Related
I walked into my local Sprint store with $600 cash in my pocket anticipating to walk out with a brand new SGS2E4GT at full MSRP without any additional commitment on my contract. (Have you guys noticed the full non contract price for this device is not listed.)
After the sales rep got the device from the stock room, we were ready to set it up with my existing account. After he logs into my account he notifies me that Im not eligable to an upgrade until January. So with a smile, I informed him that Im aware that Im not eligable yet & thats why Im willing to pay the full price for the phone. Then he said, Sorry sir, but effective today, every sprint device is ONLY available at a carrier subsidized price to people willing to activate a new line or those qualified for an upgrade. Which means nobody can purchase a phone at full price & swap it to their current number. (This **** didn't make any sense to me at all.)But any ways long story short, after a few minutes of blah blah blah, I walked out of the store with a brand new GS2, and a 3rd line to my account which I will not use but will be billed monthly $20 plus $10 premium data. Then he had the nerve to remind me that If I swap the new phone to my primary line before 30 days, I will lose my mail in rebate.....
What the hell is hapenning to Sprint????
That sucks. I had no problem getting mine.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium App
Sounds like you went to an indirect retailer and not a Sprint-owned corporate store because that's not true at all.
dizidi said:
I walked into my local Sprint store with $600 cash in my pocket anticipating to walk out with a brand new SGS2E4GT at full MSRP without any additional commitment on my contract. (Have you guys noticed the full non contract price for this device is not listed.)
After the sales rep got the device from the stock room, we were ready to set it up with my existing account. After he logs into my account he notifies me that Im not eligable to an upgrade until January. So with a smile, I informed him that Im aware that Im not eligable yet & thats why Im willing to pay the full price for the phone. Then he said, Sorry sir, but effective today, every sprint device is ONLY available at a carrier subsidized price to people willing to activate a new line or those qualified for an upgrade. Which means nobody can purchase a phone at full price & swap it to their current number. (This **** didn't make any sense to me at all.)But any ways long story short, after a few minutes of blah blah blah, I walked out of the store with a brand new GS2, and a 3rd line to my account which I will not use but will be billed monthly $20 plus $10 premium data. Then he had the nerve to remind me that If I swap the new phone to my primary line before 30 days, I will lose my mail in rebate.....
What the hell is hapenning to Sprint????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to take it back and go to a Sprint corporate store
dizidi said:
I walked into my local Sprint store with $600 cash in my pocket anticipating to walk out with a brand new SGS2E4GT at full MSRP without any additional commitment on my contract. (Have you guys noticed the full non contract price for this device is not listed.)
After the sales rep got the device from the stock room, we were ready to set it up with my existing account. After he logs into my account he notifies me that Im not eligable to an upgrade until January. So with a smile, I informed him that Im aware that Im not eligable yet & thats why Im willing to pay the full price for the phone. Then he said, Sorry sir, but effective today, every sprint device is ONLY available at a carrier subsidized price to people willing to activate a new line or those qualified for an upgrade. Which means nobody can purchase a phone at full price & swap it to their current number. (This **** didn't make any sense to me at all.)But any ways long story short, after a few minutes of blah blah blah, I walked out of the store with a brand new GS2, and a 3rd line to my account which I will not use but will be billed monthly $20 plus $10 premium data. Then he had the nerve to remind me that If I swap the new phone to my primary line before 30 days, I will lose my mail in rebate.....
What the hell is hapenning to Sprint????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I'm aware of their new "no device without a 2 year contract" policy I didn't think it was impossible to replace a phone without a new contract. Frankly it sounds like you got fncked. I would call Sprint and escalate this up to someone that gives a fnck because frankly this is a gigantic load of bull****.
...there is no way in hell that you can't even replace a device on an existing line/contract. If that is true, well, there is NO REASON AT ALL TO STAY WITH SPRINT. (VERY SLOW) UNLIMITED DATA IS NO REASON TO STAY WITH A COMPANY THAT WONT EVEN LET YOU REPLACE A PHONE WITHOUT A NEW CONTRACT.
Even given their new restrictive policies I highly doubt that what you were subject to was actual official Sprint policy--I don't give a **** what they say, they are likely idiots who interpreted the new policy wrong (either for their own benefit or merely out of their own extreme ignorance).
Escalate this as appropriate. This is bull****...and if you find that this is actual official policy please demand the section of the contract that specifies this and LET US KNOW. We will spread the word and take heed which will result in Sprint losing US and EVERYBODY WE HAVE ALWAYS RECOMMENDED GO TO SPRINT. EVERYBODY. Do you hear that Sprint?
...if (and when) you (most likely) find this to be complete bull**** on your Sprint reps part (and I would be sure to post the store number and location here and many other places, store manager name included) I would also demand a form of compensation for having been lied to and tricked into a contract. Nothing extravagant, but, something you find equivalent in value to your time and expense required to deal with this crap.
Yeah, I had no issues getting mine today either and technically my 22 month upgrade was not until april.
Thanks for the input guys, I really felt like I was suckered into signing an extra line which I dont need in order to get the device I really want, even though I was willing to pay full price for it. I will call corporate tomorrow and bring it to their attention. Thank You.
Good luck, hope you get it solved. Definitely sounds like bs to me.
dizidi said:
Thanks for the input guys, I really felt like I was suckered into signing an extra line which I dont need in order to get the device I really want, even though I was willing to pay full price for it. I will call corporate tomorrow and bring it to their attention. Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go through amazon wireless hit with "no contract phone only" pay then slap that guy for bomboozlein you into a 2 year contract
Question towards this: I get my upgrade the 22nd, what price am I paying?
