just asked to leave Verizon on 100th and Bridgeport.

[amlevin]

Or should I just leave it where it is and CC while I go in there?

Since it IS their Store, might not be a bad idea. The next step might be to actually ban ALL manner of carry.

 

[Metalhead47]

Since it IS their Store, might not be a bad idea. The next step might be to actually ban ALL manner of carry.

Or we can continue with our usual policy of polite and respectful assertiveness and perhaps convince the powers that be, or at least the store managers with immediate authority, that we're on their side and there's no reason to restrict us.

And myself, I would remind Verizon that they're making $2600+ a year off me, and I'd hate to have to take my business elsewhere...


Wait a sec, I thought you couldn't legally CC in MN?

 

[fire suppressor]

Having been with Verizon for many years and having been in the 2 stores in Federal Way many times while OC I have never personally had an issue. 2 Saturdays ago I had to upgrade my phone (Palm) to a new phone (iPhone). I went in and was greeted by 2 unarmed 3rd party security guards. I waited for my turn (about 5 minutes) and then was helped upgraded phone with no issues and no cost.

Out of all the places I have ever carried I can't say version has ever been one of them. I'm kinda stuck I've had Nextel, AT&T and now Verizon. By far Verizon gives me the best reception and the best deal with my company discount. Lets not forget what everyone is after, your money. Upgrading your phone means resigning your contract with guarantees them money. Do you think you're experience would have been different in any another circumstance?

 

[amlevin]

And myself, I would remind Verizon that they're making $2600+ a year off me, and I'd hate to have to take my business elsewhere...

A nice gesture but I don't think that they'd even notice. In 2008 Verizon took in a measly $50 billion. Most calculators won't even show the .0000052 percent of their revenue they might loose.

In the time it would take for you to explain why you would "take your business elsewhere" they would probably have another 100 people sign up for their service nationwide.

As they old saying goes (from AT&T days), "They don't care, they don't have to".

So much for boycotts.

 

[Metalhead47]

A nice gesture but I don't think that they'd even notice. In 2008 Verizon took in a measly $50 billion. Most calculators won't even show the .0000052 percent of their revenue they might loose.

In the time it would take for you to explain why you would "take your business elsewhere" they would probably have another 100 people sign up for their service nationwide.

As they old saying goes (from AT&T days), "They don't care, they don't have to".

So much for boycotts.

Businesses in general do not like loosing customers, especially very good customers who have been with them for a long time. Might not make a difference to the entire company's bottom line, but for that particular manager's bottom line, especially when pointed out to their superiors after the fact, it can. Other incidents in other threads have proven the effectiveness of the "I'm taking my business elsewhere" line.

 

[gogodawgs]

Out of all the places I have ever carried I can't say version has ever been one of them. I'm kinda stuck I've had Nextel, AT&T and now Verizon. By far Verizon gives me the best reception and the best deal with my company discount. Lets not forget what everyone is after, your money. Upgrading your phone means resigning your contract with guarantees them money. Do you think you're experience would have been different in any another circumstance?

No. I most likely carry myself in a very professional manner. I had my girlfriend with me. I had a shirt with a collar on. I do not stand out in any manner other than my firearm, which is a black gun in a black leather holster. I am a very good customer and have been for years. I am pretty unassuming and because of my behavior I garner respect. I am not saying that the OP or anyone else does not behave or that what you wear or how you carry is wrong, but they are decisions people make that can influence how you are perceived.

 

[amlevin]

Businesses in general do not like loosing customers, especially very good customers who have been with them for a long time. Might not make a difference to the entire company's bottom line, but for that particular manager's bottom line, especially when pointed out to their superiors after the fact, it can. Other incidents in other threads have proven the effectiveness of the "I'm taking my business elsewhere" line.

The manager may care, give you a good speech and a handshake, but in the end it won't matter. If "Corporate" wants it that way, that's the way it'll be.

As for going elsewhere, in the wireless business there's a chance that the company you left will end up buying the company you go to. If not the whole damn company, then just the part that services where you live.

Boycotting the corner market or a small family owned business may work. With huge corporations????? I used to work for one and I remember the conversations in the board room. Usually threats of "I'll take my business elsewhere" were met with chuckles and statements like "who does this guy think he is". Like I said, in the time it takes to make this threat to a manager, more people are standing in line somewhere to buy new service.

 

[Metalhead47]

You must have missed that post a few posts back that said corporate doesn't really care, it's the local managers who have discretion...?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[amlevin]

You must have missed that post a few posts back that said corporate doesn't really care, it's the local managers who have discretion...?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Who still do what "Corporate" tells them to do.

 

[xd shooter]

I'll post my e-mails from Corporate tomorrow.

Suffice to say, their policy IS, NO guns in a Verizon Store. They made that VERY clear.

 

[WinchesterModel12]

Or we can continue with our usual policy of polite and respectful assertiveness and perhaps convince the powers that be, or at least the store managers with immediate authority, that we're on their side and there's no reason to restrict us.

