port back in. You also got free service for the days you were with Sprint anyway so who cares.
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Does it effect credit score?

roybotnik said:
You android users are ****ing pathetic. You think everyone should have to hack their phone and superglue the screen on after paying $200 for it. I can see why the poster is pissed. HE BOUGHT SOMETHING AND ITS ALREADY FALLING APART. You have to sign up for a 2 year contract to get this thing and it falls apart in the first few weeks?
If the poor quality of the phone doesn't make everyone return it, then I'm sure the android fanboys telling everyone to 'suck it up' will. This type of stuff is the reason android will never be taken seriously.
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This is not even close to accurate in so many ways. First of all, he isn't complaining that he doesn't like the phone, he's complaining that he has a defective one and they don't have one in stock immediately to replace it.
Second, I guess you should tell that same horrible argument to the iphone, blackberry, porsche, ferrari, lambo, etc. owners that buy their high priced items only to find out there is a problem of some kind. There will ALWAYS be problems. That's why we have warranties and replacements, you just gotta be a little patient sometimes. This whole I WANT IT RIGHT NOW OR I'M GONNA RAISE HOLY HELL attitude is why companies have stopped caring if they fix things or not, there will always be nitwits and numbskulls who complain even if theirs is the only one to ever have an issue. "It's junk, take it back, don't get one, mine failed!" get real, grow up, and go back to apple land so steve jobs can control everything you do.

swatpup102 said:
This is not even close to accurate in so many ways. First of all, he isn't complaining that he doesn't like the phone, he's complaining that he has a defective one and they don't have one in stock immediately to replace it.
Second, I guess you should tell that same horrible argument to the iphone, blackberry, porsche, ferrari, lambo, etc. owners that buy their high priced items only to find out there is a problem of some kind. There will ALWAYS be problems. That's why we have warranties and replacements, you just gotta be a little patient sometimes. This whole I WANT IT RIGHT NOW OR I'M GONNA RAISE HOLY HELL attitude is why companies have stopped caring if they fix things or not, there will always be nitwits and numbskulls who complain even if theirs is the only one to ever have an issue. "It's junk, take it back, don't get one, mine failed!" get real, grow up, and go back to apple land so steve jobs can control everything you do.
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Read the post edit, maybe it will clear things up for your ignorant mind!

Neotelos_com said:
I understand all that, but where in the contract does it say the 30 days is waved from such circumstances?
Where does it say after 30 days I will still be eligible to trade for a new phone?
You both seem to be missing my point, the contract says 30 days if you have issues or want to cancel, it doesn't mention circumstances such as this.
What makes you think they wont give someone bull**** about the 30 day policy?
I've been ****ed over at least once by every phone provider I've had, I don't put anything past them.
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The thing is, if you are paying for your insurance plan, they will cover it as long sa you have the phone and replace it 100 times if they have to or upgrade you to the next model up. It's a feature sprint is great with and will go out of their way to help you with. If your phone can't be fixed by simple methods in the store, you get a new one. Problem is, at the moment, there aren't any left in stock, so you may have to wait a little bit to get one. If you like the phone except for the hardware trouble, don't sweat it, they'll give you a new one as long as you own in and as long as you have the insurance plan for 7 a month. If you don't, then add it before 30 days and don't worry about your phone ever being defective.

roybotnik said:
U mad?
It's a ****ing phone. I can see why the poster would be pissed. His device (and SO MANY others) failed almost immediately after buying it and now he has no replacement.
It really doesn't matter what you think - in the end it's a horrible business decision by Sprint. They give people the option to cancel in thirty days, then sell people a phone that breaks in 2 weeks. I think the expectation of having it last longer is not extraordinary.
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That has 0 to do with sprint though, this will be HTC's problem. I'm not mad at all, I'm dumbfounded by the ignorance of people that are posting on some of these issues. Anything you buy could have trouble, if the company that sells it to you is willing to stand behind it and replace it for nothing, why sweat it? It's not like they are saying you're screwed haha you have to pay to fix with ti or live with it broke, they'll fix it for him free of charge, they just have to have one in first.
How in the world this justifies a post of how horrible sprint is and how they are stiffing their pre order customers I have no idea, how can you replace a defective item if you have nothing to replace it with?

swatpup102 said:
You have got to be kidding me with this post right? I guess you assume the magic phone maker ferry is going to make YOU a phone just so YOU can be happy, but everyone else has to wait until they get re stocked because they sold out of all their phones.
Please, just cancel it already, people like this ruin it for the rest of us. How can you not understand that being back ordered means NO ONE is getting new ones right now, they can't just make it appear out of nowhere. Yikes.
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either u HELP the OP or just go else where.if u dont have anything good to say jus dont say anything at all,just leave the thread.

GHOST99K said:
either u HELP the OP or just go else where.if u dont have anything good to say jus dont say anything at all,just leave the thread.
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That's pretty uppity to say, considering the OP was worthless in making the post to begin with and flat out wrong in saying sprint won't help their customers. I am def trying to help him, by showing that sprint will fix it as soon as possible and for free, but some people just don't get it.....