Sent from my Epic[Fail]4G ;P
dizidi said:
Thanks for the input guys, I really felt like I was suckered into signing an extra line which I dont need in order to get the device I really want, even though I was willing to pay full price for it. I will call corporate tomorrow and bring it to their attention. Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you return the device by Sunday so you don't get charged an activation fee. Given the situation you described, you can probably get any charges reversed by care anyway... but to be on the safe side, return it within 3 days to avoid the fee for sure.
That's BS, u got the short end of the stick. So much to talk about here. First of all Sprint is known to make an exception that close out of a 2 year agreement and provide you with full subsidization. At the very least they will provide you with partial subsidization. The reason why they probably don't sell them at full price is because it probably doesn't ever happen because it makes zero sense even with the recent early termination hike to $350 dollars. If you want it right now, process the order overnight on the line in question with overnight delivery from a retailer like wirefly.com and return and close out the new line u purchased. I'm pretty sure they'll give you options to buy without a new line at wirefly. That would be really bad for business if they didn't. I think the return policy is 14 days now and you may suffer a restocking fee for it all. Good luck.
The phone is $499.99 retail on Sprint.com, so you definitely got suckered into a new activation and a nice commission/spiff for the sales person who got to you.
Wow, i remember those days as a cell phone salesguy and the stuff we used to pull, like these (and much worse).
This phone doesn't have a mail in rebate. And remember you can call customer care tell them that they are not allowing you to buy the phone. At least I didn't get a rebate.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
LordLugard said:
The phone is $499.99 retail on Sprint.com, so you definitely got suckered into a new activation and a nice commission/spiff for the sales person who got to you.
Wow, i remember those days as a cell phone salesguy and the stuff we used to pull, like these (and much worse).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just going to say this. If u go on sprint.com u can buy the phone without an upgrade for $499.99 so that just shows that place screwed u. Hope u get this straightened out cuz thats bull**** man.
Yeah use the 14 day satisfaction guarantee to tell that store a big **** you.
Just pay the ETF on your old line. Depending how long you had it the most it can be is $200 but since you said your upgrade was in January, it should be a lot less then that even be less then that. In the end you will save more money then buying the phone outright as long as you do not care about getting a new number.....
Then you go go thank the guy in the Sprint store for saving you a ****load of money!
And I thought there were no mail in rebates? Did you actually get a mail in rebate with the phone?
I bought mine for 499 without a problem.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
What a fool. They feed you a spoon of bull **** and you ate it. All over a phone which in a few weeks could be brought on ebay for $350 and some change.
Yeah...I would call and cancel the line...pay the eft and call it even
dizidi said:
I walked into my local Sprint store with $600 cash in my pocket anticipating to walk out with a brand new SGS2E4GT at full MSRP without any additional commitment on my contract. (Have you guys noticed the full non contract price for this device is not listed.)
After the sales rep got the device from the stock room, we were ready to set it up with my existing account. After he logs into my account he notifies me that Im not eligable to an upgrade until January. So with a smile, I informed him that Im aware that Im not eligable yet & thats why Im willing to pay the full price for the phone. Then he said, Sorry sir, but effective today, every sprint device is ONLY available at a carrier subsidized price to people willing to activate a new line or those qualified for an upgrade. Which means nobody can purchase a phone at full price & swap it to their current number. (This **** didn't make any sense to me at all.)But any ways long story short, after a few minutes of blah blah blah, I walked out of the store with a brand new GS2, and a 3rd line to my account which I will not use but will be billed monthly $20 plus $10 premium data. Then he had the nerve to remind me that If I swap the new phone to my primary line before 30 days, I will lose my mail in rebate.....
What the hell is hapenning to Sprint????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
I am with Sprint under my dads account. It is a family plan with my sister, my dad and I. Heres my question, I just want to know if I can order safely from Wirefly without any fuse, in other words, they will send me my phone without attempting to change our plan, rise our bill or anything like that. I just want to upgrade my phone to the Galaxy Nexus with the same plan intact, nothing change. The reason I am asking this is because I once tried to order a phone from Amazon (at the same price of a normal upgrade), and they wanted me to get a brand new number and plan.
Thanks for your help.
P.S. I cant believe they are selling this phone for 50 bucks. I am awed ._.
Anyone?
it is only that price with a contract. they will make you sign up for 2yr sprint contract before selling you the phone.
yup confirmed
$49.99
with a new Sprint account
look right under the price tag in small writing
Darunion said:
it is only that price with a contract. they will make you sign up for 2yr sprint contract before selling you the phone.
yup confirmed
$49.99
with a new Sprint account
look right under the price tag in small writing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I dont know how I missed that. lol
Thank you.
DO NOT buy from wirefly. There are too many problems with that company to list them all here.
latindor17 said:
I am with Sprint under my dads account. It is a family plan with my sister, my dad and I. Heres my question, I just want to know if I can order safely from Wirefly without any fuse, in other words, they will send me my phone without attempting to change our plan, rise our bill or anything like that. I just want to upgrade my phone to the Galaxy Nexus with the same plan intact, nothing change. The reason I am asking this is because I once tried to order a phone from Amazon (at the same price of a normal upgrade), and they wanted me to get a brand new number and plan.
Thanks for your help.
