Due To "Unprecedented Demand," Verizon Employees Are Asked Not To Buy An iPhone
by Joe White
February 3, 2011
This morning, Verizon sent out an e-mail to employees urging them not to pre-order the Verizon iPhone today.
Clearly, Verizon is expecting to sell a whole load of iPhones in the coming weeks. In order to deal with the "unprecedented demand" for the handsets, company employees are asked to put "customers first," and refrain from pre-ordering a Verizon iPhone, or purchasing one when the handset goes on general release (on February 10).
Earlier today, Verizon iPhone pre-orders went live on both Apple's and Verizon's websites. However, it appears that Verizon is already struggling to cope with the demand for their CDMA iPhone, its website has reportedly been crashing, leaving many customers unhappy.
There's a good chance many potential Verizon iPhone customers aren't going to get a handset for some time. And, if Verizon employees follow instructions, they'll have to wait even longer.
We've included the e-mail in full below for you to read through. Check it out, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Focus on Customer Is Key to Verizon iPhone Launch To help ensure we meet customer demand for iPhones, Verizon is urging employees and their families to postpone purchases of the popular smartphone, whether online or in retail stores, for the time being. “Customers and non-customers alike have waited for years to see this product on America’s most reliable wireless network,” notes Verizon Wireless Chief Operating Officer John Stratton. “Demand will be unprecedented. “Now it’s here. This is our chance to show those millions of people what it means to be a Verizon customer — providing them the best network, joined by the very best customer service and support, all adding up to a world-class customer experience. “Part of that experience is ensuring we’re able to meet our customers’ needs in the midst of what will surely be unprecedented customer demand. “I know customers aren’t the only ones who are excited – employees are, too. While I share your excitement, over the coming weeks we all need to do our part to meet our customers’ needs — this means putting our customers first. “After all, that’s the way we do business. That’s the Verizon Credo in action. “This is an historic moment in time to rally together and show our loyal customers and new ones what our culture is all about.”