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If you are looking for a Softbank shop with staff that speaks English I heartily recommend the one in Shinsaibashi, close to Loft. I went there after my mobile bill went a bit too high and asked for advice. I was pleasantly surprised that they had staff members who speak English (Arabic and sign-language too). Not only that but the staff member in question was knowledgeable, sincere and helpful. In the end, I managed to shave about 5,000 Yen off my monthly bill.
Ask for Ahmed and tell him that Ian recommended you. And yeah, if you are looking for phones with English predictive text input he can tell you which models have them. They do have a web site but it is all in Japanese which is disappointing. I’ll include the link because there is a map and contact details which might be useful even for non-Japanese speakers.
[Update] Ahmed’s moved to the Namba Ebisubashi branch. Although the Shinsaibashi branch may have English speakers I’ve had my fair share of problems with some Japanese staff. Mainly they don’t explain everything, just things they think you need to know. And another thing, they have an annoying habit of asking for my Alien Registration Card info when I am waiting in line. What’s that all about??
7 responses so far ↓
1 Peet // Jun 6, 2007 at 10:15 pm
This guy Ahmed is amazing! He will help you no-end to make sure you are getting exactly what you want and need!
He spent over two hours with me figuring the best option to get me out of a very VERY tight spot, and gave me great advice even though it wasn’t in his company’s interests. He is a genuinely great guy.
He has helped all my friends too.
2 Kia T // Jun 11, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Thank u for the info ^_^
I will go there soon.
3 Kia T // Jun 14, 2008 at 1:54 am
I went there and an English speaking Japanese girl told me Ahmed has moved to another Softbank. She pointed to Dotombori on my map, but after two days of searching for this other Softbank, I conclude it is only imaginary.
4 Ian Cheung // Jun 27, 2008 at 12:58 am
I can’t find the a listing for a dontonbori branch on the site. I’ll drop him a line and ask him which branch he works at now.
5 Ian Cheung // Jun 27, 2008 at 12:34 pm
He’s move to the Namba Ebisubashi branch. I’ll update the above entry with a new link. The branch page even has a natty photo of Ahmed
6 Jay // Jul 7, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Are you joking about Ahmed? I find all these positive remarks about him to be quite puzzling. Whoever is reading this, I suggest you listen selectively to the comments made by the people on this forum regarding Ahmed. I have been dealing with Ahmed for the last 3 years, because of few other options available to me, and I have had nothing but problems with him. He insisted to me that my Australian phone would not work in japan even though i insisted that it would. He told me that,even though I paid $700 it was a crap phone by Japanese standards, and that I should purchase an i-phone instead. As it turns out, my phone works fine here and it has many GPS features and advanced sim card features that the Japanese phones do not. I don’t know what he is like now, perhaps he has changed, but about 3 years ago,a few colleagues and I caught him in a lie that involved him telling one thing to me cuz I was his “buddy” and another thing to one of my coworkers who was not privy to the info that I was given and consequently, had to pay more money than I did. I confronted Ahmed and told him how I felt about him telling us two different things and he flat out denied it. Now,strangely enough, every time he sees me he gives me a big hug and says”hey buddy!, how you been my buddy!” Who woulda thought that I would one day have such dear friends like Ahmed in the mobile phone industry? He used to have a reputation as someone who liked to be nice to your face but would screw you around at the nearest opportunity. Sorry about the character assasination, and perhaps I am wrong and Ahmed has found God, so to speak, and consequently reformed his ways, but judging from my dealings with him last week, I highly doubt it. There are other English speakers working there that might be of greater assistance to you. I suggest that you consult with them first.
7 Ian Cheung // Jul 10, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Hi Jay,
Sorry to hear about your experience and problems. I guess “your mileage may vary” disclaimer may be appropriate. But really, I know that in my case, Ahmed was helpful and informative. I also have a friend who he helped after he was given the wrong information by other staff and racked up a huge bill.
It is puzzling though that you suggest that other English speakers might be of greater assistance, yet you say you had “been dealing with Ahmed for the last 3 years, because of few other options available to me”.
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