In August I called Wireless MarketPlace (Inphonics) to inquire about a Nextel phone deal they were running. I was a current long time Nextel subscriber beyond my contract obligations (free to get a different contract with no penalty). I had good phones but the new, smaller phones would be nice. I told the sales rep that I was only interested in the deal if I could keep my current phone numbers - otherwise I'd just keep what I had. He enthusiastically informed me that I could get the deal and keep my old phone numbers and he further stated that I would have to call Nextel when the phones arrived to change the numbers. I called Nextel to confirm that they had no issues with this deal. Upon confirmation by both companies that my concerns were answered, I signed up for the offer.
The phones arrived and I called Nextel as the InPhonics rep had said to change the numbers - all is well at this point.
Six months later (Feb04), I received an email from Inphonics stating that their records indicated that I had cancelled my service (not true) and I owed them $150 for "equipment discount penalty". Customer service response to my calls were all along the line of "changing the number on the phone invalidates that contract". Three promises to have higher up managers call me back resulted in no calls. The companies basic position is that they are not responsible for what their sales people say to make a sale. Despite explaining that the only reason I took the deal was the assurance that I could use my old numbers without penalty, the company has stood their ground. The issue is now in their collections debt who "understand my frustration" but can do nothing about it.
I called the headquarters of the company in Washington, DC and talked to an assistant to the president who offered no assistance either ("we can't waive the charge").
I filled a complaint with the Better Business Bureau which by the way revolked InPhonics membership in February due to "failure to maintain the principles and standards required for membership." The BBB report goes further to say that InPhonics has appealed that ruling - Good Luck. Read the report for yourself:
In closing, I would never do business with a company whose BBB membership has been revoked. Unfortunely, my business with InPhonic began before the revocation.
Brian
Chesapeake, Virginia
U.S.A.
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