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I just signed a new 2yr contract with Sprint to get the epic 4g touch, since i still got 1yr left on my original contract (evo4g), they can only give me $75 discount off of 499.00, so I paid $425.00.
Now I am thinking I should of cancel the original contract and pay etf (pay$100), then get the phone with new contract for $200, which the total is $300.00, would that be The best way to do this? Can I still transfer my old number if I cancel the contract? Is this do able now that I just signed the new 2yr contract?
If i were you I would just buy it for retail price. The $75 discount is not worth signing a 2 year contract imo.
Thats my other option. Just pay $499 and stay with old contract, and have option to get new phone with discounted price next year...who knows, maybe Galaxy S III
Yeah, just do that. You get to keep your upgrade eligibility. Just return the phone since you are still within the 14 day return window. They are going on ebay for around $460 right now. Probably cheaper than sprint because of the taxes that they charge.
apexi350z said:
I just signed a new 2yr contract with Sprint to get the epic 4g touch, since i still got 1yr left on my original contract (evo4g), they can only give me $75 discount off of 499.00, so I paid $425.00.
Now I am thinking I should of cancel the original contract and pay etf (pay$100), then get the phone with new contract for $200, which the total is $300.00, would that be The best way to do this? Can I still transfer my old number if I cancel the contract? Is this do able now that I just signed the new 2yr contract?
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Wait isn't the etf like $350 now?
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch using XDA app
ok, I'll probably do that. Thanks!
Zoidpilot said:
Wait isn't the etf like $350 now?
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch using XDA app
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That's for new contracts only I believe. For some reason my ETF for my Epic Touch shows up as $200 on my account.
Here's an update:
I called the Sprint store I purchased this from, they said I will need to return the phone, which I have to pay $35 restocking fee, then call Sprint Customer Care to reverse the contract back, then buy the phone FULL price again to go back to the original contract.
I cannot keep my existing phone (return and re-buy back), since it will take 48 hours to reverse the contract. It will be a new phone.
I don't think I will go through this process, this is just PITA. oh well...that's what I get for not thinking it through first..
apexi350z said:
Here's an update:
I called the Sprint store I purchased this from, they said I will need to return the phone, which I have to pay $35 restocking fee, then call Sprint Customer Care to reverse the contract back, then buy the phone FULL price again to go back to the original contract.
I cannot keep my existing phone (return and re-buy back), since it will take 48 hours to reverse the contract. It will be a new phone.
I don't think I will go through this process, this is just PITA. oh well...that's what I get for not thinking it through first..
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I call bs on that. All you have to do is return customer care and they will reverse the contract without you having to purchase the phone full price. I don't think you can get out of the $35 restocking fee though.
rockethot said:
I call bs on that. All you have to do is return customer care and they will reverse the contract without you having to purchase the phone full price. I don't think you can get out of the $35 restocking fee though.
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It use to be the first 3 days only.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Like the title says, I'm not due for an upgrade until next December but I'd really like to dump my current phone for a Nexus... it's just dog-slow, has no support from any Dev communities nor support from Samsung themselves...
With that said I'm wondering if anyone has found a way around having to pay the full $800 to get a new Nexus device. I went in to Best Buy today to see if I could extend my contract by another 2 years but he said the best I could do is to start a Family Plan, move my number to that and add a new line so I'd be paying $130 a month. I don't think so.
It's important that I keep my current plan too since I have unlimited data.
If anyone knows any little life-hacks to getting a new Nexus at $300 or less, let me know!
Oh, I'm on Verizon. So, LTE please!
What phone do you have right now?
Sent from my SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
U could always add a line. Get a hold of an old verizon flip phone that doesn't require data and put the new line on that. This way you always get revolving upgrades too
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Getting an extra is not a bad plan, but the cost adds up eventually. And correct me if I'm wrong, but verizon is not doing the traditional new every two years updates anymore. I think your best plan is to wait until the year and a half marker (I know I get some discount at that point) or buy a phone full retail.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
chbennett said:
Getting an extra is not a bad plan, but the cost adds up eventually. And correct me if I'm wrong, but verizon is not doing the traditional new every two years updates anymore. I think your best plan is to wait until the year and a half marker (I know I get some discount at that point) or buy a phone full retail.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
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It's, what, $10 to add a line a month, dummyphone of course. $240 +
$300 = $540 still $110 below retail.
Smokeey said:
It's, what, $10 to add a line a month, dummyphone of course. $240 +
$300 = $540 still $110 below retail.
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Done know where the 240 came from. I added a line and out the door I paid 300+ CA tax
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
justin94 said:
Done know where the 240 came from. I added a line and out the door I paid 300+ CA tax
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
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Nm. Just realized you probably did 10x 12 for a 2 year contract. Yea, that's the thought process I had too. It'll basically be like getting a loan for the phone, without interest
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Retail is $650, not $800.
Frankly dude, take it from someone that HATES contracts and doesn't do them, just save up some cash.
What's the ETF on your current device now? Sounds like it might be cheaper to pay the ETF on your current line, and sign a contract for a new line and get the phone for $299.