The issue imo is people come in with both guns blazing acting like add holes and wonder why it rubs people the wrong way.

swatpup102 said:
That's pretty uppity to say, considering the OP was worthless in making the post to begin with and flat out wrong in saying sprint won't help their customers. I am def trying to help him, by showing that sprint will fix it as soon as possible and for free, but some people just don't get it.....
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You didn't say that even once and nor did Sprint.
I bought a new phone, I want a NEW replacement...that's all I don't care if I have to wait a month as long as I get what I should very well be entitled to (and the current phone doesn't die completely during that month)!
EDIT: Come to think of it you're changing your attitude drastically after seeing other feedback, it disgusts me, you want to put others down and can't take the heat in return.

Neotelos_com said:
You didn't say that even once and nor did Sprint.
I bought a new phone, I want a NEW replacement...that's all I don't care if I have to wait a month as long as I get what I should very well be entitled to (and the current phone doesn't die completely during that month)!
EDIT: Come to think of it you're changing your attitude drastically after seeing other feedback, it disgusts me, you want to put others down and can't take the heat in return.
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Say what?? Tell me, can you do a google search? Can you see sprints insurance policy? Better yet, can you make it to a sprint store and talk to a rep? They will tell you, if the phone is defective and you have insurance on it, they will replace it for you. If it's something you caused, such as losing it or absolutely destroying it, you pay a deductible and then get the phone replace. Obviously you've never been with sprint before, because not only do they stand behind this policy, they do it with 99% of the time no trouble. A quick trip to sprints site and google will verify this.
The attitude towards this issue hasn't changed at all, I simply don't get why someone would state in a thread that sprint is stiffing pre order customers. How can you possibly replace the first run defective issues if you DON'T HAVE ONE TO REPLACE IT WITH. When they come in, you'll get one, it's really not that complicated.

Look guys just my opinion. Don't like it tough.
People that have been doing this awhile know two things:
BuY from a private sprint store and you can run into trouble
Buy from retailer x and if it breaks you can't expect retailer y to fix it
So we act like cheap ****s and buy from retailers that don't have the rebate and we end up being stuck with said retailer should something happen. You can always send your device in to htc for repairs.
if it were me I'd return it, and buy from a sprint corporate store and let it be lesson learned. When you buy **** from third parties and it doesn't work out there can be issues. Sprint can't tell if that device came from ebay, bb or shack. I don't se how they are responsible for fixing what you retailer should fix.
If you want sprint to fix it, buy it from them.
Sprint doesn't make the device so before you start comparing apples and oranges think about it.

swatpup102 said:
How can you possibly replace the first run defective issues if you DON'T HAVE ONE TO REPLACE IT WITH. When they come in, you'll get one, it's really not that complicated.
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I shouldn't have to have an insurance plan to replace a defective phone that's entitled to be replaced in the first place.
I may end up adding it, but it's ridiculous I should even need it for this particular instance!

Aridon said:
Look guys just my I opinion. Don't like it tough.
People that have been doing this awhile know two things:
BuY from a private sprint store and you can run into trouble
Buy from retailer x and if it breaks you can't expect retailer y to fix it
So we act like cheap ****s and buy from retailers that don't have the rebate and we end up being stuck with said retailer should something happen. You can always send your device in to htc for repairs.
I itf were me I'd return it, and but from a sprint corporate store and let it be lesson learned. When you buy **** from third parties and it doesn't work out there can be issues. Sprint can't tell if that device came from ebay, bb or shack. I don't se how they are responsible for fixing what you retailer should fix.
If you want sprint to fix it, buy it from them.
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Sprint retails to them, what the hell do you mean they can't tell where it came from!?
They register the device right in the store on contract, Sprint pays them a spiff...

Neotelos_com said:
I shouldn't have to have an insurance plan to replace a defective phone that's entitled to be replaced in the first place.
I may end up adding it, but it's ridiculous I should even need it for this particular instance!
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That's such a horrible mindset though. you're telling me you should be able to buy a defective computer, or car, or whatever, and with no insurance plan be able to just have it replaced whenever you want?
If you don't want the $7 sprint insurance, yet another quick search would show you that HTC has a 1 year warranty on the phone. you can send it back to HTC, and they'll send you a new one when it comes in stock. Or, you cna do what most people have figured out, and for $7 for the life time of the phone, take it to the local sprint store and get a new one for free. You think you can buy a laptop with no extended plan from the place you bought it and have them replace it for free if it's defective? You have to send it to the manufacturer to do so, same as this HTC phone. Or, add the insurance, and never worry about it no matter what.
I just don't see why this is so complicated! Go ahead and send it back to HTC if you don't want to spend the extra 7 a month, you can do that if you want, just be prepared to be without one for a few weeks, just like any other product that has this happen....
To me, you sound like the type that would go to a car dealer and buy a car, and if it has an issue after the first month or so you DEMAND a new car RIGHT AWAY instead of letting the dealer at least have a chance to look at it and see if it's something that can be fixed without much trouble. I can't stand those kind of people.

30 day return policy...

