My experience at The Mobile Store

Sam Kapasi · 24th October 2007, 17:12

As some of you know, I was forced to by a new phone today, because my BlackBerry Pearl was lost/stolen.

I asked at a few stores around my place, but they did not have a replacement. I was contemplating buying another BlackBerry or buying a smartphone with BB connect software.

I did some short research on the internet and narrowed it down to the BB Curve, Sony P1i, Nokia E61i. Later, not having the patience anymore, I called Airtel and asked for the number of Airtel at Peninsula Mumbai.
Strangely, the call centre refused to give me the number, offering to find out if the curve was in stock instead. Weird.

I then went to The Mobile Store at worli. Nice store, well laid out and excellent staff. I spoke to one man about my problem.

He heard me out and then brought out all 3 phones. However he had no dummies for them (every other phone had a dummy). It was a nice experience to be able to decide on the spot.
When I asked a few technical questions, he called his colleague who was truly well versed with the phones and he confirmed to me what I had read.
For Blackberry usage, nothing came close to the BB handsets.

In a few moments I had decided on the curve. To my happy surprise, he asked me if I was a Jet Frequent Flier. If I was, then I was entitled to either a 2GB micro SD card, or a JABRA bluetooth handsfree. I chose the 2GB card as I already had a nokia bluetooth handsfree.

As if THAT was not enough, I also recd a scratch coupon - when I did scratch it, I recd a coupon for a Jet Airways ticket to anywhere in India (one way)

I could have bought the same handset at Airtel for the same price, but this was wonderful. In a matter of moments, he swiped my card, made my invoice and packed up the stuff.

I cannot think of a better buying experience wrt mobiles. The only drawback I can think of was the lack of dummy phones for the 3 models I wanted to choose from, but then I agree, these are all brand new models. Every other model had a dummy handset.

diabloo · 24th October 2007, 17:17

Hey Sam, thats a nice experience. Didn't they offer a ride on The Rolls Royce?

Rudra Sen · 24th October 2007, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

As some of you know, I was forced to by a new phone today, because my BlackBerry Pearl was lost/stolen.

First one at Rtech's reception. Where is this one?

Why don't buy a dozen in one go? Since you need them sooner or later. That shop will give you round the world ticket too.

GTO · 24th October 2007, 17:40

Excellent writeup and great to hear of a pleasant retail experience. The Mobile Store appears to be one of the few retail establishments with a knowledgeable sales staff, proactive approach and friendly service.

I need a new cell phone myself....will stop by the worli store on the way back home.

EDIT : They have a pretty impressive website too!

normally_crazy · 24th October 2007, 17:56

My version is exactly the opposite of Sam's. And I experienced it at 2 different stores - at Chembur and Powai.

None of the staff knew anything except the rates which were higher than what I got from other normal stores. No dummies and no real pieces to check out as well.

I decided better to go to our local guy - great service , better price - what else you need ?

Sam Kapasi · 24th October 2007, 18:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Why don't buy a dozen in one go? Since you need them sooner or later. That shop will give you round the world ticket too.

Come on man Rudra, it happens sometimes.

iraghava · 24th October 2007, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Why don't buy a dozen in one go? Since you need them sooner or later. That shop will give you round the world ticket too.

Pretty apt advice Sam!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Come on man Rudra, it happens sometimes.

Yeah, but twp phones in a row?

Sam Kapasi · 24th October 2007, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by iraghava

Yeah, but twp phones in a row?

In a row means what? The last one was lost at Rtech's wedding. That was a long time ago!

kartikkumar · 24th October 2007, 21:39

Interesting...my experience with the Mobile Store at Koramangala in Bangalore was nowhere as good. 5 minutes before anyone acknowledged I was there, all requests for assistance before that fell on deaf ears. Dummy models weren't available of course and no proactive staff either.

K.

F50 · 24th October 2007, 22:34

Mine was not good either.
Mobile Store @ Fort - Only one person, taking ages to attend. No dummy pieces. And half the models he doesnt even know. And I was out.

I agree with NC, local dealers are much better.

normally_crazy · 24th October 2007, 22:44

Just added a poll to get the statistical picture

rjstyles69 · 24th October 2007, 22:50

I had the best experience with these chaps. I hate Sangeetha for their lousy service and attitude.

Walked into the Mobile Store on BEL New Road and had a pleasant experience. The chaps knew what they were talking about.Very courteous and helpful.

My cell (N70 ME) had conked coz I loaded quite a few things and these guys were kind enough to flash and reinstall the software free of cost.
I wouldn't mind paying the amount, but then after reading Ajmat's experience with the Nokia cust. Service I decided not to go to the service center.

Picked up a cell for dad and my lady from the same place.

diabloo · 24th October 2007, 23:06

BTW, what happened to the Mobile Store Rolls Royce doing rounds? Hope someday they offer free pick-up & drop facility for people from their homes to Mobile Store

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstyles69

Picked up a cell for dad and my lady from the same place.

cheap_deal · 25th October 2007, 01:40

whats the deal with the dummy phones? arent the real ones better examples of the phone itself? i hate those plastic dummy ones.
good to know the staff knew the specs of the phones.

iraghava · 25th October 2007, 02:11

I too hate those dummy phones, much rather prefer to feel & see an actual piece while taking a decision.

