I had a confusing trip to the Verizon store today. My phone's been acting wacky, so I went to get it fixed. My primary concern was that I didn't get a new phone and just throw this one away, mostly because I didn't want one more phone, toxins and all, to end up in a landfill somewhere.

Me: So I'm going to get this phone back?
Verizon guy: Yup.
Me: This exact phone?
VG: Yes.
Me: Ok then, here's $50*.
VG: You're all set. Your new phone will come in the mail in two days.

So what happened here? Some miscommunication, obviously, but also the fact that Verizon and all those other companies (and every retailer, basically) has ground into our heads that new is better, and who gets stuff fixed anymore, and cheaper is better, and it's cheaper to get something new versus getting it fixed, and besides it's new, which is better! VG just assumed that I was there to get a new phone, and didn't consider "fixing" was an option. My good intentions were curtailed today. I will try to give my old phone to someone or company that can refurbish it and put it back to business. (P.S. When my plan runs out this winter, I'm switching over to Working Assets, which donates a part of their revenue to non-profits that their members vote on.)



*Due to the fact that my warranty ran out, I couldn't get it "fixed" for free, but instead had to pay $50 for... something (I thought it was to get it fixed!). My other option, given to me by VG, was to buy the same exact phone in the store for $200. More confusion!