I bought my Evo at the shack. And I to am having screen separation. There are no phones in stock any where. So my dilemma is how do we get replacements if there are no phones at all in radio shacks inventory. I was thinking I should cancel out my line under the 30 worry free. Then restart my lineagain when they do comein stock again. Does anyone know if the shack will extend their 30 day policy??? And will anyone else be returning their phones until the stores have them in stock?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Last I read someone said that a sprint rep at their 1800 number said that if the new, fixed evos weren't in within the 30 days, they would still let you exchange them. By no means an offical word and I'm unsure about the shack, but I'm in the same boat. Bought 3 on launch day from sprint.com, all have the screen sep problem and mine has a half blown speaker (front call one). They said to call up when sprint.com showed they had some in stock, but I've been checking several times a day and never seen that they had any in stock...

I would like to know this as well. Its coming up on the 30 day here soon enough and RadioShacks stock seems to be out all the time. I'll have to call Sprint and see whats up.

so what's our best option guys? cancel the contract and return the phone and start a new account when they have them on stock, or just wait, and get it replaced when its available and continue our 2year contract?

Yes you could exchange it back and tell them the problem if your 30 days almost over you have to sign a paper and give them your number so they know that you are waiting for a replacement and they will call you when they are in stock

GadgetViews said:
so what's our best option guys? cancel the contract and return the phone and start a new account when they have them on stock, or just wait, and get it replaced when its available and continue our 2year contract?
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I say we all call sprint and say we're canceling (which is a much better head ache for them), or they let us replace our bad units with new units after the 30 days, since obviously they haven't had any in stock and won't put me on a waiting list.

I called my local radio shack today, and they were aware of the screen seperation issue. The girl I spoke with was very polite, and took my name and number. She said they would call me when they receive stock, and the exchange would be no issue.

same issue here...I have called sprint and shack about a week ago to see what I could do..
Sprint said go back to shack and return it..as long as that I am reporting it BEFORE the 30 days I should be good whenever they are back in stock..she said she will make a note on my acct so everyone who looks up my sprint # will see it and she even offered up her emp ID# free of will (with out me asking for it), so she sounded like she knew what she was talking about
Called shack told them what sprint said and spoke to the mgr. They took my name down and # and said they will call me when they get them in and I can call them tues-thrus to check bc thats when they get their shipments...they also offered looking up other stores to see if they have any...
my screen lifting wasnt to bad in the beginning I just wanted a new one just in case but I gotta tell you guys it does get worst over time...when I push the home button I can "feel" the screen go back down...almost feels like a black berry storm ....
heres another thought though...no where on the box does it say 002 or 003...so you wont know what you get, till you get it...either way...we are all still under HTC warranty so but i cant imagine it being any easier getting a replacement from them.. but I think my shack store will do the right thing...or im calling their DM

Hrshycro said:
I say we all call sprint and say we're canceling (which is a much better head ache for them), or they let us replace our bad units with new units after the 30 days, since obviously they haven't had any in stock and won't put me on a waiting list.
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call customer service, that what i did, i complained that i went to 4 sprint stores to exchange my defective evo.but all of them are out of stock (which inst true, i just called them and ask if they have any evo in stock, all said no) so then i called customer service again telling that them i've drove to 4 sprint stores and all of them not having nything in stock, and of course they said sorry blah blah. so then i asked what if the evo were on stock again right.after my 30 day period.is up, they said oh don't worry about that ser, will waived that for you therefore if ur 30 day period is up we can still exchange ur defective Eco free of charge. Then I ended up talking to the customer service supervisor, probably because I called them 3 times already with the same issue hahaha, anyway she said were very sorry that all our evo are out of stock and then she said she will checked other Sprint stores (near my workplace) that I haven't been too and asked if they have any evo available and of course same answer "no evo here", then she asked if she can call me back so she can call other sprint stores (near my house) and see if they have it, then I said okay.....maybe less than an hour she called back...... saying that she called all the Sprint stores near my house and near my workplace and have them place my name on their waiting list, she even said to put me as a priority haha, anyways then she told me just wait for their call (from the Sprint stores) and check Sprint.com also if they have the evo available again, therefore they can just send me my evo if my local Sprint store still doesn't have it available

I called RS and talked to the manager. He said he would call when they got EVOs in stock. He told me not to worry about the 30 days since the phone is out of stock. He was cool about it. I told him about the problems they are having and I wanted one that is fixed not a 0002 or 0003. He understood and said no problem. My suggestion is to call the store and talk to the manager and tell him what's up. Tell him you want a newer version that has been fixed. You dont want to get stuck with a defective device after 30 days.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

so is the 30fps cap considered manufacturer defect and eligible for a exchange on the 30 days policy?

tommy96814 said:
so is the 30fps cap considered manufacturer defect and eligible for a exchange on the 30 days policy?
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No only screen separation buddy, the 30 fps cap, will be fixed over an ota update, probably next week according to engadget

I was wondering the same EXACT thing! I've been given vague, nonchalant responses that were giving me the feeling they were purposely holding off until my warranty expires so they don't lose out on a phone to sell instead of swapping one out. My plan was to just call customer service and make SURE the manager of RS took note of it. I see other people did that as well, so it should work. Just make sure 100% that they took note of your issue so they don't catch amnesia when the time comes.

