T Mobile store employees, online sales at TMobile.com Clueless employees in stores, online sales ripoff attempt Phoenix Arizona, US

I learned that there were new updated clam shell phones on Tmobile, I have a pay as you go account. Went to a store in Phx and they had zero models in stock, and they suggested I shop for a phone at Walmart or Target.

Went to Walmart and the clamshell model was not in stock, so I wanted the lowest price smart phone to test how I would like it.  Not in stock.  But, they had the same phone in Family mobile, "powered by T Mobile" on the box, and I was assured it was the same phone, compatible even thought it was "locked"

Went back to the T Mobile store and the lady uninstalled my old simm to the new simm, and I left, assuming the phone was now working.  Got back to my office twenty miles away and it said no contacts on simm card, and no network registered on phone.  Went to the more local T Mobile store and they said the phone could not be unlocked.  I chatted with T Mobile online and they said to call customer service.  The lady gave me a price for the clamshell I wanted of $70. Online it said $60.  I complained that their store and system had cost me a half day of time, she could not lower the price.  I hung up and on Amazon bought the same phone for $26, with start up kit for $9 instead of the $15 online at T Mobile.  So now I have perhaps lost all my contacts because of the attempts by T Mobile and ZTE staff to unlock the cheapo smart phone I got at Walmart.  So Beware, never buy a phone from T Mobile store or online.