P.S. I cant believe they are selling this phone for 50 bucks. I am awed ._.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello latindor17: Wirefly can certainly upgrade your phone without changing your plan or the amount you pay every month (provided you’re not on an old grandfathered rate plan the carrier no longer offers, in which case you may be asked to choose a current rate plan – but if that were the case, Wirefly would always contact you for approval before proceeding with your order). Darunion is correct that you will need you renew your contract for 2 years in order to be eligible for the price on the website, but you do not need to get a new number, you may keep your existing number without a problem. There are no other hidden fees or charges, as long as you maintain your account in good standing (and don’t downgrade your plan) within 6 months of your activation date. For more information on this, please see http://www.wirefly.com/about/low-phone-prices/?referringdomain=wirefly&oflag=specialoffer.
obsanity said:
DO NOT buy from wirefly. There are too many problems with that company to list them all here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? I used Wirefly to get a Galaxy SIII as an upgrade on my T-Mobile account with absolutely no issues. They simply checked to see if I was eligible for an upgrade and once they verified that I was I purchased a Galaxy SIII as an upgrade for $200. They did not screw with my plan at all.
It was much cheaper than going through T-Mobile directly ($379 for the phone at the time) and they shipped the phone extremely fast. I'd use them again in a heartbeat.
** I should mention that I have since sold the Galaxy SIII and reverted back to the GNex because it just wasn't the same. But that's neither here nor there. :highfive:
Wirefly_Kim said:
Hello latindor17: Wirefly can certainly upgrade your phone without changing your plan or the amount you pay every month (provided you’re not on an old grandfathered rate plan the carrier no longer offers, in which case you may be asked to choose a current rate plan – but if that were the case, Wirefly would always contact you for approval before proceeding with your order). Darunion is correct that you will need you renew your contract for 2 years in order to be eligible for the price on the website, but you do not need to get a new number, you may keep your existing number without a problem. There are no other hidden fees or charges, as long as you maintain your account in good standing (and don’t downgrade your plan) within 6 months of your activation date. For more information on this, please see http://www.wirefly.com/about/low-phone-prices/?referringdomain=wirefly&oflag=specialoffer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
Wow. I didn't realize that when I did it. Luckily if you plan on sticking with your current contract for more than 6 months this won't effect you (like most people). But it would be quite annoying if you did need to switch carriers quicker than expected.
Good to know.
Morphling27 said:
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what reason could you find to terminate without an ETF though? as far as i know death is the only exception..and sometimes that doesnt even work
the stipulation (as i understand it) is that you just have to hold your end of the bargain for 6 months (something you already agreed to with your carrier by signing a 2 year anyway)...the reason for the 6 months is because thats the contract they have with the carriers..they recruit or keep customers for carriers and pass on the commission to us (which is why they can sell the phones cheaper)
its not like they are going to kill you if you break the wirefly contract..you just end up paying retail for the phone...as long as you are certain about the phone and plan that you are purchasing i dont see a problem...if you have buyers remorse or you don't do your homework and want to cut the cord..then yeah...you're gonna pay for it..thats kinda what happens when you break any contract (cell phone or otherwise)
i have been researching this company as well...reading customer comments and their fine print..im thinking about upgrading to the Note 2 through them...$300 as opposed to $420 with tmobile ($370 AFTER mail in rebate)
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
jdiddy_ub said:
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure no additional tax is charged on top of the listed price. I think T-Mobile charged me an upgrade fee but instantly credited it back to me on my next bill.
Morphling27 said:
What Ms. Kim said here is exactly why you SHOULDN'T go with wirefly or any other similar service. They make you sign an additional contract, apparently in this case for 6 months, that has NOTHING to do with Sprint. Well, technically it does since it stipulates you must stay with Sprint for 6 months, but this contract isn't with Sprint.
So, if you move, find a better deal, find a reason to terminate without an ETF, etc., you're still on the hook with this company for 6 months. If you like buying through a 3rd party, I think Best Buy and Radioshak both still don't require this anti-consumer tactic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Morphling,
Our 181 day rule is based on a contractual agreement that we have with the carriers. We don't get compensated for a sale from the carrier until after this time frame has been met. All 3rd party dealers have a stipulation period that customers must abide by even though the terms and conditions can vary from company to company, this is an industry standard. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
---------- Post added at 02:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 AM ----------
jdiddy_ub said:
what reason could you find to terminate without an ETF though? as far as i know death is the only exception..and sometimes that doesnt even work
the stipulation (as i understand it) is that you just have to hold your end of the bargain for 6 months (something you already agreed to with your carrier by signing a 2 year anyway)...the reason for the 6 months is because thats the contract they have with the carriers..they recruit or keep customers for carriers and pass on the commission to us (which is why they can sell the phones cheaper)
its not like they are going to kill you if you break the wirefly contract..you just end up paying retail for the phone...as long as you are certain about the phone and plan that you are purchasing i dont see a problem...if you have buyers remorse or you don't do your homework and want to cut the cord..then yeah...you're gonna pay for it..thats kinda what happens when you break any contract (cell phone or otherwise)
i have been researching this company as well...reading customer comments and their fine print..im thinking about upgrading to the Note 2 through them...$300 as opposed to $420 with tmobile ($370 AFTER mail in rebate)
if kim from wirefly is still reading this...the phone is listed as $300 (for upgrades)...do you know what the end cost is gonna be? is it $300? or is there gonna be upgrade fees and tax and my first born?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello jdiddy_ub,
The carrier will charge you an upgrade fee but this is only paid once on the first billing cycle following the upgrade. The taxes for the service is assessed by the carrier and varies depending on where you live. If you are keeping the same rate plan then your taxes should not be any different then what you are currently paying now. Let me know if I can answer any further questions.
Wirefly_Kim said:
Hello Morphling,
Our 181 day rule is based on a contractual agreement that we have with the carriers. We don't get compensated for a sale from the carrier until after this time frame has been met. All 3rd party dealers have a stipulation period that customers must abide by even though the terms and conditions can vary from company to company, this is an industry standard. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.
