Develop Bugs

Paying off my note 2?

So in nov I signed up with tmobile and got the note and a gs3 for my wife. I plan on selling the note and getting the s4 in march. I call tmobile to pay it off and they tell me I have to pay both phones off? This isn't what the agent told me when I signed up. He knew I swap phones about every 6 months. So my question is why can't I pay the note off separate? My wife never upgrades her phone plus it would lower my bill per month down. Tmobile is ending the subsidiaries anyways so I don't see what the issue is? The reason I went gsm is to be able to put any phone on the carrier as I like, such as international versions.

Talk to a different rep. Cause that rep is an asshole
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Nope just spoke to customer relations and was told it cannot be done until tmobile ends the subsidiaries in a few months. No way in hell I'm paying $700+ for both phones. Basically the rep I signed up with flat out lied to me. If I would of known this I would of just bought my note full retail. Really ticked off right now.
$720 for both phones + $600 or so for the s4 is just too much for me.
3rd damn carrier that seems to lure their customers in with lies. Who would refuse me paying off a phone today? Basically I was told their systems cannot allow only one device to be payed off until may when they change their policies. This is really going to screw over a lot of people. I just don't get it.
Can anyone explain tmobiles logic in this? I'm baffled.

I've heard that since it was Even More Plus. The credit line is for everything combined, you can't separate them out. No idea if that's the truth, but they have been consistent in telling me that. If you were lied to, that really sucks and, IMO, they should try to do something for you. No idea what, but they could offer something.
Not much help, but at least confirming what they are telling you now anyway.

ttabbal said:
I've heard that since it was Even More Plus. The credit line is for everything combined, you can't separate them out. No idea if that's the truth, but they have been consistent in telling me that. If you were lied to, that really sucks and, IMO, they should try to do something for you. No idea what, but they could offer something.
Not much help, but at least confirming what they are telling you now anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have it in writing too from the original kiosk rep. I'm really ticked as I talk to this guy all the time when I'm at the mall. Tmobile is investigating what he told me and I've notified his manger. This really screws anyone who wants to get another phone anytime before may. I just don't understand the logic. Why would they care if I decide to pay the device off? Now I'm screwed if I wanted to get the s4 in a few weeks unless I add a 3rd line.
Now I can see why so many go prepaid. To avoid all of the carrier BS. This is worse then what I dealt with on both sprint and Verizon.
There has to be a loophole for this. Any ideas guys?

It does make sense that the credit extended is put into one loan. I'm sure it makes it easier on the accounting for them....... BUT...... If that guy told you something different, I would go straight to him and have him help you get this sorted out immediately. He's the one that gave you misinformation, I would make him spend time working to correct it also.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

yeah, this really makes no sense to me why they would require this just because the phone accounts are linked? Just to be sure though, I'm going to make sure I buy my phone and my wife's phone separately.

Im told its becuase both phones were purchased together but that was becuase thats the day i switched from verizon to tmobile. The rep knew i switch devices often and told me it wouldnt be an issue. I got an email from the manager that they are investigating. If any of you bought the phones together id check on this. Im glad they are ending the pay per month on the phones BS. From now on ill pay full price.

This happened to me too. Opened a tmo business account and bought an S3 and a cheap text phone for the wife. Financed $500 between the two, and was told I could pay them off seperately. The note 2 comes out, so I go to pay the balance of the S3. I was told the same, you have to pay both off because they where contracted at ths same time. But I still had enough available credit to finance the note 2, swap the sim from the S3 in to the note 2, put the S3 on Craigslist, it sold the next day for the $400 balance I had on the note 2. Walked in to tmo the very next day and paid the note 2 off.

This is just an idea, I don't know for sure if it will work, but when I bought
my Note and my wife's phone, they told me that is no penalty if I pay
the phone(s) in advance OR if I pay more per month to shorten the pay
period of 20 months.
So, I guess you can go into the store and tell them you want to pay, let's say
$300 in the account for the phones. That will lower your montly payment, just
like you payed yours out and not "mess" with they're account number.
It's worth a try anyway....

