Sprint Question: Does it cost money to switch between phones? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

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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Click to collapse
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

Related

Evo 3d upgrade question

Hey guys. Basically my stepdad has an unused phone upgrade, but does not want to use it.
I would like to own the new HTC EVO 3D.
Can we extend his lines contract, get the phone and then put it on my line?
Also, I understand now that an additional $10 fee is on each smartphone for "data" now. When we signed up only my phone had this fee due to being a 4g phone, the other smartphone including his did not get charged because they signed up and got their phones the month before the change (my stepdad bought his phone online which is why he has an upgrade). Would my plan add a $10 fee to his line?
Any input appreciated. Thanks.
Nope, only the person using the phone has the $10 fee. But make sure sprint knows that you're switching phones and he will not have the Evo3d
Depending on what contract/plan he is on and if your also on that plan. If you are already on that plan and do not have a 'smart' phone, then it will only be the extra $10. However, with it being 'his' upgrade, you will have to have him upgrade 'his' phone and then activate his 'old' phone under you. If you are not on 'his' plan and you are going to add the line, then it will be $20 plus the $10 ($30) additional per month. But I'm pretty sure you can't use his upgrade for a different account. Great, now I'm confused....I think this is right, but a good rep in the store or him calling may be a better option. There are also some sprint guys on here that could answer it better.
kse91holydiver said:
Nope, only the person using the phone has the $10 fee. But make sure sprint knows that you're switching phones and he will not have the Evo3d
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So this is in fact a tangible plan for myself to obtain an HTC evo?
Thanks
dpilcher said:
Depending on what contract/plan he is on and if your also on that plan. If you are already on that plan and do not have a 'smart' phone, then it will only be the extra $10. However, with it being 'his' upgrade, you will have to have him upgrade 'his' phone and then activate his 'old' phone under you. If you are not on 'his' plan and you are going to add the line, then it will be $20 plus the $10 ($30) additional per month. But I'm pretty sure you can't use his upgrade for a different account. Great, now I'm confused....I think this is right, but a good rep in the store or him calling may be a better option. There are also some sprint guys on here that could answer it better.
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Click to collapse
I'm not going to lie. This has me confused as well.
We are all on a family plan.
He has a smartphone, I have a smartphone and we both have our own lines. I pay $10 because I had the htc evo, he does not pay the additional $10 currently.
I want to lengthen his contract, get the phone and NOT activate it on his line, instead, take it home and call and have it activated on mine.
If you are doing this anywhere that offers "Instant Rebates" you can get away with this. Just don't activate the phone on his line at all, otherwise he will be stuck with the $10 fee when he re-activates his "smart phone". Either order it online or at a store, just be sure they do not activate it at the store. Once you are home go online and activate it on your line, or via Sprint chat.
Yeah I did it the last year with the evo4g, you will be fine as long as he activates it with his and makes like two calls and then you call sprint to change ESNs, when you change them tell him to make sure they're taking off that $10/month charge. I'm pretty sure he'll never have to pay it but I guess they might have him pay it for one month. I guess you could look at it as a tax for getting a Evo3d
With the instant rebate he shouldnt have to activate it on his line. If he does he is boned. Assuming he had any smartphone that is on the systematically enforced list. There is no override, the system will from then, on force the $10 fee on any applicable smart phone, blackberry, android, wm etc etc. doesn't matter that its not 4g.
Trust me plenty of people have got jacked on this. The only exception is if its a TEP/ warranty replacement. It sucks, but it is what it is now. Co-worker activated her old Sanyo flip for a 3 day camping trip, came home and activated her BB curve again...boned with the $10 fees now. Only way it will go away is if she uses a non smartphone from now on. Soon as she activates any smartphone, the fee is back.
Sent from my Infected EVO using XDA Premium App.
Action B said:
Hey guys. Basically my stepdad has an unused phone upgrade, but does not want to use it.
I would like to own the new HTC EVO 3D.
Can we extend his lines contract, get the phone and then put it on my line?
Also, I understand now that an additional $10 fee is on each smartphone for "data" now. When we signed up only my phone had this fee due to being a 4g phone, the other smartphone including his did not get charged because they signed up and got their phones the month before the change (my stepdad bought his phone online which is why he has an upgrade). Would my plan add a $10 fee to his line?