The problem with getting another line is I'm currently on an individual plan paying about $80 a month.
Moving to a plan that I could add a line would put me at $130 a month... definitely not worth it when I'm already ready to fork over $300 for a phone.
I'm thinking best bet is getting lucky on eBay or Craigslist
chbennett said:
And correct me if I'm wrong, but verizon is not doing the traditional new every two years updates anymore. I think your best plan is to wait until the year and a half marker (I know I get some discount at that point) or buy a phone full retail.
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I think you can upgrade at the 20 month mark now actually. I know a buddy of mine that is a long time VZW customer is eligible for full upgrades @ 18 months.
KWKSLVR said:
Retail is $650, not $800.
Frankly dude, take it from someone that HATES contracts and doesn't do them, just save up some cash.
What's the ETF on your current device now? Sounds like it might be cheaper to pay the ETF on your current line, and sign a contract for a new line and get the phone for $299.
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Click to collapse
Verizon's site says "You may terminate service for any reason within 14 days of activation. If you purchased a wireless device at a promotional price at the time of activation, you must return it within the device return period to avoid being assessed an Early Termination Fee of $175, or $350 if you purchased an Advanced Device" so I'm assuming $350 to terminate.
Not only that but by making a new contract I'd lose my unlimited data, and I use a TON of data.
ZeppelinJ0 said:
Verizon's site says "You may terminate service for any reason within 14 days of activation. If you purchased a wireless device at a promotional price at the time of activation, you must return it within the device return period to avoid being assessed an Early Termination Fee of $175, or $350 if you purchased an Advanced Device" so I'm assuming $350 to terminate.
Not only that but by making a new contract I'd lose my unlimited data, and I use a TON of data.
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If you get a new line from say amazon... You can just cancel the line within 14 days and keep the phone. Amazon will charge you 250 eventually for it though.
I just did it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
Go Prepaid on TMO if you want phones more often.
blestsol said:
If you get a new line from say amazon... You can just cancel the line within 14 days and keep the phone. Amazon will charge you 250 eventually for it though.
I just did it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
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Lol. And you did not read the fine print. It amazes me what people will or wont do to pay retail for a phone. And that is why american cellular service and prices are what they are.
Crazy world, ay?
Ummmmm
blestsol said:
If you get a new line from say amazon... You can just cancel the line within 14 days and keep the phone. Amazon will charge you 250 eventually for it though.
I just did it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
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LOL like the other person said, you better go back and read the fine print. That $250 is a seperate Amazon fee in addition to Verizon's ETF. Basically you just screwed yourself $350 Verizon Fee + $250 Amazon Fee = $600.
blestsol said:
If you get a new line from say amazon... You can just cancel the line within 14 days and keep the phone. Amazon will charge you 250 eventually for it though.
I just did it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
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Click to collapse
So you paid for $600 no tax for your Rezound and are not on contract? That's not too bad. Saved $50 plus tax over getting it from Verizon.
They may hook you up with an early upgrade. I went in ready to pay full retail as my contract was not up until November of next year. The guy asked me why I didn't want to upgrade, not sure why I was able to upgrade but I did.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
If you have unlimited data, don't do an ETF since they don't offer unlimited any more. I'm heading out to BB-they told me if i pay full retail I have 30 day return policy. I'll sell my TBolt by that time, and cover the balance with my Xmas bonus.
Buddy Revell said:
So you paid for $600 no tax for your Rezound and are not on contract? That's not too bad. Saved $50 plus tax over getting it from Verizon.
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Nah I paid 150 for it on contract and canceled the trial then payed amazon their 250 cancel fee to keep it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
blestsol said:
Nah I paid 150 for it on contract and canceled the trial then payed amazon their 250 cancel fee to keep it.
Sent from a Rezound, crappie camera included.
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Click to collapse
Wait, you didn't have to pay the $350 ETF from Verizon?
Just wondering, I'm trying to decide between three smartphones and I want to try to use each one for a week, but would it cost money (iirc $36) each time I want to switch? Gah, I wish I could just swap SIM cards.
Yes and no... if you had the phones with you and you want to change them, just go online and you can change it for free, but if you buy a phone, and then you return it and change it for another new one, they charge you the activation fee
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks, their original reply was hard to understand.
Thank you for contacting Sprint about the phone upgrade activation fee.
I understand that you are concerned with the upgrade activation fee.
Sprint charges an upgrade fee any time you upgrade to a new or pre-owned
device regardless of where you purchase and whether or not discounts or
rebates are applied. They help offset the cost of device fees we pay
manufacturers and helps keep monthly service charges low. So, this is a
valid charge.
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It seems odd that it costs them money to activate a phone. Guess they gotta pay the rollout bills somehow.
If its a brand new phone yes
If it has already been activated even once no
But then there are some weird parts
I got a second GS brand new out of the box as a replacement for my 1st s3 cause it had a problem (I can't remember what) ( this 2nd s3 is my current and cracked phone) and there was no fee
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Emperor using psycommu
The only time i have paid an activation fee is when I get a phone by extending my contract. Never for switching between phones or for phones I have paid full price for.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I don't know if this answers your question, but when I went in for my second GSIII, they didn't charge me at all. The old one was bricked, but apparently they didn't even know how to boot into recovery so I got off scot-free.