Wait. So I have a $2000 credit on my account for devices. There's like $700 available. Your saying they won't let me pay a partial payment towards that?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

I think you can make a partial payment, but your monthly bill stays the same until its all paid off

mikeyinid said:
Wait. So I have a $2000 credit on my account for devices. There's like $700 available. Your saying they won't let me pay a partial payment towards that?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
i was told flat out i cannot pay off just one device, it has to be all of them or none until they end the subsidies and change their systems in may. im waiting to hear back from the store manager.

stevessvt said:
I think you can make a partial payment, but your monthly bill stays the same until its all paid off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the way tmobile does business is BS. never had this issue on sprint or verizon, i could swap phones when ever i wanted without penalties. knowing me the s4 will be announced and ill get impatient and just pay the $720 off and get the new phone lol. from now on ill always just buy my devices outright.

You could do what I did. Pay the deposit on the new phone and finance the rest, sell the old phone, then pay off the new phone.

premiatul said:
This is just an idea, I don't know for sure if it will work, but when I bought
my Note and my wife's phone, they told me that is no penalty if I pay
the phone(s) in advance OR if I pay more per month to shorten the pay
period of 20 months.
So, I guess you can go into the store and tell them you want to pay, let's say
$300 in the account for the phones. That will lower your montly payment, just
like you payed yours out and not "mess" with they're account number.
It's worth a try anyway....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i get what your saying but until these phones are payed off i wouldn't be able to activate the s4 or whatever phone on the current lines without penalty. id have to open a 3rd line. if i cannot get this resolved i guess ill just have to wait until they change their systems in late april or may.

stevessvt said:
You could do what I did. Pay the deposit on the new phone and finance the rest, sell the old phone, then pay off the new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's when tmobile gets the s4, i was planning on buying the international version as it will ship much sooner than the US carriers will get it. plus from now on i won't finance phones from tmobile, ill buy them outright. if that's what you meant buy putting a deposit down.
it's my fault for believing the rep and not reading all of the fine print. the dude must be like a car salesman. says anything for a sale.

fix-this! said:
i was told flat out i cannot pay off just one device, it has to be all of them or none until they end the subsidies and change their systems in may. im waiting to hear back from the store manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that is the case, which I will call tomorrow and find out, me and tmobile are gonna have a huge problem. I upgrade very often. If I can't pay a portion of that off to free up space for a new device there's no point.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

mikeyinid said:
If that is the case, which I will call tomorrow and find out, me and tmobile are gonna have a huge problem. I upgrade very often. If I can't pay a portion of that off to free up space for a new device there's no point.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here man, i upgrade very often. go ahead and call and i bet you get the same response i was given. once they end the subsidies and change the policies you will be able to pay just one device off. "take that with a grain of salt". to me this just doesn't make much business sense. if i finance two cars at the same time for lets say 2 years and decide to pay one of them off early i doubt anyone would be complaining getting their money early.

fix-this! said:
Nope just spoke to customer relations and was told it cannot be done until tmobile ends the subsidiaries in a few months. No way in hell I'm paying $700+ for both phones. Basically the rep I signed up with flat out lied to me. If I would of known this I would of just bought my note full retail. Really ticked off right now.
$720 for both phones + $600 or so for the s4 is just too much for me.
3rd damn carrier that seems to lure their customers in with lies. Who would refuse me paying off a phone today? Basically I was told their systems cannot allow only one device to be payed off until may when they change their policies. This is really going to screw over a lot of people. I just don't get it.
Can anyone explain tmobiles logic in this? I'm baffled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Business 101.... get it in writing otherwise it's hearsay
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 05:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 AM ----------
fix-this! said:
same here man, i upgrade very often. go ahead and call and i bet you get the same response i was given. once they end the subsidies and change the policies you will be able to pay just one device off. "take that with a grain of salt". to me this just doesn't make much business sense. if i finance two cars at the same time for lets say 2 years and decide to pay one of them off early i doubt anyone would be complaining getting their money early.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummmm a car and a cellphone are two different anomalies... .
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

T-Mobile contract cancellation

Anybody guys made contract cancellation once you received phone?

