Verizon Wireless Service client

Calling Verizon's *611 from your cell phone is a very painless process if you're currently a Verizon customer. Once you're connected to the automated system, you're given the option to hear the recording in English or Spanish, followed by a message indicating that your account has been verified based on your recognized device.

There's no menu of options offered, but rather, you must speak words into the phone saying exactly what you need, whether that's sales, support or account assistance. Since I decided to get information about possibly adding a phone line for my teen son, I said the word 'sales' and was instantly connected to a representative.

After the rep asked for my name and what help I needed, I explained I was looking for an inexpensive phone or prepaid option that my teen could use. She asked a few questions such as what kind of phone I had in mind and price range. After stating that I wasn't sure what phone I wanted, I shared what I thought would be a preposterous price parameter of no more than $30 per month. She said I would be put on a brief hold while she audited my account for potential devices and plan alternatives.

In less than five minutes, she returned with some good news. My account status revealed a promotion currently available for a free android phone with an added line of no more than $25 per month. The representative explained that I could take advantage of this deal today but I could also visit a store to see the phone in person after agreeing to the contract. However, I would have to pay a one-time fee of $10 over the phone to access the promotion. She continued to share that while the phone would be free, I would pay for the added line and the shared data plan would be split among my family's three lines/phones.  In addition, there would be a one-time fee increase on our next bill for the phone activation.

This sounded like a great deal to me but told her I needed more time to consider it and actually see/hold the phone before agreeing to any new additions. She understood, yet she explained that this promotion was only available today and only with her as my sales representative. While this was disappointing to hear, I shared my gratitude for her assistance but remained firm that I would not rush into a decision. She accepted my decision, and the call ended. Immediately, I received a text from Verizon to rate my experience with its customer support rep.

Overall, it was a decent experience. I do wish I was given more time to consider the promotion. Keep in mind, if you aren't a Verizon wireless customer and want to speak to someone about sales, dialing *611 won't work. This is a shortcut for customers. You'll need to call a customer service number found on Verizon's website.