Any input appreciated. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
YES YOU CAN. Goto a best buy store... and say this
Ok. my dad is due for an upgrade on his contract. he doesnt want the phone though. can we please do a hardware swap after upgrading the contract.
i just did it yesterday to get my mom an evo while upgrading dads lol
leo72793 said:
YES YOU CAN. Goto a best buy store... and say this
Ok. my dad is due for an upgrade on his contract. he doesnt want the phone though. can we please do a hardware swap after upgrading the contract.
i just did it yesterday to get my mom an evo while upgrading dads lol
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Click to collapse
What kind of phone does your dad have? Is it a smartphone. I wonder if they begin implementing the $10 fee if you upgrade your line but keep the same smartphone.
once he upgrade to a new phone he will
Follow up:
You cannot upgrade a line and not activate the phone. I tried at multiple stores and if you purchase it online it activates when you first turn it on upon receiving it.
Anyhow, there is the basic answer if anyone knows a way around let me know
Ok heres what you do upgrade your dads phone to whatever phone you want then activate it like you would regularly do on his line then make like 2 calls then call sprint and ask them to switch each phone to the account you want it on.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
sharkboy0901 said:
Ok heres what you do upgrade your dads phone to whatever phone you want then activate it like you would regularly do on his line then make like 2 calls then call sprint and ask them to switch each phone to the account you want it on.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input but I think you are missing a critical detail regarding this thread.
My dads phone is grandfathered into no $10 fee for his current smartphone, swapping to any other phone even for an instant will result in the $10 fee on his account for having a smartphone.
Your suggestion includes the idea of activating the upgrade phone on my dads account. I wanted to know if it was possible to upgrade and NOT activate so that he would not be charged $10 on his line AND I would get an upgrade phone. The end of this story is
TO MY KNOWLEDGE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO UPGRADE A LINE AND NOT ACTIVATE THE PHONE AT ALL ON THAT PARTICULAR LINE.
AND
THIS ONLY REALLY MATTERS IF THE LINE BEING UPGRADED IS GRANDFATHERED IN TO NOT PAYING $10 FOR A SMARTPHONE AND THAT PERSON CURRENTLY HAS A SMARTPHONE.
He will only get charged once unless the phone that gets swapped with his upgrade is a smartphone that gets charges the 10$ then he will get charged every month
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
sharkboy0901 said:
He will only get charged once unless the phone that gets swapped with his upgrade is a smartphone that gets charges the 10$ then he will get charged every month
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what he's trying to do. Dad has a smartphone and this guy is trying to get the 3d for himself. Activating the 3d on dads line, even for a minute, will trigger the $10 smart phone fee for for dad. Since he said dad already has a smartphone currently.
Some brick and mortar stores will do this, like best buy or radio shack. I bought a phone as a gift using an upgrade and held it for over 2 weeks before activating. Just call in and have them activate it on your line. Should be fine. Even from sprint.com should be ok. Just call in and have them release the phone from that line first, account owner may need to make the call. Then have it activated on your line.
Key is to not power it up until they are activating it to your line. Since if it's tied to his line, it will try to auto activate. When it connects to the network the first time, it will try to activate on whatever line sprint originally programmed it to. That line is changed when you call them in to activate it, after having it released from his line first.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
KB112 said:
That's what he's trying to do. Dad has a smartphone and this guy is trying to get the 3d for himself. Activating the 3d on dads line, even for a minute, will trigger the $10 smart phone fee for for dad. Since he said dad already has a smartphone currently.
Some brick and mortar stores will do this, like best buy or radio shack. I bought a phone as a gift using an upgrade and held it for over 2 weeks before activating. Just call in and have them activate it on your line. Should be fine. Even from sprint.com should be ok. Just call in and have them release the phone from that line first, account owner may need to make the call. Then have it activated on your line.
Key is to not power it up until they are activating it to your line. Since if it's tied to his line, it will try to auto activate. When it connects to the network the first time, it will try to activate on whatever line sprint originally programmed it to. That line is changed when you call them in to activate it, after having it released from his line first.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, I would like to thank you for understanding my thread and posts and posting something that makes sense.
I'd like to mention that I have a 3d now and I just bought it on craigslist. This thread is really just informative at this point as I do not have a problem to solve any longer.
When I went to radio shack I tried to tell them it was "a gift for my dad". They told me that basically they could not give me the phone without activating. The guy there is older and not really very savvy so it could just be that or the policy has changed. How long ago did you do the gift thing?
FYI asurion is out of evo4g now replacing claims with the evo3d so basically $100 to upgrade to evo3d
knotcw said:
FYI asurion is out of evo4g now replacing claims with the evo3d so basically $100 to upgrade to evo3d
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Click to collapse
You certain about that?