Nope. You have 14 days to do so, 30 days to return if you buy outright. Have fun.
This belongs in Q&A.

k0nane said:
Nope. You have 14 days to do so, 30 days to return if you buy outright. Have fun.
This belongs in Q&A.
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Click to collapse
Thanks.
I use TMobile prepaid and just would like to cancel contract and keep using GS4 on my existing prepaid. I've paid full price for the GS4. So when I receive it I can just cancel my contract and this will not affect any additional fees and/or blacklisting IMEI etc. ?
BTW sorry for the wrong forum

escknx said:
Thanks.
I use TMobile prepaid and just would like to cancel contract and keep using GS4 on my existing prepaid. I've paid full price for the GS4. So when I receive it I can just cancel my contract and this will not affect any additional fees and/or blacklisting IMEI etc. ?
BTW sorry for the wrong forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go talk to a rep in-store. If you signed up for another plan, while also paying full price for the GS4, you have no contract. You can cancel that plan at any time, you own the device.

k0nane said:
Go talk to a rep in-store. If you signed up for another plan, while also paying full price for the GS4, you have no contract. You can cancel that plan at any time, you own the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right I just mentioned that for now GS4 is unavailable for prepaid users so I had to subscribe for a contract to order it.

I did the same thing.
I have a prepaid account but I signed up for a new line and purchased the phone outright.
i know a bunch of other people on this forum did the same thing.
I am wondering if anyone canceled yet also and how they did it.
Can it be done on the live chat?

Yeah I looked on the T-Mobile site...no Galaxy S4 for prepaid phones. You have to give them your State ID and SSN to subscribe to a "no contract plan" where you pay the full price of the phone+$70/month. Which is complete bullcrap, because prepaid is the exact same thing, minus being forced to give T-Mobile your State ID/SSN for no reason at all. It's not just T-Mobile either, it's the same way with Sprint. Carriers want as much of your information as they can get; it's not enough you pay for service and the phone anymore.

My issue was much more interesting that anyone here experienced I believe.
When I ordered to my SSN and ID they haven't approve me and I was very wondering why cause I have a great credit score.
Then I contacted credit bureau and find out that my credit score fall <<400 that is unbelievable. Further speech and I realized that I've become a victim of identity theft. Now they confirmed this and recalculated my credit score as it should be. But to save time I had to order GS4 with my girfriend's papers.
Thanks GS4 that I've found identity theft so early.
The only one thing I have to do is cancel the contract once I receive it tomorrow.
So as I bought phone outright should I call somewhere to cancel it or I can just utilize sim card that I receive?

I'm also a prepaid customer, ended up buying the phone full price. Just hate the fact that even if you're paying the ful price you still have to sign up for service. I hope the only thing we have to do is give them a call and cancel the new line.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I did the same thing. I've been a prepaid customer for a year or so, and I opened a post-paid plan account so I could get the GS4. I also paid for the phone in full. I received it today and I already put my prepaid plan sim card on it. I need to cancel the post-paid plan but I'm not sure if I should do it now or wait. The sim card that came with the phone is still untouched inside the box.

Masonfield said:
Yeah I looked on the T-Mobile site...no Galaxy S4 for prepaid phones. You have to give them your State ID and SSN to subscribe to a "no contract plan" where you pay the full price of the phone+$70/month. Which is complete bullcrap, because prepaid is the exact same thing, minus being forced to give T-Mobile your State ID/SSN for no reason at all. It's not just T-Mobile either, it's the same way with Sprint. Carriers want as much of your information as they can get; it's not enough you pay for service and the phone anymore.
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Click to collapse
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Towle said:
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus data fees either way.
I'm on a special plan.

Towle said:
If you paid full price for the phone it's only $50/mo. The other option is to pay $149 up front for the phone, then it's $70/mo.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
It's only $50 if you unlimited talk/text+500MB data pool. If you want prepaid with unlimited data it's $70.

k0nane said:
Plus data fees either way.
I'm on a special plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new plan $50/mo including data. But you need to be out of contract to use it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------
Masonfield said:
It's only $50 if you unlimited talk/text+500MB data pool. If you want prepaid with unlimited data it's $70.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I was thinking that it included 2.5 gb data, but that's an extra $10. So it's $60 if you want 2.5 gb or $70 if you want unlimited.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

sim locked?
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks

ua2 said:
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think it is SIM unlocked.
I havent read yet on any forums if anyone has been able to have it unlocked yet by t-mobile.
---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:49 AM ----------
ua2 said:
I ordered mine yesterday night am planning to cancel service and use the phone also out of the country. Reading carefully through threads, but cannot find an answer: is the t-mobile S4 sim-locked? If yes and I paid the full price, can I get an unlocking code from t-mobile? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pilot_xphile said:
I did the same thing. I've been a prepaid customer for a year or so, and I opened a post-paid plan account so I could get the GS4. I also paid for the phone in full. I received it today and I already put my prepaid plan sim card on it. I need to cancel the post-paid plan but I'm not sure if I should do it now or wait. The sim card that came with the phone is still untouched inside the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing with me. I am trying to decide when to cancel the new line. SIM card is untouched in the box.
Waiting to see who cancels first and how the process went.