---------- Post added at 02:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 AM ----------
Hello jdiddy_ub,
The carrier will charge you an upgrade fee but this is only paid once on the first billing cycle following the upgrade. The taxes for the service is assessed by the carrier and varies depending on where you live. If you are keeping the same rate plan then your taxes should not be any different then what you are currently paying now. Let me know if I can answer any further questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not asking about the tax for service.. i am asking about tax from the cost of the phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Buy it from costco wireless. $39.99 upgrade. No extra etf and they refund the $36 upgrafe fee. 90 day exchange. Dont even think you have to be a member.
Hey guys, me, my mom and dad just switched to t mobile. i Have some money, so i bought the gnote 2 with EIP (we're on the value plan) but my parents came over with their att gs2's.
My dad really wants the gs3 so i'm trying to figure out the cheapest way to do it. If he does the EIP, he'll pay 170ish down, and then 20 dollars a month for two years, so thats 170 +400. but he wouldnt have to put so much down now, it would come out to like 220 with tax.
I could try and get it on craigslist for like 350... I mean technically tmobile would let him add insurance to it as long as its a tmobile phone even if its used, i think. I'm considering this.
My real question is this, Could i buy it on contract, under my name (my actual phone is under my moms family plan) for like 50 dollars in best buy now, and i dont think thats with a rebate, and then cancel the contract and keep the phone? If i add that up, Its 50, plus 50 for the tax i think, 35 for the activation fee if i cant get that waived, and the 200 early termination fee. thats about 3-335. of course i'll have to pay for some service, so, will that be prorated? then it can be as low as 30-40 extra dollars which brings the total to like 370, or even if i have to pay the full month of service, thats like 400... thats much better than 550 plus tax.... even if there is a rebate which i wouldnt get back because ill be cancelling, maybe it would come to 500 total....
does anyone have any info on this?
mottyengel said:
Hey guys, me, my mom and dad just switched to t mobile. i Have some money, so i bought the gnote 2 with EIP (we're on the value plan) but my parents came over with their att gs2's.
My dad really wants the gs3 so i'm trying to figure out the cheapest way to do it. If he does the EIP, he'll pay 170ish down, and then 20 dollars a month for two years, so thats 170 +400. but he wouldnt have to put so much down now, it would come out to like 220 with tax.
I could try and get it on craigslist for like 350... I mean technically tmobile would let him add insurance to it as long as its a tmobile phone even if its used, i think. I'm considering this.
My real question is this, Could i buy it on contract, under my name (my actual phone is under my moms family plan) for like 50 dollars in best buy now, and i dont think thats with a rebate, and then cancel the contract and keep the phone? If i add that up, Its 50, plus 50 for the tax i think, 35 for the activation fee if i cant get that waived, and the 200 early termination fee. thats about 3-335. of course i'll have to pay for some service, so, will that be prorated? then it can be as low as 30-40 extra dollars which brings the total to like 370, or even if i have to pay the full month of service, thats like 400... thats much better than 550 plus tax.... even if there is a rebate which i wouldnt get back because ill be cancelling, maybe it would come to 500 total....
does anyone have any info on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing. If you sign up for a plan at best buy or anywhere where you are either signing a contract or getting a new account. You can't just cancel and keep the phone. They will not cancel you unless you return the phone. Id you don't they will charge you for the full price plus who knows what else. If your parents can unlock their phones through art and they can be used on tmobiles service is do that and save some money. Or have them sell their att phones to help with the downpayme t of the sgs3. Just some advice.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
monkeypaws said:
One thing. If you sign up for a plan at best buy or anywhere where you are either signing a contract or getting a new account. You can't just cancel and keep the phone. They will not cancel you unless you return the phone. Id you don't they will charge you for the full price plus who knows what else. If your parents can unlock their phones through art and they can be used on tmobiles service is do that and save some money. Or have them sell their att phones to help with the downpayme t of the sgs3. Just some advice.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm but that doiesnt sound right to me...we all just left att and cancelled our contracts and went to tmobile.. and we all bought our phones at best buy, my father in may of last year, and me and my mom in february, and we just had to pay the cancellation fees, are you saying that tmobile is different? I mean, maybe they wont let me cancel untill after the 14 days... or maybe they wont prorate and make me pay for the full month... but youre saying theyll make me pay for the full retail? AND the cancellation fee??
mottyengel said:
hmmm but that doiesnt sound right to me...we all just left att and cancelled our contracts and went to tmobile.. and we all bought our phones at best buy, my father in may of last year, and me and my mom in february, and we just had to pay the cancellation fees, are you saying that tmobile is different? I mean, maybe they wont let me cancel untill after the 14 days... or maybe they wont prorate and make me pay for the full month... but youre saying theyll make me pay for the full retail? AND the cancellation fee??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. I guess I made you confused. I meant if you were to cancel within the 14 days you'd have to return the phone for a full refund. After the 14 days you can cancel and keep whatever phones you got. Now if you were to choose the value plans and get on the eip for 20 months and then cancelled after 14 days, ypud he billed for the remaining payments that are left on your bill. I hope that helps. If not maybe I read your question wrong.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Even if you cancel your account on the value plan, you're going to end up paying the full price of the phone no matter what.
They're going to just overlook the remaining fees on a 500+ dollar device.
monkeypaws had the best solutions for you.
Unlock the devices so you can use them on T-Mobile.
Or sell them, they should fetch around $200 on Craigslist depending on the condition and accessories. Or possibly more on eBay.
You would easily be able to pay the down payment on the GS3's with that.
If your dad thinks that the down payment is too much, then i'd recommend waiting it out for a little while.
T-Mobile may have a random sale and you'll be able to get the GS3 for cheap(er).