View Poll Results: You Mobile Store experience ?
Bad	13	33.33%
Could be better	16	41.03%
Good	10	25.64%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll

24th October 2007, 17:12	#1
Sam Kapasi Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (but wat Posts: 6,935 Thanked: 2,480 Times View My Garage	My experience at The Mobile Store As some of you know, I was forced to by a new phone today, because my BlackBerry Pearl was lost/stolen. I asked at a few stores around my place, but they did not have a replacement. I was contemplating buying another BlackBerry or buying a smartphone with BB connect software. I did some short research on the internet and narrowed it down to the BB Curve, Sony P1i, Nokia E61i. Later, not having the patience anymore, I called Airtel and asked for the number of Airtel at Peninsula Mumbai. Strangely, the call centre refused to give me the number, offering to find out if the curve was in stock instead. Weird. I then went to The Mobile Store at worli. Nice store, well laid out and excellent staff. I spoke to one man about my problem. He heard me out and then brought out all 3 phones. However he had no dummies for them (every other phone had a dummy). It was a nice experience to be able to decide on the spot. When I asked a few technical questions, he called his colleague who was truly well versed with the phones and he confirmed to me what I had read. For Blackberry usage, nothing came close to the BB handsets. In a few moments I had decided on the curve. To my happy surprise, he asked me if I was a Jet Frequent Flier. If I was, then I was entitled to either a 2GB micro SD card, or a JABRA bluetooth handsfree. I chose the 2GB card as I already had a nokia bluetooth handsfree. As if THAT was not enough, I also recd a scratch coupon - when I did scratch it, I recd a coupon for a Jet Airways ticket to anywhere in India (one way) I could have bought the same handset at Airtel for the same price, but this was wonderful. In a matter of moments, he swiped my card, made my invoice and packed up the stuff. I cannot think of a better buying experience wrt mobiles. The only drawback I can think of was the lack of dummy phones for the 3 models I wanted to choose from, but then I agree, these are all brand new models. Every other model had a dummy handset.
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 17:17	#2
diabloo BANNED Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bengalooru Posts: 1,480 Thanked: 17 Times	Hey Sam, thats a nice experience. Didn't they offer a ride on The Rolls Royce?
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 17:40	#4
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 71,824 Thanked: 322,751 Times View My Garage	Excellent writeup and great to hear of a pleasant retail experience. The Mobile Store appears to be one of the few retail establishments with a knowledgeable sales staff, proactive approach and friendly service. I need a new cell phone myself....will stop by the worli store on the way back home. EDIT : They have a pretty impressive website too!
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 17:56	#5
normally_crazy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,305 Thanked: 544 Times View My Garage	My version is exactly the opposite of Sam's. And I experienced it at 2 different stores - at Chembur and Powai. None of the staff knew anything except the rates which were higher than what I got from other normal stores. No dummies and no real pieces to check out as well. I decided better to go to our local guy - great service , better price - what else you need ?
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 21:39	#9
kartikkumar BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore...not Bengaluru Posts: 214 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	Interesting...my experience with the Mobile Store at Koramangala in Bangalore was nowhere as good. 5 minutes before anyone acknowledged I was there, all requests for assistance before that fell on deaf ears. Dummy models weren't available of course and no proactive staff either. K.
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 22:34	#10
F50 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai/USA Posts: 1,704 Thanked: 103 Times	Mine was not good either. Mobile Store @ Fort - Only one person, taking ages to attend. No dummy pieces. And half the models he doesnt even know. And I was out. I agree with NC, local dealers are much better.
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 22:44	#11
normally_crazy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,305 Thanked: 544 Times View My Garage	Just added a poll to get the statistical picture
	() Thanks

24th October 2007, 22:50	#12
rjstyles69 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bengalooru.. Posts: 4,343 Thanked: 845 Times View My Garage	I had the best experience with these chaps. I hate Sangeetha for their lousy service and attitude. Walked into the Mobile Store on BEL New Road and had a pleasant experience. The chaps knew what they were talking about.Very courteous and helpful. My cell (N70 ME) had conked coz I loaded quite a few things and these guys were kind enough to flash and reinstall the software free of cost. I wouldn't mind paying the amount, but then after reading Ajmat's experience with the Nokia cust. Service I decided not to go to the service center. Picked up a cell for dad and my lady from the same place.
	() Thanks

25th October 2007, 01:40	#14
cheap_deal BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: unknown Posts: 465 Thanked: 8 Times	whats the deal with the dummy phones? arent the real ones better examples of the phone itself? i hate those plastic dummy ones. good to know the staff knew the specs of the phones.
	() Thanks

25th October 2007, 02:11	#15
iraghava Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bhaiyyaland Posts: 7,993 Thanked: 281 Times View My Garage	I too hate those dummy phones, much rather prefer to feel & see an actual piece while taking a decision.
	() Thanks