escknx said:
My issue was much more interesting that anyone here experienced I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
I also want to use the S4 on the $30 prepaid plan, and therefore intended to go the route of buying the phone with a $50 line and then cancel it.
I tried to buy online, but it told me I needed to contact a sales rep to complete the order. After starting an online chat with a sales rep, it turned out they required me to pay an additional $400 deposit. (I am pretty sure I never had an incidence with my credit rating so I am not sure why) As I intended to move over to pre-paid, I asked about the policy of how to get back the deposit if I cancel the line before the 1 year is up after which you automatically get back the deposit. After that she started to accuse me of committing fraud! and that t-mobile is not in the business of selling phones. I then asked her how asking about cancellation would violate their new un-carrier marketing and she asked me "where I came up with such a thing as un-carrier". She then simply canceled my order and hung up on me.
I don't think I have ever been accused of committing fraud before for wanting to pay a store over $1000 to buy their product!
I then tried to order again to get a more knowledgeable and competent representative. Unfortunately this time my bank decided t-mobile was "committing fraud" because they thought a $1000 was an unreasonably large amount for a internet transaction.
After the bank unblocked my credit card, because I told them I really do want to spend that much on a phone, I tried it again. Unfortunately on the third time the "account verification department " declined my request without an explanation of why they wouldn't take my $1000.
So I spent about 3 hours on the phone with t-mobile on Monday and I still don't have a S4 I don't think I have ever had a company as adamant to not taking my money as t-mobile. Now I'll have to wait till the 15th before I can try and buy it in a store
Does anyone know what might have gone wrong, or how to convince t-mobile to sell me a phone?

apmon said:
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
I also want to use the S4 on the $30 prepaid plan, and therefore intended to go the route of buying the phone with a $50 line and then cancel it.
I tried to buy online, but it told me I needed to contact a sales rep to complete the order. After starting an online chat with a sales rep, it turned out they required me to pay an additional $400 deposit. (I am pretty sure I never had an incidence with my credit rating so I am not sure why) As I intended to move over to pre-paid, I asked about the policy of how to get back the deposit if I cancel the line before the 1 year is up after which you automatically get back the deposit. After that she started to accuse me of committing fraud! and that t-mobile is not in the business of selling phones. I then asked her how asking about cancellation would violate their new un-carrier marketing and she asked me "where I came up with such a thing as un-carrier". She then simply canceled my order and hung up on me.
I don't think I have ever been accused of committing fraud before for wanting to pay a store over $1000 to buy their product!
I then tried to order again to get a more knowledgeable and competent representative. Unfortunately this time my bank decided t-mobile was "committing fraud" because they thought a $1000 was an unreasonably large amount for a internet transaction.
After the bank unblocked my credit card, because I told them I really do want to spend that much on a phone, I tried it again. Unfortunately on the third time the "account verification department " declined my request without an explanation of why they wouldn't take my $1000.
So I spent about 3 hours on the phone with t-mobile on Monday and I still don't have a S4 I don't think I have ever had a company as adamant to not taking my money as t-mobile. Now I'll have to wait till the 15th before I can try and buy it in a store
Does anyone know what might have gone wrong, or how to convince t-mobile to sell me a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's horrible. The reps are obviously just confused with the whole new setup. Every rep I talk to gives me a different story on how/when my classic plan will convert over to the new value plan.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Reps are stupid. I would try and see if you can get it price matched at best buy and buy it there. They should since it will be off contract and you're paying full price. I just don't think they have it in stock yet.

apmon said:
I think my experience might rival yours in "interesting"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you won't be able to do it before 15 except asking your relative/friend to do it for you, as I've done it.
Their credit dept haven't approve me since I had credit alert on my credit history due to identity fraud.
Your situation, did they tell you why you should pay 400 deposit?
Have u ever had their postpaid account before? Cause if you've never cancelled their contracts before and had no issues with credit score then I'd suggest to contact credit score bureau and figure out from there why you've been declined.

Purchasing the One on a new contract, then cancel at day 15 and pay ETF?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app[/QUOTE]

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.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Orrr.... Pay less. By doing it his way?
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 2

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

How to get a Note 5 for ATT without contract??

