I just popped down to the Orange UK shop to get an account setup there.
The chap said, “Sure sir, no problem, we just need a proof of ID and a proof of address.”
“A what?” I said, momentarily stunned.
“We need a passport, driving license, something like that and a utility bill.”
“Er, you … you what?” I was still stunned.
You can walk into any Vodafone shop in the country and get an account in 10 seconds, more or less. Give’em your address and they do a credit check with that and your Maestro/Switch bank card. Done.
But Orange?
Goodness me. It’s like being back in 1990 again. A PASSPORT? You want a PASSPORT? What?
Turns out I’ve got my passport in the office, and a wayward BT utility bill. But could I be arsed to take it downstairs?
No.
This kind of inefficient bollocks doesn’t deserve my business. No wonder they’re monumentally screwed at the moment. How many opportunities do you want to give your potential customers — your valuable PAY MONTHLY potential customers — to think again and choose another supplier? Crazy!
Yet. I still want to get the ‘Orange’ experience so I can truly discuss it accurately. I need to cool off first though.
funny, i just closed mine, albeit in a different country, yet still the same “orange shit”
deary me
T-Mobile USA wanted the same amount of information for a bloody prepaid SIM card!
he he he ohhhh dear
Is the the new Samsung Soul?
With the 'Magic Touch Window' ?
'And through the round window today'
Orange have always been strict with their credit checks and as we mentioned on the podcast they are struggling to keep up with the times…. the whipping boy fails again!
Also, leaving a passport on your desk is quite a security risk! 😉
I know where you live
I didn't know orange still existed I just though they were 3's backup 2.5G network 🙂
Try getting a contract account (with any provider) in the U.S. A drivers license is required, end of story (or other government issued ID. If you want to get setup without a security deposit (of at least $300) you need a Social Security number. Yeah, that's right, the one that's *supposed* to be uber-private, that unlocks the doors for identity thieves.
Past that you need a valid mailing address and that sort of thing.
However, you *can* get a prepaid with almost nothing, from certain providers. When I sold phones, I was able to *legally* sell you an AT&T prepaid with only your birthday.
Why o why would you want todo that to yourself? Getting an Orange account just to see what it's really like?
Do you slam your manhood in a door, just to see if it hurts?…. ok, dont answer that…..
I take it you were listening to Leona Lewis the other day, just to make sure it's a pile of shit? 😉
Bring on the Phil Collins, Steve!
I did notice the Phil Collins, but didn't wanna say…….
You can't hurry love, no you'll just have to wait, Steve, love doesn't come
easy… it's a game of give-and-take….
Arggggghhhhh!!!!!!
Don't do it! I'd love to be able to switch away from Orange. The customer service is absolutely dreadful.
Right… this is an intervention… these people are all here to help you…
I could contact Orange PR and ask for a demo account. Not quite the same though, is it?
I know this is an old post, but I was reminded of it just now. My girlfriend tried to upgrade – that's upgrade – in a Vodafone store this evening and she was told she needed a passport or driver's license. it appears Vodafone has gone the way of Orange in that respect. Bah.
Shocking.
Get her on the blower to 191 and give 'em hell.
😉
I think I've had that kind of trouble myself.
They'll happily change your price plan or add on insurance or the like, but
I think the chaps in the store get really worried about upgrading you. In
case it's not you. Despite the fact you've given the full name, address
*and* password to the account. Theoretically, if I knew my brother's
password on his Vodafone account, I could walk out the store with an
upgraded handset on his account… or worse, actually add a new line to his
account without him knowing.
But then.. if I can open a Vodafone account with just my Maestro or Switch
card… I'll ask someone at Vodafone about this.
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