GadgetViews said:
No only screen separation buddy, the 30 fps cap, will be fixed over an ota update, probably next week according to engadget
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Whoa whoa whoa, the fix coming next week is not for the 30 fps cap. It's for the touchscreen responsiveness and WiFi reception I believe.

eagle63 said:
Whoa whoa whoa, the fix coming next week is not for the 30 fps cap. It's for the touchscreen responsiveness and WiFi reception I believe.
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Oops my bad, but I read somewhere that the 30fps issue can be fixed by a software update , who knows......

I actually was in the same situation. A bit complicated for me.but hopefully it goes smoother for you.
Went to radio shack, the shift manager said he couldn't do anything and that I had to call sprint.
I call Sprint they said I have to go to place I bought the phone from no exceptions. And that if I order the exchange.before my 30 days and don't get it till after the 30 I won't get.charged.
Back to the shack, hoping to speak to store manager since shift manager wasn't helping and I know the manager from when I bought my phone. Called earlier and.shift manager said manager would be there til 6. I come in at 530 and he tells me the manager left and again says he can't do anything and on top of that, he said that they don't do exchanges off the bat because they "aren't Sprint." I was extremely upset and ended.up calling the district office.
I left a voicemail and in the mean time called Sprint and asked for account services (which was management level) who right away suggested I threaten to cancel so they lose commissions but only as last resort. Also that unless its in writing I shouldn't assume ill get the phone without charge after 30 days like the first level of support. At this point I was extremely happy with Sprints response.
I got a call back from a lady (from district office) who within LITERALLY 2 minutes said I will be getting a phone within 7-10 days and I would be getting a call from the radio shack I went to. She didn't even ask for an explanation because of my voicemail complaint. She also said she would submit a complaint right away to the district manager about the incompetence of the shift manager. Regarding my call back I requested the store manager to call to avoid any more problems so that's all I'm waiting on hopefully tomorrow that happens.
That's the current story of my life! Sorry this is messy I'm still getting used to this keyboard!
If you want more detail about a specific event ill be happy to answer. I recommend calling district the moment the radio shack stores say they can't do anything or don't attempt to do anything.
Hope this helps!
-Rip
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

My screen can be unresponsive if the device is laid down. That is my reasoning for exchanging the device IF it is fixed in future devices and not via OTA. I just want to be prepared if the update doesn't fix the problem. If it does then I may do nothing. Just didn't want to wait till day 31 to call RS.
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If you call your sprint store and tell them you want to start a new account, all the sudden they will have one. I tried with multiple stores. Its pretty ****ty, they won't exchange defective ones before selling more. Its all about the bottom line not people.

Same here plus some flickering and light leakage. My need to exchange is just to be safe newer batches may have some fixed hardware but that's not guarantees either. I guess doing it for peace of mind.
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adelaney said:
If you call your sprint store and tell them you want to start a new account, all the sudden they will have one. I tried with multiple stores. Its pretty ****ty, they won't exchange defective ones before selling more. Its all about the bottom line not people.
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I think the best way to know if they have it ,is to ASK them if they have any evo's available right away as soon as they answer your call, if they ask if are a new customer or a customer that wants to return ur defective evo, tell them "answer my question first"

How to Get a Vibrant for $350: The Hard Way

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOST, I ACCIDENTALLY POSTED IT IN THE WRONG AREA, sorry.
Hello everyone,
I have one hell of a story to tell about one boy, two phones (the htc hd2 and the samsung vibrant), and one freakin' committed customer service team (T-Mobile's). OK, so I'll begin my story of how I ended up with a brand-new Vibrant for essentially 350 bucks. Bear with me here, it's a bit long. So, I originally purchased an htc hd2 way back in mid-June for 300 bucks on Craigslist. The phone ended up being defective because of a hardware issue, and because it happened to be under the "buyer's remorse" period, at least the way T-Mobile saw it, I was able to return it by mail for a brand new one for free. I was surprised when I called to learn that T-Mobile didn't require a single piece of information to verify that I was the original owner of the phone, all they saw was that an htc hd2 had magically been activated on such and such a date. So, I returned that hd2 and recieved a new one in a couple of days, which ended up being just as buggy as the last one, so I decided to abandon the hd2 altogether in exchange for the Samsung Vibrant. I called T-Mobile customer service today to setup the exchange for the vibrant, which would cost me 50 bucks since the hd2 cost 450 and the vibrant costs 500, and I was FINALLY told that they had no record of me ever buying an hd2 (I wonder why, lol). I then explained to them that I wasn't the original owner of the phone and that I had bought it from the original owner, but that the phone had been purchased only a few days before they sold it to me. They told me at first that I would have contact the original owner and get the 450 bucks credited back to there account. The only problem was that I had no way of contacting the original owner, and that they had switched carriers almost immediately after purchasing the hd2. After about four hours, and many many phone calls later, I called t-mobile one last time to explain my situation, keep in mind that I was totally honest the entire time, I reached a very nice customer service rep, and after explaining what had happened to me, and after speaking to her supervisor for over ten minutes, she told me that even though they almost never do this, that they would "take my word for it" and send the vibrant, no questions asked, for basically 50 bucks. I was over the moon considering that less than 5 minutes ago I had thought that I had thrown away 300 dollars. I would like to give some major props to T-Mobile's customer support, never in a million years would I have expected a customer service team work so hard to keep a a customer happy. Talk about going the distance. Well, that's my story. Tell me what you think, and what your experiences with them have been like.
Peace, bobofosho12