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Action B said:
First, I would like to thank you for understanding my thread and posts and posting something that makes sense.
I'd like to mention that I have a 3d now and I just bought it on craigslist. This thread is really just informative at this point as I do not have a problem to solve any longer.
When I went to radio shack I tried to tell them it was "a gift for my dad". They told me that basically they could not give me the phone without activating. The guy there is older and not really very savvy so it could just be that or the policy has changed. How long ago did you do the gift thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last time I did this was last Christmas. But I just spoke to a Sprint rep least week about this. I activated an old flip phone for my son, as he trashed his phone (which is why he won't get a nice phone). The rep was telling me he had an upgrade (which I knew) and I could get myself the iPhone using his upgrade. Plus on Sprint users forum, lots of people bought iPhones and sold them with no issues. Just had to call in and release the phone from their account if anything.
Sent from my Warmed up Shooter.

Opinions on buying a nib SGS2 on ebay?

I have two questions.
I have been eyeing either this phone or the GN for a while now, and I am about ready to just shut up and grab the SGS2 already.
Looking online, the only thing that should be coming out anytime too soon is the Blaze which I am still assuming is not an upgraded SGS2 (I don't know if people are just paranoid, or ready for another Vibrant 4g situation). So it seems like I won't be kicking myself in a few months about the SGS2 (minus, MAYBE, a GN release).
So long story short.
Question 1: Have I missed evidence on why I should wait 1 or 2 months to grab a new phone?
Question 2: What would be the smartest way to get one?
Short story long again:
Ebay has new in box phones starting at 499 with shipping, but one has no returns and the other has 3 days. Will ebay/paypal protection save me if I find out there are problems with the phone outside those few days?
I hate asking this, but what problems would I want to look for? Unless they develop over time I don't want to know about the screen issues I have heard mentioned vaguely, but others seem to imply it's not a big deal so if I never notice it then it's not hurting me.
I am wanting to use Ebay because it is 100 bucks cheaper than Amazon but Tmobile would only be like 598 or something. Should I stop being so paranoid and just grab it from ebay?
Sorry, I stayed up way too late with my finger over the mouse button and I am now just about ready to start pacing but I am not getting google search results to do anything to calm or warn me yet. Is it worth the 100 bucks to buy it from Ebay instead of straight from Tmobile?
Sorry, I will stop spazzing.
Those people who have unopened boxes of galaxy s 2 are people who are eligible for an upgrade but like their current phone so they decide to make money of their contract. I recently did this.my mom didn't want a new phone so I used her upgrade to buy a new gs2 and sold out on Ebay for $500. These people are legit and Ebay will make sure you don't get scammed.you should just buy it
Question 1: Tmobile is not releasing a new amazing phone for awhile. (unless somehow the galaxy s2 HD comes over). But that is not likely at all.so there is no need to wait.unless you want to wait another year for the galaxy s3. Ice cream sandwich is just around the corner. Right now is the best time to get it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Thanks for the response, I am just worried I get it and, say, the speaker phone is messed up and I learn about it a day or two after the return window and then I have trouble getting it fixed instead of just returning it or exchanging it.
I have never had to do that though, so 100 bucks is a lot to KNOW I can.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Branso07 said:
Those people who have unopened boxes of galaxy s 2 are people who are eligible for an upgrade but like their current phone so they decide to make money of their contract. I recently did this.my mom didn't want a new phone so I used her upgrade to buy a new gs2 and sold out on Ebay for $500. These people are legit and Ebay will make sure you don't get scammed.you should just buy it
Question 1: Tmobile is not releasing a new amazing phone for awhile. (unless somehow the galaxy s2 HD comes over). But that is not likely at all.so there is no need to wait.unless you want to wait another year for the galaxy s3. Ice cream sandwich is just around the corner. Right now is the best time to get it.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? You'd advocate risking getting your phone's IMEI number blacklisted to save $30?
The phones are $529 from t-mobile.
Why risk it for $30??? These "new" phones can be reported as lost then the insurance replaces it and they block the IMEI number and the sucker is out $400-$500.
BTW, Getting a "free" phone on a subsidy plan doesn't make the phone free, you're still paying for it over the 2 year term. With T-mobiles Unlimited Talk,Text, Web for $50 + buying the phone outright, over the 2 years a contract would run, you are paying out $1200+$530 for the phone so $1730. For the equivilant plan with a "free" phone you're paying $80 a month over 24 months so $1920.
