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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
So last Friday I bought my SGSIII at Radio Shack. Dude asked me if I want their insurance. I tell him "No I already have insurance through Sprint" last night I get home and my phone falls out of the car. Screen cracks in the upper right corner. I call Sprint to file a claim and they tell me that Friday July 27th the insurance was removed from the account. LOL WTF? Radio Shack guy deleted my insurance. Now I have to go in circles with Sprint and Assuron to see if they will add the insurance back on and take my claim. But I'm thinking that I should do into Radio Shack and demand a brand new phone free of charge. Who agrees?
Im guessing your from the states and Im from the uk. But if i had this problem then i wiuld honestly go to Radio shack and ask if you coukd still have the insurence. As it is still withing a 14 day prerod. And then if they agree and it all gets set up then i would wait a few after the insurence is active and then claim on the insurence lol.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Cant you just return it for another one since you are still within the 14 days?
DroidBabe said:
Cant you just return it for another one since you are still within the 14 days?
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I'm not sure if Radio Shack has that and if they cover damage. I think the 14 days is if you are not satisfied with the product.
"If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, and it is in its original new condition, simply call us within 14 days of the activation or process date shown on your sales receipt"
However I will talk to the store manager because I do not feel that I should have to wait for Sprint to determine if they will accept the claim because of Radio Shack's error. With a crack there is always a potential for more damage. Crack gets larger etc... We'll see what they say
If he removed your insurance without telling you, you should try demanding a new phone.
yousefak said:
If he removed your insurance without telling you, you should try demanding a new phone.
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I'm going to give it a shot. I called but the store manager is not in until this evening. The person there says she does not have the authority to do anything.
same thing happened to me when i tried to activate phone when i got my s3 luckly i caught it in time was able to get my battery replaced becuase they added insurance back to my account when i got activated
demanding a new phone from the shack wont work. They wont even think about covering damage done by the consumer. Your best bet is to call asurion and sprint and hope they feel it was a misunderstanding. Did you always have insurance b4 getting the s3?
I work at radio shack..
From my experience, it was the sales mans fault for not putting it back on.
We aren't supposed to sell sprints insurance. So when he upgraded the phone he had to select premium data and didn't check the tep insurance. It usually gets removed and you have to add it back on. Then again you could've had some **** of a salesman.
Usually we're pretty good at radio shack, we help the customers out alot.
Go in there let them know the situation. It could've been an inexperienced sales guy. Bring in proof of having insurance as well from your last phone
Sent from my galaxy nexus using xda app-developers app
If not, you can get radioshqck insurance BEFORE you complain. Go the next few days and turn your phone in. The deductible is less than sprints but they have to ship the phone out so you need a backup phone. Usually takes 3-14days from my understanding
Sent from my galaxy nexus using xda app-developers app
Same thing happened to me when I got my phone from best buy. Declined their insurance because I had sprint's. Got home and checked online to make sure insurance was still there, but it had been removed. Chatted with sprint and was told they themselves removed it because instead of paying the usual $8 it had gone up to $11 because of the "suggested retail price when it launched and the rising replacement cost of high end phones, they found it necessary to increase TEP monthly charges". They put it back once I agreed to the change in price
joebarkho said:
I work at radio shack..
From my experience, it was the sales mans fault for not putting it back on.
We aren't supposed to sell sprints insurance. So when he upgraded the phone he had to select premium data and didn't check the tep insurance. It usually gets removed and you have to add it back on. Then again you could've had some **** of a salesman.
Usually we're pretty good at radio shack, we help the customers out alot.
Go in there let them know the situation. It could've been an inexperienced sales guy. Bring in proof of having insurance as well from your last phone
Sent from my galaxy nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting for the store manager to call me back on it. Hoping she will do what's right and exchange the phone. Sprint is looking into weather or not they will honor a claim like I said but there's a chance they may not and there's also this waiting time now.
I got my G3 at Radio Shack and the salesman assured me I could get my $38 Activation fee waived given my 10+ tenure with Sprint.
It's not that he was wrong it's that he was very wrong. He was either ignorant or deceitful. Get it in writing.
--
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 powered by Blazer ROM 1.6.
MikeyLee said:
I'm waiting for the store manager to call me back on it. Hoping she will do what's right and exchange the phone. Sprint is looking into weather or not they will honor a claim like I said but there's a chance they may not and there's also this waiting time now.
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Click to collapse
pretty much the same thing happened to me.
bought it at rs
cracked the screen
sprint said the ins was removed.
they said it was a possible glitch though because of going to a higher tier ins.
all you need to do is call them and explain it.
a rep will back date the insurance to the date you purchased it.
was a pain for me but i got my replacement
dtr145r said:
pretty much the same thing happened to me.
bought it at rs
cracked the screen
sprint said the ins was removed.
they said it was a possible glitch though because of going to a higher tier ins.
all you need to do is call them and explain it.
a rep will back date the insurance to the date you purchased it.
was a pain for me but i got my replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Radio Shack isnt doing anything for me. I feel that they should replace it. I should not have to wait and risk further damage
We always have nothing but problems regarding insurance with customers that purchase their devices at RadioShack. Most customers do not return to RadioShack when they have a problem, they go to Sprint repair location. Then we have to explain that they don't have insurance and RadioShack duped them.
It's an all-around headache for me at least. I'm not knocking any employees here, but RadioShack's marketing on their insurance is deceitful and shady.
EASY.. Demand the manager log in to sprint terminal and add the insurance back, it can be done.
joebarkho said:
I work at radio shack..