ATT has really screwed around with their plans and phone upgrades.
They want to boost the "access" charge on the share plans and after you add up the price for the phone charge and the upcharge it's closing in on $975 to get the 64GB phone.
Anyway to do any better than this?

les_garten said:
ATT has really screwed around with their plans and phone upgrades.
They want to boost the "access" charge on the share plans and after you add up the price for the phone charge and the upcharge it's closing in on $975 to get the 64GB phone.
Anyway to do any better than this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.. here : https://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-note-5-att

norbarb said:
Yes.. here : https://swappa.com/buy/samsung-galaxy-note-5-att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm leery of Swappa.
What happens when the phone gets banned by ATT for the orig buyer not fullfilling the contract or reporting it stolen?

les_garten said:
I'm leery of Swappa.
What happens when the phone gets banned by ATT for the orig buyer not fullfilling the contract or reporting it stolen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He can't report stolen because you have proof of purchase from PayPal. Swappa is checking if phone is under contract or not. If it is under contract you not allowed to post for sale. Read this : https://swappa.com/faq
I personally buying and selling on swappa and never had problems.

norbarb said:
He can't report stolen because you have proof of purchase from PayPal. Swappa is checking if phone is under contract or not. If it is under contract you not allowed to post for sale. Read this : https://swappa.com/faq
I personally buying and selling on swappa and never had problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later

les_garten said:
I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later
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If you scared go to AT&T and pay full price.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app

norbarb said:
If you scared go to AT&T and pay full price.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would, but doing that changes my plan radically because of the upgrade.

les_garten said:
I've sold on Swappa but never bought there. Seems like you can still get nailed later
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry too much on AT&T. They aren't like T-Mobile. If someone stops paying off a phone on AT&T, they don't blacklist the phone. Instead they ding the persons credit and go after them that way. T-Mobile does it different and will blacklist the phone.

WizeGuyDezignz said:
I wouldn't worry too much on AT&T. They aren't like T-Mobile. If someone stops paying off a phone on AT&T, they don't blacklist the phone. Instead they ding the persons credit and go after them that way. T-Mobile does it different and will blacklist the phone.
Click to expand...
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Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.

les_garten said:
Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is just what I've always been told. But definitely don't take it as gospel as I've never experienced being blacklisted myself.

les_garten said:
Interesting, didn't know that. I thought they all blacklisted them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW.. IF you get phone and go at&t store with PayPal receipt and register phone on your account how someone who you get phone from can blacklisted? You legally purchased phone and now is register on your account. Other person have no access to it anymore as he is not owner.

If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.

Ruturaj001 said:
If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got phone for $30(old phone from ebay)+$222 (down payment)+$518 (for 28 months) = $770. Unless I got my math wrong...
I got my phone from swappa for $540, phone was never activated. Brand new.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app

norbarb said:
BTW.. IF you get phone and go at&t store with PayPal receipt and register phone on your account how someone who you get phone from can blacklisted? You legally purchased phone and now is register on your account. Other person have no access to it anymore as he is not owner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you understand what I am talking about. Lots of people have had this problem. If the contract is not paid off, the person who sold the phone did not own it, get it? AT&T owns it till it is paid off.

Ruturaj001 said:
If you want to pay full price, I would say go for t mobile note 5, cheaper and much better as bootloader unlocked, you have chance of getting root or flash rom for faster update.
If you still want at&t note 5, keep eye on bestbuy deals for samsung phones on at&t next plan, on this plan you have to pay for phone in installments over period you decide. In a similar deal at time of launch of note 5, I got $200 for trading in a smartphone (which I purchased on ebay for $30), $45 for getting the phone on at&t next and wireless charger as promo deal. I went for 30% downpayment ($222) + tax on full price ($59.2) and paid with gift cards I got and remaining 36.2 with my credit card. The rest $518, I am paying in installments over 28 months (Which I can pay anytime and get my device unlocked). Basically I got phone for $554, which was sweet deal for me. You will still have to pay $15 activation fee, which is $45 (I guess) for on contract phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to do any type of upgrade on my account. I went to upgrade my phones with ATT after fulfilling my last contract and I am getting all kinds of BS about upping the price of my current share plan. That's what started this is their "new" policies about not really providing subsidized phones anymore.