I remember doing that and being able to pick up a GS3 for something like $99.
khoikn said:
Even if you cancel your account on the value plan, you're going to end up paying the full price of the phone no matter what.
They're going to just overlook the remaining fees on a 500+ dollar device.
monkeypaws had the best solutions for you.
Unlock the devices so you can use them on T-Mobile.
Or sell them, they should fetch around $200 on Craigslist depending on the condition and accessories. Or possibly more on eBay.
You would easily be able to pay the down payment on the GS3's with that.
If your dad thinks that the down payment is too much, then i'd recommend waiting it out for a little while.
T-Mobile may have a random sale and you'll be able to get the GS3 for cheap(er).
I remember doing that and being able to pick up a GS3 for something like $99.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I said cancel I meant to sign up for a regular plan, and cancel and pay the early termination fee, not a value plan. But it doesnt seem like itll work anyway... if you cancel, then you need to pay the early termination fee and the full retail of the phone, each months payment towards your plan pays offsome of it so after like 10 months maybe itll be paid off... but I woukdnt be able to just cancel....
mottyengel said:
When I said cancel I meant to sign up for a regular plan, and cancel and pay the early termination fee, not a value plan. But it doesnt seem like itll work anyway... if you cancel, then you need to pay the early termination fee and the full retail of the phone, each months payment towards your plan pays offsome of it so after like 10 months maybe itll be paid off... but I woukdnt be able to just cancel....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for my misunderstanding.
What you're saying is true.
So, at this point, what are you planning to do?
I'll ask my friend if it's possible he works for tmobile I'm sure he would know
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
On any carrier, if you cancel your contract, you must pay full retail for your phone if not already paid off. Even on regular plans that aren't value plans. If people could do what you want to do, think about it, nobody would ever buy a phone on Craig's list and would buy the phone and sign the contract then immediately cancel. You pay less for a phone on contact because in your monthly payments you are paying off the phone. Yes even on the classic plan. That's why your monthly bills are more then the value pan.
If he wants the s3 then he well either need to pay full retail for it or you could get it on cl. I know in my area they go for 400+
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
I sold my previous phone and I was able to put more money down for my sgs3. I put down extra and my payments went from 20$ to 10$/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Yay I love fraud.
To me, what you're suggesting is like taking a crap on your friend's porch and smearing it all over.
Even if you could "get away with it" - do you think they're going to want to be your friend any more ? T-Mobile can make notes in your account - and they're going to know where that phone went. They could possibly take legal action against you if they really wanted to be spiteful (which, really, would be pretty fair if they found a way), or they could block the IMEI from their network - very simple for them and fraud seems to be the #1 reason they do so.
Sure, it might work out fine and the phone might continue to work - but is that really how you want to treat a company you want to continue to have a business relationship with ?
I guess it really comes down to if you're willing to basically steal - this isn't copying a file, it's manipulating your way to getting a piece of hardware by making a promise you never intended to keep. You'd basically be on the level of the dudes who bury $10 monthly charges in the T&C of sign ups and conveniently don't mention it anywhere else.
Just sell the S2 and get an S3. You'll likely end up paying less out of pocket even if you get the S3 new.
The day after celebrating what we are thankful for and I get up and read this nonsense. Sigh...
If you can't afford the phone, don't buy it. Pretty simple. Be thankful you have an old phone.
psykhotic said:
Yay I love fraud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not fraud because it's not possible lol. It's just plain dumb. It's impossible.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Pennycake said:
To me, what you're suggesting is like taking a crap on your friend's porch and smearing it all over.
Even if you could "get away with it" - do you think they're going to want to be your friend any more ? T-Mobile can make notes in your account - and they're going to know where that phone went. They could possibly take legal action against you if they really wanted to be spiteful (which, really, would be pretty fair if they found a way), or they could block the IMEI from their network - very simple for them and fraud seems to be the #1 reason they do so.
Sure, it might work out fine and the phone might continue to work - but is that really how you want to treat a company you want to continue to have a business relationship with ?
I guess it really comes down to if you're willing to basically steal - this isn't copying a file, it's manipulating your way to getting a piece of hardware by making a promise you never intended to keep. You'd basically be on the level of the dudes who bury $10 monthly charges in the T&C of sign ups and conveniently don't mention it anywhere else.
Just sell the S2 and get an S3. You'll likely end up paying less out of pocket even if you get the S3 new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id get angry at you but I guess my op wasn't very clear. I'm nit trying to get away with anything. Im not trying to steal a phone. What I was asking is, just like I am legally entitled to sign up for a contract and then cancel it and pay a 200 etf, or to cancel within 14 days and psy an early re stocking fee, would this be allowed as well. Because normally you wouldnt come out on top because on other carriers, the tef is alot more, most of the time expensive phones are alot even when you sign a contract and they msy make you psy for a month of service. I was just asking if they would allow you to keep the phone. You guys are just way to quick to blow up at me. Seriously. Anyway, the answer is no, so I bought him the phone with eip and its actually only 100 down now because of a sale. So, thanks everyone
This is exactly why regular customers like me who are looking to upgrade have to pay up front and then do mail in rebates, or even pay deposits...because they have to be cautious of people like you trying to cheat the system...just buy on on craigslist or something or why not just rob some random stranger since that is exactly the same thing...why not they have insurance right?.....jeez posts like this should probably be banned like cracked app threads are.
killj0y said:
This is exactly why regular customers like me who are looking to upgrade have to pay up front and then do mail in rebates, or even pay deposits...because they have to be cautious of people like you trying to cheat the system...just buy on on craigslist or something or why not just rob some random stranger since that is exactly the same thing...why not they have insurance right?.....jeez posts like this should probably be banned like cracked app threads are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude. Look at the post above yours. He clearly stated he wasnt tryong to cheat the system. He already got his dad the phone legit.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
monkeypaws said:
Dude. Look at the post above yours. He clearly stated he wasnt tryong to cheat the system. He already got his dad the phone legit.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that, I was just pointing out the wrongness of it. I'm not trying to defend the carriers but this is supposedly why they pull that sorta stuff and it is easy enough to believe when I see posts like this. Anyways no getting around it really, you can probably find a way to cheat the system but you get burned too. Plus don't they block the IMEI?