WOW.. but Yes.. I think they have the best... that's a steel for 50 $ wow..
HTC is nice too.. i ordered parts for my nexus i was going to purchase them and they didn't allow me to pay.. lol.. they just said they will mail it and that included a second pouch/battery/ battery cover and headphones.. I could not believe it.. but I am glad I am with T-mo and own a HTC device.

amen brotha'. Although I'm actually gonna sell the vibrant once I get it on ebay, and then just buy a cheap used nexus one. Maybe, but i'm not totally decided yet.

Tmobile paid off my 280 in payments on an old Cliq I had. Basically because I purchsed it 6 months ago saw a great replacement in the Vibrant . Squeaky wheel is the way to go with T -mobile but you need to be calm cool and nice

That's why I came back to them. Was with them for 5 years before switching to AT&T because of my daughters bugging me for the iphone. I went back to Tmobile because of their incredible customer service, never experienced anything like it before. Kudos to T-mobile.
AT&T customer service sucks big big time! Congrats on your new Vibrant!

This is almost exactly what happened to me! T mobile customer service is damn good! I did threaten to switch carriers though, and they came through to keep me as a customer. I wasn't eligible for an upgrade, but once I threatened to go to sprint and get the epic they let me have my vibrant for $200!

musky said:
This is almost exactly what happened to me! T mobile customer service is damn good! I did threaten to switch carriers though, and they came through to keep me as a customer. I wasn't eligible for an upgrade, but once I threatened to go to sprint and get the epic they let me have my vibrant for $200!
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I assume with a contract extension yes?

bobofosho123 said:
NOTE: THIS IS A REPOST, I ACCIDENTALLY POSTED IT IN THE WRONG AREA, sorry.
Hello everyone,
I have one hell of a story to tell about one boy, two phones (the htc hd2 and the samsung vibrant), and one freakin' committed customer service team (T-Mobile's). OK, so I'll begin my story of how I ended up with a brand-new Vibrant for essentially 350 bucks. Bear with me here, it's a bit long. So, I originally purchased an htc hd2 way back in mid-June for 300 bucks on Craigslist. The phone ended up being defective because of a hardware issue, and because it happened to be under the "buyer's remorse" period, at least the way T-Mobile saw it, I was able to return it by mail for a brand new one for free. I was surprised when I called to learn that T-Mobile didn't require a single piece of information to verify that I was the original owner of the phone, all they saw was that an htc hd2 had magically been activated on such and such a date. So, I returned that hd2 and recieved a new one in a couple of days, which ended up being just as buggy as the last one, so I decided to abandon the hd2 altogether in exchange for the Samsung Vibrant. I called T-Mobile customer service today to setup the exchange for the vibrant, which would cost me 50 bucks since the hd2 cost 450 and the vibrant costs 500, and I was FINALLY told that they had no record of me ever buying an hd2 (I wonder why, lol). I then explained to them that I wasn't the original owner of the phone and that I had bought it from the original owner, but that the phone had been purchased only a few days before they sold it to me. They told me at first that I would have contact the original owner and get the 450 bucks credited back to there account. The only problem was that I had no way of contacting the original owner, and that they had switched carriers almost immediately after purchasing the hd2. After about four hours, and many many phone calls later, I called t-mobile one last time to explain my situation, keep in mind that I was totally honest the entire time, I reached a very nice customer service rep, and after explaining what had happened to me, and after speaking to her supervisor for over ten minutes, she told me that even though they almost never do this, that they would "take my word for it" and send the vibrant, no questions asked, for basically 50 bucks. I was over the moon considering that less than 5 minutes ago I had thought that I had thrown away 300 dollars. I would like to give some major props to T-Mobile's customer support, never in a million years would I have expected a customer service team work so hard to keep a a customer happy. Talk about going the distance. Well, that's my story. Tell me what you think, and what your experiences with them have been like.
Peace, bobofosho12
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Kudos! Thanks for sharing...that's awesome.
Yea the HD2 is death ain't it? Damn windows...what were they thinking?

This gives me some hope. I have been jacked around by Tmobile for over a week now. One of their stores screwed me over with the G1. They gave me a $50 break on the phone, and extended my contract for 2 years because of that $50. I had NO clue that is what they were doing. Once I found out, I was pissed. The CSR put in their system that I could upgrade at normal extension costs at any time. So, just after the Vibrant came out, I went to take them up on that. The problem, is how it is done in the system, I could only get the discount rate through Tmobile, not through a 3rd party store. I tried to get the Vibrant + accessories at Costco for $99. Since then, I have been completely jacked around by customer service. I finally got my FIRST CALL back yesterday... while I was using the restroom. They said they would call back today. Thus far, my experience is pretty poor.

