Cricket Communication

Cricket at Pacific Center Court’s Denver team created a trouble ticket that did not end up processed as the rep said would happen. That is just as well, since I want to buy a phone *locally* anyway, not through the mail like the first problematic time. I do not like the surprise, however, of his saying one thing and another happening. Also now I do not know if my service will be turned off — I hope my service will *not* be turned off, since I want to buy a replacement phone locally and then transfer the phone number to that new hopefully-​working-​OK phone.
I had tried to get a particular feature on my phone to work correctly, including contacting Cricket Tech Support at least twice, and going to a local Cricket store twice. I decided that the phone might just be a «lemon» (since the feature works fine on the rep’s and a friend’s exact model and version (Galaxy S3 version 4.1.2) and decided to get a replacement with the same model. I was growing worried that I couldn’t get a replacement after the nearing 30 day trial. My journey at replacement attempt phase, in a nutshell:
* June 18, 2013 — Called the web/​phone sales people (1−800−274−2538) several times, got the notorious «no representatives are available; you can visit a local retail store for assistance.»
* June 18 cont’d — Went to Pacific Center Ct address, only to find a sign near the building (no sign on it) saying «LEAP/​Qualcomm.» Figured the building is some sort of corporate address, not a retail store, so I left.
* June 20, 2013 — To local Cricket store. They referred me to corporate Carlsbad or El Cajon. I chose Carlsbad.
* June 20 cont’d — Called Carlsbad, who said I needed to talk to the web sales people since I bought it by web/​phone, not at Carlsbad.
* June 20 cont’d — Called the web sales people again several times — still the recording.
* June 20 cont’d — Called business # on my credit card; no help; need to talk to web/​phone sales.
* June 20 cont’d — Went ahead and shipped the phone to Brightstar per the Returns directions. (There were no directions in the pkg slip re: replacements). Included a note saying I wanted a replacement either locally or by mail, and to reserve my phone # for the replacement.
* June 21, 2013 — Started Unilocaling, trying to find another phone # for hopeful talking with a Cricket rep who would confirm this will all work out.
* June 21 cont’d — Called the Pacific Center Ct address, reached a rep who called himself «Sid,» who said he would process a phone replacement. He also agreed to submit a credit for the $ 12.70 I spent the day before for shipping the phone back. He said to send the phone in, and I reminded him that I already did that the day earlier. He confirmed that I sent it to the right address. He said I would receive the replacement within 30 days. I complained about the possible 30 days, but went ahead, especially after he said I could call back and get a refund on the charges for the missed service days. He kept leaving the phone to confirm that he was doing things correctly.
* June 22, 2013 — Today I got a «ServiceNow» e-​mail saying that my having sent the phone a day earler than arranging for the replacement will result in a refund and that Cricket cannot «intervene» by sending a replacement phone.
Now I don’t know what will happen as far as how I can get a replacement and simply transfer my old phone number. Maybe since I still am paying for service, Cricket will reserve the phone number until I buy a replacement locally — which will cost me more $ than originally (phone now not discounted as much) but perhaps will spare me the speak-​with-​the-​web-​people hassle.
Cricket should add a simple statement to the Returns section on their packaging slip: For a replacement: Call for a trouble ticket that must be enclosed with your return. Or have a general phone # that people can reach. You apparently need more phone lines or reps.

While folks are supporting T-​Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, yadi yadi yada. I have got to hold it down for Cricket. I’ve been on «bad credit» status for many many moons so there’s absolutely no way I can afford any of the above cellular services. One of my best friends had referred me to Cricket. He use to use their services when he used to live in Texas, said they’d been around for a minute, and that the packages they offered were pretty reasonable. So I was like,“man, why not?” Shot out to O’side and went of from there. They offer a few reasonable packages that ranges anywhere from $ 25 to $ 70 (insurance included in these quotes) a month. You get unlimited text, unlimited long distance within the U.S., unlimited internet access and unlimited phone calls which really, this is all you need right?! Add a few more bucks for international calls and roaming minutes.
They also have a decent variety of phones available and are always coming up with new models every month or so. All the extra accessories you need are available at Cricket stores (or Metro PCS) nationwide. They also offer monthly discounts on certain phones (different each month) and deals for first-​time buyers or even deals for current customers who’re trying to get a friend and/​or family member to invest in this service.
Here’s an eyeopener, compared to many pre-​paid cell carriers, Cricket offers a «premium extended coverage» plan that allow you to use their service in major cities across the nation WITHOUT having to use your roaming minutes (which you have to pay extra for). Cool thing is that for a few extra bucks, the «premium» plan offers 200 roaming minutes which you really don’t ever have to use. I was living in North County San Diego for a while, and at the time, Cricket was exlcusive to L.A. and San Diego ONLY (within the proximities of California, I’m not including the whole U.S.) By ’08, the came up with the «premium» plan. So when I moved to San Fran, I was still able to pay the same amount for my bill, still get the same service, and still take advantages of the many perks that came with it. =)
You also can opt for «Bridge Pay» which allows you to pay at least $ 20 bucks towards your next months bill if you’re going to be late for that payment. Essentially a week long extension until you can pay the rest so you still can have service!!! Gnarly, right?! No penalty fees man, what more can you ask for? (something I hate about regular, major carriers)
Some folks complain about text messages not reaching the recipient from Cricket phones or «missed calls» not showing up on a recipients phone but really, I can testify to that not happening so often. Even if it did, it shouldn’t be a nuisance, all you have to do is text or call again (a no brainer for all you lazy people smh).
Don’t expect the same service that you’d normally get from a major carrier. Be grateful that you have access to a service that doesn’t require a credit check during this recession. I’ve been a faithful customer since 2007 and can honestly say that they’ve never let me down. Be real about your expectations and screw the whole trend of «having to have the coolest cell phone/​service». C’mon man, quit following people, quit being so vain and be simple. It saves you money and it saves you headaches. =)