@GreatCanadian, yes unfortunately Walmart is just ridiculous when it comes to selling SIM cards. What I've noticed is they tend to do this when there are active PM promos and they know there will be some traffic coming in because of it. I was turned down at one location, and i knew it was because of the promotions that were on at the time. So I knew when I went in to the other Walmart I had to be creative. So every time I go to Walmart now to get a SIM I tell the rep "I need a replacement SIM as the other one I have (or my dad has), is no longer working, and the MODs advised me to come to this Walmart to pick up the replacement SIM". Then the Walmart rep will say (with a raised eyebrow) "ok, but you'll need to pay for the SIM Card", and then I would say "ya they told me to pay for the SIM and PM will reimburse me, I think they said it was $10 plus tax right?". You have to say "replacement SIM", that is kind of the communications jargon. Also, it's better to say dad's (or whichever relative you want to use) phone, because that phone you won't have on hand. If you say your phone, they may want to look at it, or try to do the SIM replacement/activation in store with you.
So far I'm 4 for 4 using the above tactic. I almost feel like giving them the finger as I walk away, but I'd rather karma stay on my side. Maybe you try it, and if it works, give them a nice wink on the way out, lol. I'm sure at some point if enough people use this tactic Walmart will catch on. but I suggest you go in and get the SIM cards for your friends using this tactic, or something similar. I'm sure your friends would be appreciative of you getting it for them (saving them time), and I'm sure they'll pay you back for the SIMs.
But overall I also agree with everyone else in terms of boycotting Walmart, or maybe PM should just drop Walmart and use another retailer, maybe Shoppers or something. But then again if there's a good amount of activations happening in the Walmart stores I don't see PM pulling out.