This gives me some hope. I have been jacked around by Tmobile for over a week now. One of their stores screwed me over with the G1. They gave me a $50 break on the phone, and extended my contract for 2 years because of that $50. I had NO clue that is what they were doing. Once I found out, I was pissed. The CSR put in their system that I could upgrade at normal extension costs at any time. So, just after the Vibrant came out, I went to take them up on that. The problem, is how it is done in the system, I could only get the discount rate through Tmobile, not through a 3rd party store. I tried to get the Vibrant + accessories at Costco for $99. Since then, I have been completely jacked around by customer service. I finally got my FIRST CALL back yesterday... while I was using the restroom. They said they would call back today. Thus far, my experience is pretty poor.
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Sorry to hear that man, this is the only advice i can offer you, be nice and remember that that person on the other end, who may just seem like an annoying voice, is a real person who is probably having a much harder day than you are (I can't imagine being a customer service rep). If you're nice but VERY persistent you can generally get what you want, and remember it me like four hours to get this **** shorted for me. I had to explain it to like five different people, and only upon getting to a VERY KIND service rep did I finally get a good solution to my problem.

iunlock said:
Kudos! Thanks for sharing...that's awesome.
Yea the HD2 is death ain't it? Damn windows...what were they thinking?
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Yeah thanks man, and by the way, even though windows mobile is a ****ty OS, it's actually pretty stable, it's actually the sense UI that makes the HD2 so damn unstable, even after the "official" update that was supposed to correct the problems. Just turn off sense and the phone works fine, it's just ugly as hell to use.

I need some guidance with best buy woes...

Ok, so I was told that if I bought the best buy insurance that they would replace my phone on the spot no questions asked.
Well... my phone broke (usb is not recognized by any computer, so I think the processor is f*ed).
I took the phone to best buy and they they told me they had to send it in for repair. I was pissed. I then had to pay $150 for a loaner phone, not even an evo phone.
25 days later the phone comes back. They phone is still not fixed.
Now I am livid at this point. The manager is gone from the store so I am dealing with the peons. They said they called the manager and they want to send it in again for repair.
I told them that I followed the process / procedure and it did not work. I asked for them to replace it and they will not.
I told them I know they have power to overide things and replace the phone.
They still will not do so.
I NEED HELP. What do I do? Does anyone have anyone I can contact?
God, this pisses me off. Thank in advance for the help.

Ill tell you this....i had the same deal. Best buy told me the same ****, so I went to the sprint store and after looking at it they told me I would receive a refurbished one in the mail. Cool....its better than paying a deposit especially since I don't have TEP. Now....
3 days ago my usb port went all shaky on me. Took it to the sprint store again still without TEP. This time they replaced it with a brand new one even though it had that new camera (another story). Forget best buy. Manufacture warrantys can protect you.
Two things to take from this....best buys insurance sucks and the sprint store is a good option even without tep. Im waiting on open enrollment for TEP now because I done believe the third time will be a charm. Hopes this helps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Welcome to Best Buy's crap warranties. Same thing happened with my Droid. The Mic went dead, they sent it out for 2 weeks, came back with the "Speaker" replaced. The Mic still didn't work. Sent out again, took 4 weeks to finally fix the Mic. I got tired of waiting and got my Evo. The Mobile manager would do nothing. Said you have to wait for 4 failed repairs to get a replacement. I reported them to the state attorney generals office. Get the word out to everyone not to buy these **** plans. I wouldn't take one of these plans for free at this point.

david279 said:
Ill tell you this....i had the same deal. Best buy told me the same ****, so I went to the sprint store and after looking at it they told me I would receive a refurbished one in the mail. Cool....its better than paying a deposit especially since I don't have TEP. Now....
3 days ago my usb port went all shaky on me. Took it to the sprint store again still without TEP. This time they replaced it with a brand new one even though it had that new camera (another story). Forget best buy. Manufacture warrantys can protect you.
Two things to take from this....best buys insurance sucks and the sprint store is a good option even without tep. Im waiting on open enrollment for TEP now because I done believe the third time will be a charm. Hopes this helps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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Do you happen to know if this was a corporate sprint store, or a franchise sprint store like 'mobile lifestyle' that just deals sprint? I've not heard of a franchise store doing anything like that, but if one did I'd like to know. Maybe it just depends on the franchise, too.
In any case, yes - it's usually better to take problems like that to the corporate stores. Extended warranties from the likes of Best Buy and Radioshack are seldom worth it on phones (tvs and other electronics are another story, though).

It was a regular sprint store with in house techs to work on phones.

I have my brother's Evo on my account with mine and it's at BB for it's second try at fixing the boot loop. I told him he should have just paid the $35 at the Sprint store for a new one. I'll be cancelling that coverage at Best Buy and seeing if I can switch to the TEP at Sprint.

Awsome, I took your advice and went to the sprint store.
I paid $35 and got a new phone, no questions asked.
A small price for me to pay for making a bad decision at best buy.
Never will shop there again.

Good job man!!!!
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Last time I shopped at Best Buy they pulled that magazine scam on me. I started realizing that every month I would have a charge on my bank account about some magazine but never had the time to check on it. A year later I took the time and realized it was Best Buy who signed me up for it when I had paid for my purchase with my card.
If you google Best Buy scams you'll find a lot of horror stories with warranties and magazine scams.