Maybe I misunderstood the OP, but if he was asking if he could start a contract, wait 14 days, cancel it, pay the ETF, and keep the phone, I don't see the problem. That's exactly the point of the ETF... so long as he pays it he hasn't done anything wrong as far as I can tell?
-Sent from my GS3 running CM10.-
Yes it will work. You have to wait til the return grace period is over before you cancel the contract. It's 14 or 30 days depends on where you live and where you get the phone from. Avoid getting phones with mail in rebates.
As long as you pay the ETF you are fulfilling your part of the contract
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
The Librarian of Congress decided in October 2012 that unlocking of cell phones would be removed from the exceptions to the DMCA.
As of January 26, consumers will no longer be able unlock their phones for use on a different network without carrier permission, even after their contract has expired.
Consumers will be forced to pay exorbitant roaming fees to make calls while traveling abroad. It reduces consumer choice, and decreases the resale value of devices that consumers have paid for in full.
The Librarian noted that carriers are offering more unlocked phones at present, but the great majority of phones sold are still locked.
We ask that the White House ask the Librarian of Congress to rescind this decision, and failing that, champion a bill that makes unlocking permanently legal.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/make-unlocking-cell-phones-legal/1g9KhZG7
I believe this only applies to new phones.. and you have 90 days from the date of the law to unlock your phone without any penalties.
page 16 of the docket: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-26308.pdf
so most of us are okay. but it sucks for people buying new phones. Might be okay on used phones, but I haven't gotten to that part yet.
chances are they'll revise the law in 2 years.
Seeing as T-Mobile is doing away with subsidized phones and the other carriers will probably follow suit much the same as international markets then one would no longer have a need to lock into a2 year contract unless of course there are to be plan discounts. That said there should be no reason for a carrier to refuse to unlock a phone that a consumer is now paying full price for, which is pushing $600 to $700 for the newest high end models.
I certainly don't agree that we should be paying upwards of $700 for something that has a realistic life span of 2 years, i would expect a laptop of the same price to last 5+. However i do agree that if you purchased a phone at a lower subsidized price and signed a two year contract then no you should not be able to Sim unlock it. Now if you pay your early term fees and are clear of your contact them there should be no reason for a carrier to deny unlocking said device.
If you are a person that travels abroad and need an unlocked phone them you should take that into consideration at time of purchase or contact the carrier to deal with it then.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I'm not sure but can this be posted in other threads without getting in trouble so we can make everyone know about this situation?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
blakdrew said:
I'm not sure but can this be posted in other threads without getting in trouble so we can make everyone know about this situation?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why not...but whats the point? Everyone should know about this by now, its been mentioned on various websites all over the internet.
Also, no offense to the OP but this petition is pretty useless, I mean, we all know how good petitions (ones pertaining to mobile phones) have worked before. Companies don't pay attention to it, so I doubt Congress will. The whole issue is redundant seeing as whoever wants to unlock their phone, will end up unlocking it, whatever the law may be. Its not like the government will set up random checkpoints to take your phone and make sure its not unlocked. People are just over reacting like they usually do. Its been illegal to download music and movies for a few years now and that doesn't seem to stop the people doing it. The only thing I see the this law harming are the various websites and ebay auctions that make money from unlocking phones. The truth is compared to the old Nokia days, smart phones(some, not all) are pretty easy to unlock.
One of the provisions is if you buy a phone from a 3rd party youre exempt.
My opinion? Its a sad day in this country when you dont have complete ownership of some you purchase.
Today its phones, tomorrow its......?
blackangst said:
My opinion? Its a sad day in this country when you dont have complete ownership of some you purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know. Even the cell phone industry (CTIA) basically admitted in its arguments to the Library of Congress that the reason they want this is purely in order to protect their business model (based on subsidies) and has nothing to do with copyright. It's bizarre to claim that it can possibly be a violation of copyright to use a physical device that you fully own the way you want. And it's pathetic that the U.S. is so far behind the rest of the world in terms of having a rational competitive wireless market.
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
yeah, but all carriers have ETF's (Early Termination Fees) that you have to pay if you jump ship before fulfilling your contract. That should take care of the subsidized cost of the phone.
mike-y said:
yeah, but all carriers have ETF's (Early Termination Fees) that you have to pay if you jump ship before fulfilling your contract. That should take care of the subsidized cost of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if those fees actually get paid. Or most likely someone who is being shady in the first place will just let those fees go to collection and later written off in bankruptcy or simply forgotten about for years and years.
Take me for example, i got my phone for $99 (2 of them actually) and i am very unhappy with T-Mobile but still have 18 months on my contract well my thought is to unlock the phone, jump ship, and worry about the early term fees at a later date which by the way wouldn't be in my name anyway. So really if i break up with my girlfriend then I'm not responsible and i just made a $400 profit. Now i have two reasons not to do all that 1I'm not a shady person and 2 its now illegal.
My point is that all one needs to do is ask the carrier to unlock the phone and if there are no contact obligations then the carrier has no reason not to. The only ones that should have issue are those trying to be shady.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
explodingboy70 said:
Yes if those fees actually get paid. Or most likely someone who is being shady in the first place will just let those fees go to collection and later written off in bankruptcy or simply forgotten about for years and years.
