The salesperson at Alex’s local Sprint store really didn’t want to sell him an iPhone 4. That phone is old and stuff. Alex knew what he wanted to replace his broken phone: a free phone. Well, a subsidized upgrade with no out-of-pocket cost, anyway. He needed a new phone. He was broke. There was an upgrade on his account. He just wanted a working smartphone. So began the salesman’s campaign to get Alex to buy a Galaxy S III instead.

I went to my local Sprint store on 12/16 to upgrade my phone. My wife’s line had the upgrade, mine wasn’t until April, but since we were on the same bill, I could use hers since my phone was broken. I was approached by a rep who asked me what I was looking for, and I informed them that I was looking for the “cheapest, free-est phone” because I was broke, and really didn’t care about the phone I left with, so long as it worked.

The rep, [M], tells me that the iPhone 4 is free, so I said I’d take it. I was told to have a seat while the rep pulled up my information. The rep says “Are you sure you want the iPhone? It’s really a piece of shit.” I tell him yes, I’ve had iPhones in the past and I’ve done my homework about the possible phones I would be leaving with. Having been a Sprint customer for over 10 years, I feel I am pretty knowledgeable when it comes to what Sprint has to offer.

Apparently “yes” wasn’t good enough. He proceeded to tell me EVERY shortcoming this phone had: The battery life sucks, if I dropped it, I’d break it, it’s a little small compared to my last phone, etc. but the icing on the cake? “Your fingers are too fat for such a phone. You should get the Galaxy S III.”

Really? I replied “Okay [M], your nametag doesn’t say ‘Sprint Rep/Nutritionist’ so don’t tell me how I can’t use the phone because of my “fat” fingers.” Fed up with his attitude and tone of condescension, I walked out, no phone in hand. I’d rather have a broken phone than to have to put up with such a rude person.

Yeah, yeah, we get it: you have a quota of Galaxy S III phones to get out the door. Calling your customers[‘ fingers] fat isn’t going to increase overall sales numbers, though.

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