I worked at Best buy for a long time part time. They (Sales Reps) mis-represent the warranty ALL THE TIME. It works the way its supposed to (according to the pamphlet no one reads), but not the way they present it.......("If it breaks we replace"). I've been screamed on too many times to count.
Nothing you can do until the General Manager comes back or if you deal with a Assistant store manager with some balls. Good luck

Go back to Best Buy with a friend and pretend to buy a phone, when they try to sell you on the best buy insurance video tape it and then you have proof that they lied about their insurance plan and force them to replace your phone.

Apex i ITR said:
I worked at Best buy for a long time part time. They (Sales Reps) mis-represent the warranty ALL THE TIME. It works the way its supposed to (according to the pamphlet no one reads), but not the way they present it.......("If it breaks we replace"). I've been screamed on too many times to count.
Nothing you can do until the General Manager comes back or if you deal with a Assistant store manager with some balls. Good luck
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Yep... even though they do not work in commission they still have a hard time explaining to leadership why the service plan does not sell, and then when it sells its all based on lies.
to OP: the reason why they won't just exchange the phone on the spot its because it hits its revenue: you see, when the phone is authorized for exchange by the service center, the insurance company that backs up the plan refunds the retail price of the phone to the department but when they do it 'on the spot' basically the department has to eat 100% of the retail cost because they cannot send the phone for repairs (even if under warranty) and for the new phone that you are getting. The store might sent the phone back to the manufacturer but the store wont get full credit for the retail price on the device.
The best thing you can do is either locate the original associate that helped you and request the manager from the department or even the store manager and confront the associate in front of the manager OR call customer relations and see if they can help you as they can force the hand of the store manager and allow you to get a new device.

cruise350 said:
Go back to Best Buy with a friend and pretend to buy a phone, when they try to sell you on the best buy insurance video tape it and then you have proof that they lied about their insurance plan and force them to replace your phone.
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Hell, I would do that but instead of videotaping it I would just wait for the associate to say that they replace it on the spot and then whip out my busted EVO and say "OK then buddy, replace my busted EVO".

My phone stopped reading the SD card and charging. I have a wall charger for batteries thank god. Took 19 days for them to say yes your phone is broke and you can have a new one. This completed my warranty so I have opt back into the BB warrant again. I said not now. They asked me a total of three times.
The first phone call I made was to Sprint to get their insurance.
....scam me once.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Now that you got a repair from Sprint, cancel your black tie "protection" and get the TEP. Costs $2 less per month and it's a much better plan. That's what I just had to do with my Evo to get a replacement screen because the touch sensor was all screwed up and it had a white spot in the middle of it.
Best Buy manager wouldn't do anything, so I had him call and cancel for me and told him I'd be getting Sprint's plan. Maybe I'll even blog about it.
Sent from my phone with the geebees

afazel said:
Now that you got a repair from Sprint, cancel your black tie "protection" and get the TEP. Costs $2 less per month and it's a much better plan. That's what I just had to do with my Evo to get a replacement screen because the touch sensor was all screwed up and it had a white spot in the middle of it.
Best Buy manager wouldn't do anything, so I had him call and cancel for me and told him I'd be getting Sprint's plan. Maybe I'll even blog about it.
Sent from my phone with the geebees
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Please blog about it, Best Buy is pretty evil and I see way too many people get f'ed over by their scams.

You'd be surprised how many times the customer service number will over ride the store.
Best buy isn't evil. Actually on the outside looking in and on the inside looking out I can honestly say for such a large chain they are pretty decent. Its hard to satisfy everyone. What gets everyone riled up is the way the service plan is sold and the unwillingness to help (in some cases) after its put to the test.
I've also seen customers try to scam the system as well so it goes both ways.
If you know what you are getting into and don't listen to the sales people that are put under TREMENDOUS pressure to sell the service plans (More important then the prduct itself). Then there are no surprises.

Ok well I have best buy insurance. Havent had a problem yet. But wouldnt it be better to copy all your sd card on to the computer. Erase your sd card. Then drop it in the toilet. They cover water damage right? Then the'll be no way they can fix it and they have to give you a new one the same day right? Good idea??
Evo - Myn 2.2 RLS 3 - Clockwork - HBoot .76

r.storm85 said:
Ok well I have best buy insurance. Havent had a problem yet. But wouldnt it be better to copy all your sd card on to the computer. Erase your sd card. Then drop it in the toilet. They cover water damage right? Then the'll be no way they can fix it and they have to give you a new one the same day right? Good idea??
Evo - Myn 2.2 RLS 3 - Clockwork - HBoot .76
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Ummmm....last i checked they don't cover water damage only tep from sprint does

cruise350 said:
Go back to Best Buy with a friend and pretend to buy a phone, when they try to sell you on the best buy insurance video tape it and then you have proof that they lied about their insurance plan and force them to replace your phone.
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As much as they deserve this and i would love to do this too i think its considered black mail or coersion isn't it?

Who gets mad about having to get your first evo phone replaced by a refurb?