Take me for example, i got my phone for $99 (2 of them actually) and i am very unhappy with T-Mobile but still have 18 months on my contract well my thought is to unlock the phone, jump ship, and worry about the early term fees at a later date which by the way wouldn't be in my name anyway. So really if i break up with my girlfriend then I'm not responsible and i just made a $400 profit. Now i have two reasons not to do all that 1I'm not a shady person and 2 its now illegal.
My point is that all one needs to do is ask the carrier to unlock the phone and if there are no contact obligations then the carrier has no reason not to. The only ones that should have issue are those trying to be shady.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, sir, I believe YOU are missing the point if you honestly believe this is about carriers trying to recoup their $$$ from subsidized phones. Seriously? NOTHING in the bill states carriers can unlock phones after a contract is fulfilled, or that they have to. Therefore, after said contract is fulfilled, you STILL own a device you dont have control over.
Do you own a house? Do you have a mortgage? If so, you know that just by paying off the mortgage it doesnt give you any more property ownership rights that you didnt have when you signed the mortgage. Once you've signed it, you legally own it, even though you still owe money on it. Until this overreaching law took effect, it was that way for phones (for the most part).
explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidised price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot an important point in your comment. YOU HAVE TO PAY 20-30USD PER MONTH FOR DATA! Therefore, your cost of adding a line is 120$+20x12=360$. So the profit is not as great as you mentioned.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
What's next? Putting restrictions on oxygen?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Signed and reposted on Hackforums.
http://www.hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=3226550
Hope you don't mind.
I linked this thread, and quoted the contents of the OP.
Figure it'd be good to get it out to a broader audience.
45,000 more signatures needed.
Go ahead and put my name on it. I'm too lazy to register, and I don't want a bunch of new e-mails trying to get me sign a bunch of other petitions.
And to the debate: Use an Obama phone, Save your money, and BUY a phone outright. The faster they see that this hurts the big TWO (AT&T, Verizon), it will change.
If you're impatient and want a phone NOW, understand the consequences. You are licensing that phone, and may never own it. And you'll also be advertising for whatever company you go with.
Yes, I know I'm advertising for T-Mobile in my signature. That's because I think they are honest, and very beneficial to the XDA community.
explodingboy70 said:
Again the last two posts even though they stated the point they missed it. The carriers offer phones at a subsidized price to get subscribers to sign two year contracts not because they want to give you a good deal but because they want you to use and pay for their services fort that time. Prior to this law anyone could go and purchase a phone at a lower price and a month later decide to jump ship, sim unlock their phone and go to another carrier or worse stay with said carrier and sell the new phone for a profit. I could feasibly add a line to my account for an extra $5 a month which comes to $120 over two years, get a $600 phone for around $200 sim unlock it and sell it on eBay at the $600 price. That's a $280 profit in my pocket.
So the carriers shouldn't protect themselves from this type of activity.
Don't get me wrong i think all the carriers rape their customers every chance they get and i don't agree with 95% percent of what they do but trying to petition Congress over this is totally dumb. Maybe petition Congress to get reasonable cell phone pricing. Or how about the fact that i pay the same rate in an area with sketchy service as a person that live in Seattle and had great service.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WELL SAID! BRAVO! This I would support as well as many others!
I have been on this side of things for a long time! I used to live in Seattle, had Sprint and Verizon because ATT and T-Mobile are both very sketchy up there, Verizon is top dawg and since Sprint uses Verizon's towers and is cheaper than anyone else, you get the best phones (imo) and best value, not to mention unlimited data.
That being said, I recently moved to Dallas, and Sprint/Verizon down here are really terrible! I mean Seattle, West Seattle I was pulling upwards of 70mb down and 50-60's up, ridiculous speeds, but made it a lot better when you paid your bill because you felt like you were getting something! Down in Dallas I never saw it go past 10-15mb. Not to mention my signal bars never reached full unless I was under a tower.
Tmobile, my current provider (only for another week or so) is just terrible everywhere. Best I have seen them anywhere is 6-10mb, and I'm sorry but they claim to have better call quality than ATT now, which is horse$hit! Dropped calls, taking over a minute just to start dialing, and when you do talk, lets just say its not good.
I just think that payment plans should be based on where you are at in their coverage area. (If you leave state/town for a trip that's on you). That's like car companies making you pay retail price for a used car same as a new one! Would you do it?
I hope you guys know they unlocking your device is legal. What's illegal is buying an unlock code from online sources. You can no longer just go online and pay a small fee (like $10) for the unlock code. You can call your service provider (T-Mobile as an example) and ask them for the code. (They shouldn't have a problem giving it to you.) Another way of legally unlocking your device is by doing a method like the one in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Or you could have someone that knows coding and have then do it for you. (As long as it is not through an online coding site you are good.)
Source: T-Mobile employee and target mobile employee.
----------------------------------------------
I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.
ideas:
Spoiler
-launcher/lock screen
-line rider type game where you control the character
-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES
-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)
-roller coaster tycoon style game
-many more!
Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!
----------------------------------------------
Well said Ariana....
Service provider must ... unlock the device at any time and at no charge.
At least that's what the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is recommending.
It's warm day in February when I have something good to say about the CRTC but they do finally appear to cracking down on service provider fees, lengthy contracts, and cell phone locking.
I mention this because the title of this thread sounds like the opposite of ongoing discussions in Canada about how North American consumers are paying more than cell phone customers the world over.
More information by search for "Buyer's remorse" and CBC or go to the Canadian governments CRTC website to download a full pdf of current proposal.