And myself, I would remind Verizon that they're making $2600+ a year off me, and I'd hate to have to take my business elsewhere...


Wait a sec, I thought you couldn't legally CC in MN?

MN is a shall issue state. WI and IL are the 2 states that you can not legally CC in.

 

[Metalhead47]

MN is a shall issue state. WI and IL are the 2 states that you can not legally CC in.

Ah, Wisconsin. I had my really cold states with the funny accents mixed up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xd shooter]

My emails to and from Verizon Corporate...

Sent: Tue May 03 21:21:24 MDT 2011

To: wfmweirt@hq.verizonwireless.com

Cc:

Subject: Anti gun policy of Verizon


Marsha,

As I have read that the stated corporte policy of Verizon is to not allow me to protect me or my family in your retail stores, then it is my sad duty to inform you that I will be discontinuing my Verizon wireless account at the end of my current contract.

"It is our policy to not allow firearms in any of our Retail outlets. Verizon Wireless reserves the right to refuse access to customers if they bear arms in the store."

It is MY policy to not frequent businesses that impinge upon my god given right and detailed in the 2nd Amendment of our Constitution to Keep and Bear Arms.

If at any time Verizon corporate decides to change their policy I MAY reconsider this decision, but until then I will also be informing my family and friends of your Anti gun policy, being VERY sure they will also NOT choose Verizon as their wireless provider.

This is very unfortunate as I have been with Verizon for MANY years, having had great service and coverage through those many years.

Please feel free to forward my message to any one concerned at Verizon, concerned about losing thier good customers of many years to the competition.

xd shooter

XXX-XXX-1501

----- Original Message -----
From: wfmweirt@HQ.VerizonWireless.com
To: xdshooter@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 12:39 PM
Subject: RE: Anti gun policy of Verizon (WFM75505962)


Dear xd shooter


My name is Daniel, and I am sorry to learn that you are considering cancelling your Verizon Wireless service over our policy to disallow the carrying of firearms into any of our locations. Please understand that this policy is in place to protect Verizon Wireless employees and customers. It is certainly not unique to Verizon Wireless, and I'm certain that you will find that the vast majority of retail establishments do not allow firearms on their property, as this poses a potential danger to their employees and customers. While I can understand your displeasure with this policy, I am afraid that it will not be changing. I am sorry for the inconvenience.


I make it my personal goal to resolve all of your wireless concerns. I have done that for you today by clarifying that we will not be changing our policy to disallow the carry and use of firearms in our locations, as well as providing information on the process for cancelling your Verizon Wireless service. We appreciate your business and thank you for using Verizon Wireless.


Sincerely,


Daniel

Verizon Wireless Customer Service

Internet Response Team

Daniel,

I appreciate the return mail, and while I am sure you are not the person to make the policy change I do think that there's something that you need to consider.

I spent 7 years in the US Army, with 2 combat deployments, Panama and Desert Storm.

I have no criminal record, otherwise I would not be allowed to carry a weapon. I train/practice often, usually at least once a month, not necessarily because I intend to use the weapon, I simply enjoy the aspects of shooting as a sport. I also understand, due to my time in the military, that training/practicing makes you better, more able to properly operate when all hell brakes loose and things go seriously wrong in a short seconds time frame. I want to be able to defend myself and my family, Wife and 2 young sons, IF that ever were to occur with me in the vicinity.

I carry a License from the State of Michigan, a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) that required 8 hours of instruction, an FBI Background check with Fingerprints.

I am not a "crazy gun person", I am a defender.

My presence, in your store, with a gun, presents NO danger to your employees or other law abiding customers. The only danger I present is to someone intent on doing harm, a Criminal, who I GUARANTEE is not concerned with your Policy of no guns in your store. Your Policy will not scare them, will not prevent them from walking in the door, gun in hand, and doing harm to everyone in the store. The ONLY thing that scares these people are Law Abiding Citizens such as myself, who are trained and ready to defend themselves, with a gun, and thus those around us as well.

http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/54686/

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=42617

These guys didn't care that you have a no guns policy...Luckily they chose NOT to shoot anyone, can you guarantee that will ALWAYS be the case?

http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-03-31/bay-area/17169872_1_free-pizza-sales-month-irving-street

Too bad there wasn't a CPL holder in the bunch. This manager may still be alive today.

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-atlanta/open-carry-deters-armed-robbery-kennesaw

Here's what happens when criminals see LAC's carrying guns.



A gun cannot go off by itself, the safest place for one is in my holster, secured. It can't fire until "I" pull the trigger, it's a physical impossibility. And the only time that I pull the trigger is when it's a matter of life or death.