How many of you get pretty mad when you spent 400 to 250 on your evo and it was brand new outta the box and you babied it and then you had the light bleed or b spot effect on your screen 3 or 4 months later and when you take your phone in they swap it out calling it a new one thats a refurb kinda wish they give you a brand new one that had all the issues fixed dont you for the amount you paid for?
what do you guys think?

I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.

Papa Smurf151 said:
I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.
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nice i heard about that better deal then sprints

reaper24 said:
nice i heard about that better deal then sprints
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Much better. Plus with buy back bestbuy will give me like 40-50% of original($650) after a year when my upgrade comes up. Only bad thing is they don't replace phone if its list it stolen

not all ways true last phone i had they never replaced it just wanted to keep sending it out and have it fixed and handing me a pos loaner

my first evo started to restart randomly, first thing the sprint rep did was do a hard reset and format the sd. I had a feeling that would not fix it and in fact the problem only got worse. When I took my EVO back the second time, they ordered me a "new" phone. The next week I was able to go pick it up. Soon as i got home i noticed 4 b-spots 3 of them are horribly distracting. Im procrastinating going back to the store cuz i am tired of the run around every time i go in. One thing that is weird to me is that i supposedly have hardware version 4. shouldnt the b spots be fixed by now on this version?

therealjimshady said:
my first evo started to restart randomly, first thing the sprint rep did was do a hard reset and format the sd. I had a feeling that would not fix it and in fact the problem only got worse. When I took my EVO back the second time, they ordered me a "new" phone. The next week I was able to go pick it up. Soon as i got home i noticed 4 b-spots 3 of them are horribly distracting. Im procrastinating going back to the store cuz i am tired of the run around every time i go in. One thing that is weird to me is that i supposedly have hardware version 4. shouldnt the b spots be fixed by now on this version?
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Only Novatek screens exhibit the "b spots", and H/W 0004 has been using Novatek screens along with Epson. So some unlucky 0004 owners have the crappy LCD panels.

assurion
I bought my evo around christmas, I was in a bad accident feb 1st that thrashed my phone, I placed a order with assurion and it took them three weeks to get my phone because it was on" back order", so I assumed the phone was gonna be new but when I went to activate it on sprint.com in the description of the phone said "refurb unit" which means I waited three weeks for a refurbished phone paid a $100 insurance fee and the the phone came with a scratch out the box!!! thanks assurion

I'll order replacement parts and fix it myself, if possible.

it was brand new outta the box
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3 or 4 months later
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Keywords: WAS new, broke 3-4 MONTHS later.
Yes, I completely agree that it sucks getting a refurb. But the truth is, your phone is NOT NEW ANYMORE. It's 3-4 months old, making it USED. Sprint should NOT have to give you a brand new phone to replace your USED one.
That being said though, I have had a few bad refurb evo's. But, I just take it back to sprint store, or call CS. I explain that while I understand I will get a refurb, the phone should be in good physical and working condition, as my last phone was. Then they either give me another refurb, or a new model for the inconvenience.

I don't mind as long as it works and I've had no problems with mine. I too am normally nervous about refurbs, only because I've had bad - and numerous - refurb issues with electronics. But as long as it works I couldn't care less.
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If it works being the big word. I had Horrible luck with verizon refurbs...
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Papa Smurf151 said:
I buy my phones from bestbuy and use their insurance so if my phone messes up then they just replace it with brand new one. They don't use referbs. Just fyi for later buys. They also have buy back program. So basically when I upgrade next Jan they will be paying me for my next phone.
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I don't know what planet you're from but that's never the case with Best Buy. They will ALWAYS try to repair your phones which means sending it in for 2 weeks while you get stuck with a crappy loaner for the mean time. If it is not repairable, then they'll provide you with a new unit as long as they don't have something that has been returned to them in working condition.
Sprint will at least attempt to fix your phone on the spot so you're not wasting so much time and then send you a refurb (some times new devices).
I have recently had bad experiences with Sprints refurbs but kept exchanging it until I was 100% happy (3rd try) with no questions asked.
BTW, Best Buy's insurance is $10 a month, while Sprint's is $7 (30% less). Also, BB's insurance DOES NOT cover lost/stolen phones (not even if paying $100 deductible), Sprint does.
Done...

I talked to the manager at the sprint location I did my warranty swap at and told him I only wanted a new evo. Explained my side, waiting in line on opening day, etc., etc. and he agreed. So there are other ways....even at Sprint.
Sent on the go from my HTC EVO

He was nice, because he certainly doesn't have to.
Personally, I don't care if I'm the 5th owner of this phone as long as it is flawless cosmetically and functioning as it should.

akarol said:
He was nice, because he certainly doesn't have to.
Personally, I don't care if I'm the 5th owner of this phone as long as it is flawless cosmetically and functioning as it should.
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Likewise..
My last replacement was a refurb with a cracked case and a weird bright spot on the screen.
I called 15 minutes after opening the box and Asurion promptly sent me a brand new one.

I wanted a brand new one too and Asurion could not guarantee it. I got a refurb and often wonder if it has been better than my original would have been. I had my original 3 weeks and cracked the screen