norbarb said:
You got phone for $30(old phone from ebay)+$222 (down payment)+$518 (for 28 months) = $770. Unless I got my math wrong...
I got my phone from swappa for $540, phone was never activated. Brand new.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it wrong
I paid $30 for phone from ebay + $222 down payment + $59.2 tax + $518 for 28 months - $200 gift card for trade in - $45 giftcard for getting phone on at&t next - Wireless charger ( which I think is worth $30) = $554.2
I used gift card to pay for down payment and tax
---------- Post added 9th November 2015 at 12:02 AM ---------- Previous post was 8th November 2015 at 11:55 PM ----------
les_garten said:
I don't want to do any type of upgrade on my account. I went to upgrade my phones with ATT after fulfilling my last contract and I am getting all kinds of BS about upping the price of my current share plan. That's what started this is their "new" policies about not really providing subsidized phones anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At&t next is different than getting phone on contract. Right now my phone is not on 2 year contract, I am paying $15 for line (and $80 for share data plan), if I have got it on contract that would have raised that to $40.
If you are on very old type of plan, those you can not get now then you shouldn't go with at&t next.

Ruturaj001 said:
At&t nest is different than getting phone on contract. Right now my phone is not on 2 year contract, I am paying $15 for line (and $80 for share data plan), if I have got it on contract that would have raised that to $40.
If you are on very old type of plan, those you can not get now then you shouldn't go with at&t next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am on the same plan as you but I have 3 phones on it at $15 per. I read the fine print and if I upgrade, they raise that to $40. I have 10GB shared data plan.
For my Note 3 I bought a T-mobile and a $10 plan and swapped out SIM card. Rooted, etc, etc
Trying to figure out how to go now as cheap as possible without getting a Blacklisted phone. and screwing up my Plan.

les_garten said:
I don't think you understand what I am talking about. Lots of people have had this problem. If the contract is not paid off, the person who sold the phone did not own it, get it? AT&T owns it till it is paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If you paid in full even from third party you own it. At&t is charging person who you purchased phone full price or remaining of balance on phone on next bill. I had exactly this situation. I purchase phone and ask at&t for unlocking sim card code. Phone was not paid in full and they did not want me to send it. Then I get my pay pal receipt and go to at&t store, present them that I purchase this phone from third party. They switch phone to my account and told me they will charge account that phone was buy on for remaining balance. I get my unlocking code two days later. They told me that phone is on my account and is paid in full according to my account.

norbarb said:
No. If you paid in full even from third party you own it. At&t is charging person who you purchased phone full price or remaining of balance on phone on next bill. I had exactly this situation. I purchase phone and ask at&t for unlocking sim card code. Phone was not paid in full and they did not want me to send it. Then I get my pay pal receipt and go to at&t store, present them that I purchase this phone from third party. They switch phone to my account and told me they will charge account that phone was buy on for remaining balance. I get my unlocking code two days later. They told me that phone is on my account and is paid in full according to my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for you. Others have had different experiences, thus my questions.
Some people don't complete contract, report phone stolen, sell it, , IMEI/ESN is blacklisted.

les_garten said:
Glad it worked out for you. Others have had different experiences, thus my questions.
Some people don't complete contract, report phone stolen, sell it, , IMEI/ESN is blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Explain to me how they can report stolen if you have prof of purchase and real name and address from who did you get phone ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Premium HD app

3A XL on verizon

Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?

hullflyer said:
Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues here. I bought unlocked off Amazon, put in old sim, went online to active, and all good. Haven't rooted yet but no reason being on their network will effect that once you enable oem unlock, which worked just fine once activated.

I got my 3a xl unlocked from Best buy and it works great on Verizon. WiFi calling works as well. I am rooted with my bootloader unlocked as well

hullflyer said:
Hi, I want to get a 3A XL, and I need to stay on Verizon (major discount from my work). Verizon is notorious for blocking root attempts. If I get an unlocked phone (from Amazon, for example) and root it before I bring it to a store to get on the network, will I be able to keep it rooted? Any warnings or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the Verizon branded Pixel's have issues being rooted... if you buy the unlocked version from Google, Amazon, B&H, Newegg, etc. you will have zero issues rooting it before or after activating it on Verizon's network.
Just don't buy one from Verizon or one of it's authorized sellers (like Best Buy) who tell you need the Verizon to work right, they are wrong and there is nothing the Verizon model has that the other ones do not, except some bloatware and a unlockable bootloader.