(I'd give you the links, but I'm newly registered here
Anyone know of any tips or tricks?
I'm stuck on a GSIII I re-upped my contract to on 12/2012.. they say I'm stuck until 12/2014.
Need an HTC One badly, but not $650 badly..
dbornack said:
Anyone know of any tips or tricks?
I'm stuck on a GSIII I re-upped my contract to on 12/2012.. they say I'm stuck until 12/2014.
Need an HTC One badly, but not $650 badly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well you can sell your GS III here http://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-verizon/us then buy the htc one off contract for full price.
+1
Sell your sg3 on swappa save up and pay difference for an HTC one on swappa. It's a great site.
If you don't mind spending a little extra each month you can do what I did, I just added a line and I'm fine paying the extra 40 a month.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using xda premium
Got mine on swappa for $540
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 2
Not too bad of a deal, but I had already planned on claiming a refurb replacement on the GSIII, and selling it for $250.. But I'm talking like.. no additional cost. Like, tips on how to con my way into an early upgrade with Verizon..
Kiyuubi said:
If you don't mind spending a little extra each month you can do what I did, I just added a line and I'm fine paying the extra 40 a month.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An extra $40 a month!! $960 for the phone over the contract term. I would not be ok with that. Can you still add lines if you have grandfathered family share plans?
EDIT: Why don't you swap a dumbphone on there to at least lower your costs?
I can sell you mine. Accessories in box are still unopened. No scratches dings or blemishes. $500
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 2
dbornack said:
Not too bad of a deal, but I had already planned on claiming a refurb replacement on the GSIII, and selling it for $250.. But I'm talking like.. no additional cost. Like, tips on how to con my way into an early upgrade with Verizon..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not going to happen.
Since they have you and you no longer have unlimited to bargain with, it's a "pay to play" game.
You could always switch to the edge or maybe the "max" plan for phone leasing and upgrades.
Don't know what else.
dbornack said:
Not too bad of a deal, but I had already planned on claiming a refurb replacement on the GSIII, and selling it for $250.. But I'm talking like.. no additional cost. Like, tips on how to con my way into an early upgrade with Verizon..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just got a new phone 9 months ago. They hurt a lot of feelings when they stopped giving upgrades at 22 months. And they stood firm on the 24 month upgrade pricing.
What incentive do they have to give you a discount after only 9 months? They already have you legally trapped for another 15 months. You would owe THEM an early termination fee. They hold all the cards here. You leave.. they make money. You stay... they make money. They give you a new upgrade... they lose money.
Your only out is to do what the rest have recommended. Buy it outright at full retail, or from Swappa. OR add a line and use that line's new equipment for yourself. I know several people who do that. And then just use those line's upgrades when they roll around. I'd just sell the GSIII and pay for an gently used one on Swappa.
one4thewings said:
They give you a new upgrade... they lose money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong, they re-up me for two years and keep me as a customer that much longer. Hardware is a commodity. No one makes money on hardware except when people pay full price on it before their upgrade.
I'm willing to bet the money they make on continuing to keep me is more than the money made on hardware if the upgrade me every 9-12 months except in my case, where I went and did that and ended up with a phone that sucks at pictures. Looks like I'm gonna just return it and live with GS3
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using xda app-developers app
Swappa! bought a new one myself for $480. works perfectly and just send it out for s-off in fact
dbornack said:
Wrong, they re-up me for two years and keep me as a customer that much longer. Hardware is a commodity. No one makes money on hardware except when people pay full price on it before their upgrade.
I'm willing to bet the money they make on continuing to keep me is more than the money made on hardware if the upgrade me every 9-12 months except in my case, where I went and did that and ended up with a phone that sucks at pictures. Looks like I'm gonna just return it and live with GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, don't get me wrong. I hope it works for you. But the logic there is flawed. The "that much longer" they keep you is only 9 months longer than they would have had you anyway. Of course they are making money on the hardware, no matter if they give it to you or you pay full price from them for it. But that's not the point. The point is that they have you under contract.
Imagine you cut lawn for work. You have a giant lawn mowing business. You're making crazy money. A man asks you to mow his lawn for the next year. You estimate the job, pitch it. He's good. He signs the contract. After you mow his lawn for a month he says, "I want you to start mowing my neighbors lawn too. No extra cost. I'm paying you good. Just when you reach the end of my plot, keep going. It's only an extra 3 acres." Are you really going to add a whole new lawn to the job just because he says so and insists that's what it's going to take to keep his business? You have him in a legal bind. You are guaranteed the contract amount OR a early termination fee. The other is just his promise that he'll sign with you next year. You don't NEED his contract. Your business is steadily growing. And what is his word worth? He told you that he was happy with you mowing his lawn and now he's tacked this new condition on. There are no guarantees that even if you mow his neighbor's lawn that he'll resign with you next season.
Again, I hope it works for you but unless some local mom and pop shop wants to manipulate the system for you in some way, I don't see it happening. And if you work directly with Verizon, I really don't see it happening. Sincerely hope I'm wrong here... but business is business. And business, for Verizon, is good.
Pretty good analogy there, but to lay it out in more mathmatical terms, when you got your s3, you probably paid $99 for it, for the sake of argument though, lets say you paid the full $200. Most VZW retailer's cost on an S3 is around 600. That's $400 they lost selling you that one phone. Now, analysts have broken down costs of the cell networks, and found that you're paying around $20 extra a month for the discount you got on the phone. You've had the phone 9 months at $20 a month, or $180. That means Verizon is still down $220. Why would they let you resign and take ANOTHER loss on a phone for a customer who has a perfectly working phone? No, its not "customer loyalty" or any of that nonsense, its you not understanding that phones are an expensive piece of hardware.