Petaluma Wireless to be "Ca$h Mobbed" This Friday and Saturday

Petaluma Wireless has been in Petaluma since 2005. Proprietor Damon Pearson used to commute from El Sobrante in the East Bay, but in 2009 was able to move his family to Petaluma.

“I thought it was the best place for my kids,” says Damon. He got into the business because he loves electronics and specifically cell phones and he loves Petaluma.

I can say that going to Petaluma Wireless, which I heard about from a good friend, is the most relaxing and encouraging experience you can have when you’re stressed about a phone breaking or dying, or when you need to upgrade.

According to Damon “customer service pretty much outweighs everything else about the business. I actually care about people’s situations and their problems. I wanted to have a more personable environment. I can’t stand the sterile experience people get at big box stores and the DMV.”

When asked about his “secret product or service” (every independent business seems to have one), Damon said that Petaluma Wireless is a repair center as well as a cell phone and accessory retailer, and that he specializes in iPhone repair.

Who knew? You don’t have to visit the Apple Store, and for your other cell phone needs, you don’t need to go to a Verizon or other store associated with a network. “We don’t have a high-pressure sales experience here,” Damon says. “If you treat people honestly and right, they will be back. I stay open due to word of mouth, and I’m in business because of long-term customers. Half the battle is won if someone is in here because of a referral from a friend or family member.”

Even though going toe-to-toe with the deep-pocketed corporate stores might seem futile, Damon points out that as a small business, he caters to the customers. His hours are 10am-7pm Monday through Saturday, and he finds solutions that fit his customers’ budgets.

“People should try to shop local, but they shouldn’t suffer for it.” When asked what he would like to say to potential customers, he replied, “Check here first. I’ll tell you honestly if you can get a better deal somewhere else, because I value people as customers for the long term.”

He stays up to date on special offers in other locations, but he also knows where the big box stores make their secret profits. “The Geek Squad will charge you to pair your headset to your phone. And it’s not cheap. That’s ridiculous!” He also points out that a lot of people don’t know that they can get cell service without locking into a contract.

“Month-to-month plans are more doable for a lot of people these days. You want to use your phone when you need it. You might not want to commit to a two-year contract.”

For more info about Petaluma Ca$h Mob, a local group that puts "active" into "activism," check out their Facebook page. The Ca$h Mob will have t-shirts and caps available at Petaluma Wireless during the mob period. Please contribute to the buy-local effort by buying a shirt or cap, produced by, of course, a local, independent business, Ace Shirt & Cap Printing.

Petaluma Wireless is located at 131 2nd Street. You can find out more by calling Damon at 766-8888 or check out their site.

Note: All 7 Yelp reviews on line give Petaluma Wireless five stars. Petaluma Wireless will be Ca$h Mobbed on Friday, 3/2/2012, and Saturday, 3/3/2012. Damon will prepare a “bargain bin” and will be ready to answer your questions and solve your cell phone problems.