So $1920 - $1730 = $190 You pay more for the phone than if you bought the phone with cash. And just looking now, you have to pony up $280 to buy the phone when you "upgrade" then a $50 rebate, so you're paying even more.
Heck, with T-mobile you can ge tthe non subsidized plan for $0 a month, pay $200 down, and finance the phone with T-mobile for $20 a month and come out ahead if you are looking for the least amount up front.
BTW, Ebay buyer protection is only good for 30 days after the sale, on day 31 the seller can report the phone "lost" and have it turned off and get their replacement.
i agree with gallaxxeess
no point saving $30 if you have a high risk of having your IMEI black listed
there's a topic about it in General
gallaxxeess said:
Seriously? You'd advocate risking getting your phone's IMEI number blacklisted to save $30?
The phones are $529 from t-mobile.
Why risk it for $30??? These "new" phones can be reported as lost then the insurance replaces it and they block the IMEI number and the sucker is out $400-$500.
BTW, Getting a "free" phone on a subsidy plan doesn't make the phone free, you're still paying for it over the 2 year term. With T-mobiles Unlimited Talk,Text, Web for $50 + buying the phone outright, over the 2 years a contract would run, you are paying out $1200+$530 for the phone so $1730. For the equivilant plan with a "free" phone you're paying $80 a month over 24 months so $1920.
So $1920 - $1730 = $190 You pay more for the phone than if you bought the phone with cash. And just looking now, you have to pony up $280 to buy the phone when you "upgrade" then a $50 rebate, so you're paying even more.
Heck, with T-mobile you can ge tthe non subsidized plan for $0 a month, pay $200 down, and finance the phone with T-mobile for $20 a month and come out ahead if you are looking for the least amount up front.
BTW, Ebay buyer protection is only good for 30 days after the sale, on day 31 the seller can report the phone "lost" and have it turned off and get their replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're assuming it's claimed as insurance fraud... and with taxes it's a 100 dollar difference. I do agree there is a risk though.
Edit: so thinking about that possibility I realized its sort of dumb for me to not just call up T-Mobile and see what they say about these sort if things (knowing they'd rather I give them NY money). I am legitimately thanking you for helping me solidify my paranoia to a point.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
If you wanna be happy, keep your vibrant and wait a few months. I recommend getting the GN if you have the money because it has a better screen, but if you want you could wait until ICS is offically released and then buy it.
If you have been used to the iphone screen, or any good res LCD screen, youll notice issues with the display on our GS2.
I get the phones for free by price matching at best buy.thus makes them have no mail in rebate and no monthly additional fee.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Husam2011 said:
If you wanna be happy, keep your vibrant and wait a few months. I recommend getting the GN if you have the money because it has a better screen, but if you want you could wait until ICS is offically released and then buy it.
If you have been used to the iphone screen, or any good res LCD screen, youll notice issues with the display on our GS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the opinion, although I am banking on "ignorance is bliss" when it comes to higher res screens. The expandable storage and currently only over seas options of the GN are why I am just going with the SGS2, but with sprint releasing one it is making me wonder if waiting would be smart. I would be happy with whatever I get, but I am pretty sick of my poor old vibrant.
Branso07 said:
I get the phones for free by price matching at best buy.thus makes them have no mail in rebate and no monthly additional fee.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App[/QUOTE
Didn't mean to thanks you, if anyone wonders why, but what do you mean? As much as I hate big corporation and all, I just can't pull myself to do scams or I would "lose" my current phone. Not saying that's what you're doing, but so far that's what it sounds like.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Similar situation. I just traded some BMW work for a NIB SGS2 off of craigslist. Upgrade phone he didnt want.
Just contacted CS
I asked about what they said and all they could say is "maybe...". They can't/won't verify that I purchased the phone so if the person were to claim it was stolen I would be SOL (I have read about a guy who got the seller in trouble in a similar situation with Sprint, but I don't want to go off something like that).
I guess I just have to re-budget 600 instead of 500.
why not just print the page ur phone is advertised on ? if its ebay the guy would have to setup an account every time he wantes to scam someone
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Pay with paypal. If the seller claims insurance fraud Paypal will get you your money back (may take time while they investigate but they will get it). Ebay is safe to buy from with all the fraud protection especially when you pay with paypal. DON"T DO IT ON CRAIGSLIST!!!
Don't wait for the Blaze, trust me, just get the SGSII or GN.