You're statement of "and I'm certain that you will find that the vast majority of retail establishments do not allow firearms on their property," I have personally found to be incorrect. I routinely carry into establishments such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Radio Shack, I have 3 different banks that I use in my business, OPENLY carrying into all 3 without issue, many restaurants across the country as I also travel quite a bit during the summer months, fast food as well as sit down restaurants such as Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, etc. While I may get a raised eyebrow on occasion, and possibly a visit from the Manager on duty that I view as a courtesy call, no further intrusions are noted on what is just a normal everyday customer going about his business.

And here's the most important point in all of this, I am NOT alone. I am not special. The people who have gone through the trouble of obtaining a CPL do so for the same reasons that I have. To defend. Period. Many people across this country are waking up to the real truth that Police CANNOT and are not required to defend you. That's not their job, the USSC has made that VERY clear.

As I stated in my e-mail, I will discontinue both of those accounts when they come due, in December of this year and June of next year. I have no desire to pay you an Early Termination fee, the economy is bad enough that I'm not into wasting money. That does not mean my resolve is lessened, only that I'm not ignorant of my contractual obligations.

It is certainly the right of Verizon to not allow weapons in their stores, just as it is my right to NOT frequent Verizon stores, and be sure to let all others know of this policy.

xd shooter

 

[amlevin]

My emails to and from Verizon Corporate...

or as the blind man said while urinating into the wind "I see it now, it's all coming back to me".

 

[xd shooter]

That may be true, but it shows Verizon Corporate doesn't want me to be a customer anymore, so I WILL oblige them.

 

[Metalhead47]

That may be true, but it shows Verizon Corporate doesn't want me to be a customer anymore, so I WILL oblige them.

Do you honestly think you'll get a better reception (no pun intended) elsewhere? Not trying to be fecit. Facetious, just curious.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TechnoWeenie]

Shameless plug follows.

If you want to sign up with Sprint, let me know. I can give you discounts on phones and service, and encourage OC in the store.



I can get you a $125 credit just for switching from another carrier.

 

[xd shooter]

If you want to sign up with Sprint, let me know. I can give you discounts on phones and service, and encourage OC in the store.

Metalhead, you can trust that I will be doing my homework, but the above is case in point..

Call me an optimist, but I have to hope there are companies in all industries that feel as we do, that an individual has the right to be able to defend themselves in every avenue we find ourselves. If that requires asking that question when you do the homework you SHOULD be doing when you enter into a contract, when you choose a service, when you research that restaurant you'd like to eat at, then so be it.

Oh, if you wonder whether or not it makes a difference when people vote with their wallet, ask the DixieChicks!!

During the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, the Dixie Chicks performed in concert in London on March 10, 2003, at the Shepherd's Bush Empire theatre in England. This concert kicked off their Top of the World Tour. During the introduction to their song "Travelin' Soldier", Natalie Maines, who along with Robison and Maguire was also a native of Texas, said:
“ Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas. ”
—Natalie Maines, [39]
The comment about United States President George W. Bush, who had served as the 46th Governor of the State of Texas from 1995 to 2000 prior to his election to the Presidency, was reported in The Guardian's review of the Chicks concert.[40] Shortly thereafter, the U.S. media picked up the story and controversy erupted.[41]
Maines' remark sparked intense criticism;[42] conservative media commentators claimed that she should not criticize President Bush on foreign soil. Maines responded, "I said it there 'cause that's where I was."[43]
The comment by Maines angered many country music fans and was financially damaging. Following the uproar and the start of a boycott of Dixie Chicks' music, which, in turn, caused the Chicks' cover of "Landslide" to fall sharply from #10 down to #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 in a single week. It dropped out of the entire chart the following week. Maines attempted to clarify matters on March 12 by saying, "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world."[44]
The statement failed to appease her critics, and Maines issued an apology on March 14: "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."[45][46]
While some people were disappointed that Maines apologized at all, others still dropped their support of Dixie Chicks (including their sponsor Lipton). In one famous anti-Dixie Chicks display, former fans were encouraged to bring their CDs to a demonstration at which they would be crushed by a bulldozer. In one poll by an Atlanta radio station, 76 percent listeners who participated responded "if I could, I'd take my CDs back".[47] Bruce Springsteen and Madonna both felt compelled to come out in support of the right of the band to express their opinions freely; however, Madonna herself postponed and then altered the April 1 release of her "American Life" video in which she threw a hand grenade toward a Bush look-alike, after witnessing the backlash against the Chicks.[48][49]

 

[amlevin]

Oh, if you wonder whether or not it makes a difference when people vote with their wallet, ask the DixieChicks!!

The Dixie Chicks were by no means a $50 billion dollar per year business.

 

[Lante]

Just shared this thread with an Everett T-Mobile manager who's first instinct upon reading to OPs post was that she would ask him to leave or cover up because it would scare her and her employees. Futher reading and some questions (wasn't this the issue with Starbucks? Oh yeah they followed state law, is it OK in WA?) caused her to revise her opinion to lets just follow the law if the person is just being a normal customer. Her point on Verizon being a 50 billion dollar company .... if they want to loose customers let them it will just help the other companies and stores.

These issues do make a difference and your posts do get read...