acejavelin said:
Only the Verizon branded Pixel's have issues being rooted... if you buy the unlocked version from Google, Amazon, B&H, Newegg, etc. you will have zero issues rooting it before or after activating it on Verizon's network.
Just don't buy one from Verizon or one of it's authorized sellers (like Best Buy) who tell you need the Verizon to work right, they are wrong and there is nothing the Verizon model has that the other ones do not, except some bloatware and a unlockable bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you implying that Best buy isn't selling the Google version of the unlocked pixel 3a/xl? Cause you are gravely mistaken.
I and several people have bought the Google unlocked version from Best buy and have no issues unlocking the bootloader or rooting. All OP needs to do it is walk to best buy and ask for the unlocked version and he will walk out of there with the Google version and he won't have issues rooting or unlocking the device.

luigi90210 said:
Are you implying that Best buy isn't selling the Google version of the unlocked pixel 3a/xl? Cause you are gravely mistaken.
I and several people have bought the Google unlocked version from Best buy and have no issues unlocking the bootloader or rooting. All OP needs to do it is walk to best buy and ask for the unlocked version and he will walk out of there with the Google version and he won't have issues rooting or unlocking the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all, of course they sell the unlocked version... But they also sell the Verizon one as well, as they are a Verizon authorized dealer too.

acejavelin said:
Not at all, of course they sell the unlocked version... But they also sell the Verizon one as well, as they are a Verizon authorized dealer too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason to say to avoid best buy then, all OP needs to do is tell them he wants an unlocked version and they will sell him it and all OP needs to do is move their sim over from their old phone to the pixel.
It's not like he's going to a wireless republic or something where they only sell the Verizon version of the phone.

luigi90210 said:
There is no reason to say to avoid best buy then, all OP needs to do is tell them he wants an unlocked version and they will sell him it and all OP needs to do is move their sim over from their old phone to the pixel.
It's not like he's going to a wireless republic or something where they only sell the Verizon version of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I love Best Buy... Reread what I said... Don't buy a Verizon one even if they tell you need that one. It is a common trope, but perhaps my example retailer could have been better.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

acejavelin said:
Honestly, I love Best Buy... Reread what I said... Don't buy a Verizon one even if they tell you need that one. It is a common trope, but perhaps my example retailer could have been better.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best buy employees don't get paid commission so they have no reason to tell you what phone to buy, just tell them what you want and they will sell it to you.
Tbh the best way to get a pixel 3a xl right now is to go to best buy, buy the unlocked phone and get the $100 savings by opening a new Sprint account then immediately canceling the line after you get it activated(porting the number to Google voice would be the easiest way to close the sprint account) since you can cancel within 14 days without paying anything to Sprint.

Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.

bobby janow said:
Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cancel before the 2 weeks you don't pay that, you only pay an activation fee after the first months bill for new lines. And activating on sprint is the way to go cause even if you have to pay their $20 activation fee you still save $80, people have done this on Reddit and they don't pay activation fees if canceled within the first 2 weeks. The only reason you do a port out as well is because Sprint makes it an absolute pain in the butt to cancel a new account so instead of dealing with their customer service you just port the number out and that cancels the line for you

luigi90210 said:
If you cancel before the 2 weeks you don't pay that, you only pay an activation fee after the first months bill for new lines. And activating on sprint is the way to go cause even if you have to pay their $20 activation fee you still save $80, people have done this on Reddit and they don't pay activation fees if canceled within the first 2 weeks. The only reason you do a port out as well is because Sprint makes it an absolute pain in the butt to cancel a new account so instead of dealing with their customer service you just port the number out and that cancels the line for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know man. Sounds too complicated and too many things can go awry. (it's a $30 fee btw) See on one hand you say you pay an activation fee after the first month's bill. (are you sure about that?) And on the other hand you say "even if you have to pay..." Well which is it? Have you done it or just taking Reddit posters at their word?
So just to go over your math, $30 activation fee that you might have to pay, Verizon activation at BB the device is $50 off, so you're really only talking about $20 not $80. And you then get to avoid canceling, penalties, and all around agita for 20 bucks. If he were saving $200 then it's quite another story. Anyway, the device is great and it's even worth it at full price without the $50 you might or might not save.