FYI, T-Mobile doesn't make money off handsets. When will people learn this. They make money off the monthly service. They are a SERVICE company, NOT a phone manufacturer. Go ahead and ask any question you want. In fact, T-Mobile prefer you have your own phone so they don't have to subsidize you!
setzer715 said:
Pay with paypal. If the seller claims insurance fraud Paypal will get you your money back (may take time while they investigate but they will get it). Ebay is safe to buy from with all the fraud protection especially when you pay with paypal. DON"T DO IT ON CRAIGSLIST!!!
Don't wait for the Blaze, trust me, just get the SGSII or GN.
FYI, T-Mobile doesn't make money off handsets. When will people learn this. They make money off the monthly service. They are a SERVICE company, NOT a phone manufacturer. Go ahead and ask any question you want. In fact, T-Mobile prefer you have your own phone so they don't have to subsidize you!
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Click to collapse
+1 . EBay is safe if you pay with paypal. Stay away from Craigslist!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
I bought my s2 from craigslist for $550 (white). It came brand new in a box, however headphones were missing. I have bunch of good headphones here and there so i didn't care. But the phone was in original packaging and I got within 3 days. I am happy with my purchase.
The last time i bought my galaxy 4g first series from someone advertising on craigslist, brand new phone but when i brought it home and try to use, the phone mic never worked. I called samsung and they told me to ship it to them and I received my phone back within 5 business days. They fixed it for free and even paid for overnight shipping.
I never had any issue with Samsung or Apple.
You don't wanna know my story with Dell and ATT when I ended up paying almost $2000 for a Dell Streak phone I never received.
Galaxy blaze is coming soon...wait for that
There's a leaked tmo map that shows 3 devices to b released in the next 2 months. One on the 18th 2 more in Feb.
Sent from my T959 using XDA App
accordex said:
Galaxy blaze is coming soon...wait for that
There's a leaked tmo map that shows 3 devices to b released in the next 2 months. One on the 18th 2 more in Feb.
Sent from my T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am still pretty sure the blaze will not be an upgrade, probably just a 4" phone...
Any way, doesn't matter, I went to Tmobile and bought myself a new SGS2... having trouble with my new plan though... ugh...
I just bought this white gs2 in the marketplace from another xda member. Bnib as stated, no problems & for around $450
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

[Q] rooted warranty service

I managed to crack my screen and was going to take it in to see if I could get service on it at Sprint, and was wondering how much trouble I'm going to get for having a custom ROM and 'suspected root' on the device?
I have a doc from 4/4/11 from sprint itself that says they are supposed to service it anyway and 'counsel' me on not rooting - is this still current policy or is there a newer doc to have on-hand if I catch flak for a custom ROM?
You'll have to pay a deductible even if you have TEP. They changed things.... so they can't refuse you service for a rooted phone.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium
New policy says that rooted does not matter anymore.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
MДЯCЦSДИT said:
New policy says that rooted does not matter anymore.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of store employees are not aware of this, think they know better, or choose to ignore it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 CM9 ANDROID 4.0.4
Apparently the last time they did an in-store repair of the phone was a fluke - I got told they don't do any physical repairs at the store anymore.
Now the fun part is to file a claim and get my phone cloned and restored to the new device. $100 - yay. Half tempted to take that money and put it towards the Note I've been looking at for a while.
tigerknight said:
Apparently the last time they did an in-store repair of the phone was a fluke - I got told they don't do any physical repairs at the store anymore.
Now the fun part is to file a claim and get my phone cloned and restored to the new device. $100 - yay.
I was just told that my wifes screen was too cracked to repair and I had to file a claim and pay the $100. I asked what it would cost me to pay them direct to replace the screen and I was told they could not do it. Neither he nor I understood that but he said that was policy because the crack was too big. If the crack was smaller they would replace it for me.
Who knows anymore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tigerknight said:
Apparently the last time they did an in-store repair of the phone was a fluke - I got told they don't do any physical repairs at the store anymore.
Now the fun part is to file a claim and get my phone cloned and restored to the new device. $100 - yay. Half tempted to take that money and put it towards the Note I've been looking at for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Precisely why tep is a waste. 100 plus the monthly fee makes no sense
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
I've been jonesing for a Note too.
xjayman said:
Half tempted to take that money and put it towards the Note I've been looking at for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just cracked my Epic 4G screen tonite.
I love my phone, but I've been jonesing for a Note too.
I have TEP.
A Samsung Note in my neighborhood is going for $549 plus a two year contract through ATT. Better deal on EBAY, at least if I don't miss 4G too much.