They only charge when you buy from a Sprint store and/or renew your contract with an upgrade. I switch back and forth between my S3/S2/EvoShift... Currently on S2 for the 4G, will go back to S3 when LTE rolls out
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?
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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
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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??
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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.
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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....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
bast525 said:
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
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Other than losing tons of money I don't see an issue. Why not just pay the monthly payments and keep unlimited though?
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bast525 said:
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
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They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
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cstrife999 said:
Other than losing tons of money I don't see an issue. Why not just pay the monthly payments and keep unlimited though?
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using xda app-developers app
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Not sure I understand? Where am I losing tons of money?
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
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Ok so as far as you know, what is the cut off where they can no longer ask me to return the phone, but will not charge me the full retail price of the phone either? After conversing with the Best Buy guy, he said this cut off is 14 days, after which they will not allow me to return the phone, and would only charge me the ETF, not the full price of the phone. Is he full of it?
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
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That's only if he does not pay the etf , if he pays the $350 they can't then charge for the phone .
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 2
NOT TRUE. I just opened up a new account to get the phone for $149. It was my only choice since I have a concession account and Verizon would not sell me the phone unless they could attach it to a consumer account and I wasn't about to pay $699 at Best Buy. I cancelled the next day over the phone. The rep told me I was within my window to return the phone. I told him that I wanted to keep it and he said that was absolutely fine. Got my final bill about 2 weeks later and was charged $350 ETF, 1 day service $3.50, and $11.48 in taxes. They tried to charge me tax on the Activation fee which they eventually reversed since the account was cancelled within the first 3 days. In the end I paid a total of $565. The cheapest retail is at a VZW corporate store at $599. I was satisified.
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skorpyo31 said:
NOT TRUE. I just opened up a new account to get the phone for $149. It was my only choice since I have a concession account and Verizon would not sell me the phone unless they could attach it to a consumer account and I wasn't about to pay $699 at Best Buy. I cancelled the next day over the phone. The rep told me I was within my window to return the phone. I told him that I wanted to keep it and he said that was absolutely fine. Got my final bill about 2 weeks later and was charged $350 ETF, 1 day service $3.50, and $11.48 in taxes. They tried to charge me tax on the Activation fee which they eventually reversed since the account was cancelled within the first 3 days. In the end I paid a total of $565. The cheapest retail is at a VZW corporate store at $599. I was satisified.
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great info here, thank you. This is right in line with what I was expecting. Based on your experience, and the fact that the phone is now $50 on contract, I would say $465 is probably a good ballpark figure for what I should expect my total out of pocket cost to be for the phone.
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
If that is what they told you, that is complete bull****. That's a bs line that INDIRECT stores tell their customers. I know this because I was a store manager for one. The indirect retailers get paid when you buy a phone. When that phone/line is canceled a DAY before 6 months in term, they get their money taken back from them. Any new line or upgrade needs to be active for a complete 6 months before they are free and clear of returns and chargebacks. You tell them to shove it and call their bluff...Corporate Verizon should have NO problem doing this, I've seen it done. Hell....I've done it, but do it at your own risk because I don't work for corporate and never have, so idk what kind of guidelines they have about these types of things...
EDIT*** I thought you said the store TOLD you that, I misread. You WORKED for Verizon? Was it corporate or indirect? I've done this before, and have helped friends do it as well and there were no issues....
bast525 said:
great info here, thank you. This is right in line with what I was expecting. Based on your experience, and the fact that the phone is now $50 on contract, I would say $465 is probably a good ballpark figure for what I should expect my total out of pocket cost to be for the phone.
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Sounds right. I picked mine up from the same store that refused to sell the phone to me. I placed the order online and chose in store pickup. Phone was ready within an hour..
skorpyo31 said:
Sounds right. I picked mine up from the same store that refused to sell the phone to me. I placed the order online and chose in store pickup. Phone was ready within an hour..
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Pay full retail or do the 12 monthly payments split on your bill.
zetsumeikuro said:
Pay full retail or do the 12 monthly payments split on your bill.
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Orrr.... Pay less. By doing it his way?
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Ok, to play devil's advocate here.
1. Don't do it at an indirect. Best buy may be ok because they're large, and probably wouldn't notice/care enough to come after you with a chargeback. At my indirect you sign a separate contract saying if you cancel within 6 months, we will bill you full retail on the phone or you must return it to us.
2. If you cancel within the first 14 days, YES, corporate can bill your account full retail on the phone. Most carriers have a "gaming" department that handles cases like these.
(Source: I used to work in a gaming dept. Charged a guy full retail on 10 blackberry bolds )
3. You'll have the cost at the POS, a $35 activation fee, half a month of service, and the ETF. Just be aware of all of these.
4. When you call in to cancel DO NOT say it was lost/stolen. Don't want your ESN getting flagged