bobby janow said:
I don't know man. Sounds too complicated and too many things can go awry. (it's a $30 fee btw) See on one hand you say you pay an activation fee after the first month's bill. (are you sure about that?) And on the other hand you say "even if you have to pay..." Well which is it? Have you done it or just taking Reddit posters at their word?
So just to go over your math, $30 activation fee that you might have to pay, Verizon activation at BB the device is $50 off, so you're really only talking about $20 not $80. And you then get to avoid canceling, penalties, and all around agita for 20 bucks. If he were saving $200 then it's quite another story. Anyway, the device is great and it's even worth it at full price without the $50 you might or might not save.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why you take the time and activate it with Sprint instead of Verizon this way you save the $70(assuming they charge you worst case) and not 20 I agree saving $20 for all that work is stupid however putting in a little bit of effort to save $70 would be worth it but it's not like you'd be saving the 70 you'd save 100 because Sprint will not charge you an activation fee if you cancel the line within 2 weeks. It's part of their satisfaction guarantee policy every cell phone carrier has, cancel within 2 weeks and pay for what you used if you didn't like the service and you just pay for what you used (mobile data, calls and texts) so as long as you don't use the service you'll walk out owing them $0
People have done it on Reddit and apparently it's not an uncommon thing. The reason why you would activate with Sprint and not a different carrier is because of the $100 savings you're going to cancel the line anyways, why bother only doing it for $50 when you can do it for $100 and it's the same amount of work.
It's a pita but with some of their activate now deals it's worth it had a friend do it with his Galaxy s10e, activated the phone with Sprint and canceled saving $150 for that phone and then he did a trade in promo at best buy where he got $200 for his LG G6 if he was getting the s10e. Idk why I didn't do it when I got my pixel 3a xl but I regret it, being able to save $100 for a little bit of work would have been worth it imo.

luigi90210 said:
That's why you take the time and activate it with Sprint instead of Verizon this way you save the $70(assuming they charge you worst case) and not 20 I agree saving $20 for all that work is stupid however putting in a little bit of effort to save $70 would be worth it but it's not like you'd be saving the 70 you'd save 100 because Sprint will not charge you an activation fee if you cancel the line within 2 weeks. It's part of their satisfaction guarantee policy every cell phone carrier has, cancel within 2 weeks and pay for what you used if you didn't like the service and you just pay for what you used (mobile data, calls and texts) so as long as you don't use the service you'll walk out owing them $0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says "save $100 if you activate today". So you're saying they will refund you the $30 with no questions asked? I can see them not billing you for zero usage but how long does it take to get your $30 back? So let's just assume that you don't get the activation fee back or you have to fight for it and spend hours on the phone with them. Still worth it? I'm just not one into scams like this but that's just me. I guess if you really need the 20 or 50 bucks then it's worth it. Maybe. lol

bobby janow said:
It says "save $100 if you activate today". So you're saying they will refund you the $30 with no questions asked? I can see them not billing you for zero usage but how long does it take to get your $30 back? So let's just assume that you don't get the activation fee back or you have to fight for it and spend hours on the phone with them. Still worth it? I'm just not one into scams like this but that's just me. I guess if you really need the 20 or 50 bucks then it's worth it. Maybe. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You pay the activation fee after your first month's bill is generated and that's paid to the carrier and not to Best buy. you cancel the line before your first month's bill is able to generate. That's why you don't get charged an activation fee

bobby janow said:
Isn't there an activation fee associated with opening a new line? I believe at BB you can buy the unlocked version and then activate it on Verizon for $430? So it's basically another $20 to avoid all the nonsense of activating / canceling / porting to GV etc. But to @acejavelin point, and a good one at that, make sure it's not the Verizon version and be very clear about that. I'd even activate it at the store then go into dev options and make sure the OEM switch is active. If not tell them you don't want it, that's not what you paid for. Even though BB employees don't get commission some of them are clueless as to the difference of unlocked carrier vs. unlockable bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One option (at any Verizon Authorized Dealer - it applies to Verizon stores as well) is to port an existing Verizon number if you have one- my mom has, in fact, done this before when changing phones. (I am trying to talk her into getting a 3a XL for herself - I offered to pay the freight for Mothers' Day - and she turned me down.) I'm looking to get a 3a XL (for my birthday) - but in my case, it will be from Best Buy (because I'm with Tracfone) and will be doing the three-step (phone and nano-SIM from Best Buy, but the case will come from Amazon). Okay - why Amazon for the case? Simple - it's the same case that I have for my current S7 (SUPCASE UNICORN BEETLE) - and Amazon is the ONLY e-tailer that carries them at a decent price - Best Buy doesn't carry them at all.