Glad they are no longer prejudiced against rooted phones.
I have CleanGB 1.1.2 MTD, and my USB computer access doesn't work any more, so I signed on to see how I could best brick my poor little Epic 4G so they wouldn't notice it's rooted, since I can't connect to ODIN to return to stock.
I expect that installing a BML rom might do the job, but I'm glad I won't have to figure it out.
tigerknight said:
I managed to crack my screen and was going to take it in to see if I could get service on it at Sprint, and was wondering how much trouble I'm going to get for having a custom ROM and 'suspected root' on the device?
I have a doc from 4/4/11 from sprint itself that says they are supposed to service it anyway and 'counsel' me on not rooting - is this still current policy or is there a newer doc to have on-hand if I catch flak for a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint does service and/or rooted handsets but DOES NOT repair root devices with cracked screens where there are 3+ cracks and the length of the crack on any of them exceeds 1". There is value to their $8 or $11 TEP considering if you took advantage of a handset discount less than 20 months ago, you would be purchasing a replacement device at full retail price. I'd rather pay $100, $150 or $200 for the TEP deductible than have to pay up to $600 for full price.
wireless.praying.mantis said:
Sprint does service and/or rooted handsets but DOES NOT repair root devices with cracked screens where there are 3+ cracks and the length of the crack on any of them exceeds 1". There is value to their $8 or $11 TEP considering if you took advantage of a handset discount less than 20 months ago, you would be purchasing a replacement device at full retail price. I'd rather pay $100, $150 or $200 for the TEP deductible than have to pay up to $600 for full price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just go on ebay and get another Epic for $99 or cheaper if you wanna game an auction for one with the saved money you DIDN'T spend on TEP all the months the phone was fine
I'm going to drop the insurance after this.
iviyth0s said:
Or just go on ebay and get another Epic for $99 or cheaper if you wanna game an auction for one with the saved money you DIDN'T spend on TEP all the months the phone was fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For $99 I could send my phone away for repair or buy one buy one off EBAY or Cowboom. Sprint will give me a refurbished phone for my $100 deductible. Assuming they have another Epic 4g Galaxy S in stock, the only advantage of dealing with Sprint is convenience of not having to wait for one to come in the mail.
I have a hope they will have one in stock only because it's the biggest corporate store in New York City.
Else they are all mail options for the same price with absolutely no reason to pay $7 monthly to sprint.
If I had a brand new Galaxy Note, however, then it would be worthwhile cos I see those suckers Ebay for a Grand!. It gets like gambling.
webfairy said:
I just cracked my Epic 4G screen tonite.
I love my phone, but I've been jonesing for a Note too.
I have TEP.
A Samsung Note in my neighborhood is going for $549 plus a two year contract through ATT. Better deal on EBAY, at least if I don't miss 4G too much.
Glad they are no longer prejudiced against rooted phones.
I have CleanGB 1.1.2 MTD, and my USB computer access doesn't work any more. MOD EDIT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not matter whether you are rooted or not when making an insurance claim. You cracked your screen, you will pay $100 for a refurb through Assurion.
There will be NO more talk of frauding Sprint.
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[Q] water damaged nexus

My Gnex went swimming without his floaties and has a power button that doesn't work. My question is could i take it to verizon and ask to buy a new phone and create a new contract without an upgrade available since my phone's messed up or is my only option to pay the $100 bucks for a new Gnex through insurance?
kbrian said:
My Gnex went swimming without his floaties and has a power button that doesn't work. My question is could i take it to verizon and ask to buy a new phone and create a new contract without an upgrade available since my phone's messed up or is my only option to pay the $100 bucks for a new Gnex through insurance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the insurance if you dont want to troubleshoot and repair it yourself
kbrian said:
My Gnex went swimming without his floaties and has a power button that doesn't work. My question is could i take it to verizon and ask to buy a new phone and create a new contract without an upgrade available since my phone's messed up or is my only option to pay the $100 bucks for a new Gnex through insurance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you have create a new contract to buy a phone? If you have unlimited data, you lose that. If you have an ongoing contract right now, you have to pay an early termination fee. If you open a second line and keep both (just to take advantage of subsidized prices), you pay out the butt for monthly service charges.
If you have insurance, why not use it? $100 for a phone that works like new is a deal if you ask me.
Pay the $100 IMO, you could be in a pool of **** like if you didn't have insurance, you'd be paying full price for a phone to keep unlimited data.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

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