From my experience, it was the sales mans fault for not putting it back on.
We aren't supposed to sell sprints insurance. So when he upgraded the phone he had to select premium data and didn't check the tep insurance. It usually gets removed and you have to add it back on. Then again you could've had some **** of a salesman.
Usually we're pretty good at radio shack, we help the customers out alot.
Go in there let them know the situation. It could've been an inexperienced sales guy. Bring in proof of having insurance as well from your last phone
Sent from my galaxy nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hes pissed you messed up his rssp and post attch. That could be his job but if you get what you want no need to have him get axed :angel:
Radio Shack did not do anything for me. I talked to the store manager. She talked to her DM and they sand they will not replace the phone. I faxed her my current Sprint account info showing there is no insurance and faxed her my last bill showing I was billed and had it prior and still nothing. She is supposed to be contacting their Sprint sales rep to see if he will do anything about it. It's not a matter of getting the insurance added back on. it's a matter of getting the phone replaced and not having to pay full price for another.
Hey gang, long story short;
I lost my phone on Halloween, got my Asurion replacement but now I'm considering switching to AT&T to get back on my family plan with my wife.
I'm within my 30 days to cancel my contract. I don't have my original hardware but I do have a new Asurion one. I'm willing to eat the deductible to get out. Is this going to be a problem. any advice will be appreciated.
It probably depends on who you talk to but they might stick you with the etf because its not the original equipment you opened the line with
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
I think T-Mobile's Return Policy is 14 DAYs not 30days.
mha1021 said:
I think T-Mobile's Return Policy is 14 DAYs not 30days.
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Click to collapse
California is 30 days cancel and return.
I talked to tech support to reactivate my account to see if I really want to switch back or not and they said that it shouldn't be a problem to return this handset versus the one I got in store. It is the same phone and now it is 2 weeks newer than the one I got. I guess we'll see how it goes.
I love this phone, though and really hope I can convince my wife to join me on Tmo so I can keep it.
Stamatos said:
California is 30 days cancel and return.
I talked to tech support to reactivate my account to see if I really want to switch back or not and they said that it shouldn't be a problem to return this handset versus the one I got in store. It is the same phone and now it is 2 weeks newer than the one I got. I guess we'll see how it goes.
I love this phone, though and really hope I can convince my wife to join me on Tmo so I can keep it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should be fine, my store said that they'll charge a $50 restocking fee if I return the phone within 30 days (then again I bought my phone outright without a contract, so maybe no restocking fee for you).
I know I can return and pay a restock fee with "original" hardware but does my insurance replaced phone count as "original" hardware?
Thanks again for the input and sorry I didn't think to stick this in Q&A in the first place.
Stamatos said:
I know I can return and pay a restock fee with "original" hardware but does my insurance replaced phone count as "original" hardware?
Thanks again for the input and sorry I didn't think to stick this in Q&A in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In general no but you never know it's always worth a try
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Why dont you take the phone with you? Not 100% sure the tmobile will take it back. You have a receipt for a particular imei not just a certain phone. I wouldnt be surprised if they flat out refuse.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
mdt73 said:
Why dont you take the phone with you? Not 100% sure the tmobile will take it back. You have a receipt for a particular imei not just a certain phone. I wouldnt be surprised if they flat out refuse.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not looking good according to the feedback here
So what would they expect me to do, pay for the phone outright even though it was lost and I paid for insurance? Then after I cancel, what do i do with the replacement. This isn't a very good system if this is the case.
I've returned 2 new phones in the past 6 months on Verizon. The first time was with a GS3, the rep just looked at the outside to make sure there was nothing obviously damaged, never turned it on or checked the IMEI. The second return was a MAXX HD, where the rep didn't even open the box, he just processed my return and I went on my way.
I would say go to the store, attempt to return it but don't mention that you got it replaced with insurance unless they ask.
Stamatos said:
Not looking good according to the feedback here
So what would they expect me to do, pay for the phone outright even though it was lost and I paid for insurance? Then after I cancel, what do i do with the replacement. This isn't a very good system if this is the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres the thing. Your local t-mobile store is a franchise and owned by someone who sets the rules for that store, following guidelines from t-mobile. None of us are going to accurately be able to give you any insight into how the store will handle your transaction.
That being said, are you having buyers remorse? Is the t-mobile coverage bad? You mentioned your wifes family plan, t-mobile offers better plans vs at&t...cost wise. Whats the reason you are returning the phone?
For those who returned phones and are saying they dont check, they do and will. Your imei is in a lot of other places than just in jellybean. Again, its different by store. Just go in and be honest with the salesman and manager and let us know how they handled it.
What I missed in all of this is your reasoning behind getting rid of the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
mdt73 said:
Heres the thing. Your local t-mobile store is a franchise and owned by someone who sets the rules for that store, following guidelines from t-mobile. None of us are going to accurately be able to give you any insight into how the store will handle your transaction.
That being said, are you having buyers remorse? Is the t-mobile coverage bad? You mentioned your wifes family plan, t-mobile offers better plans vs at&t...cost wise. Whats the reason you are returning the phone?
For those who returned phones and are saying they dont check, they do and will. Your imei is in a lot of other places than just in jellybean. Again, its different by store. Just go in and be honest with the salesman and manager and let us know how they handled it.
What I missed in all of this is your reasoning behind getting rid of the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the phone but the contract is just more than I want to spend and becuase I can get the same phone at ATT, I just figure I might want to wait until I can just buy the phone outright or wait until my ETF isn't $230. Tmo has been a little spotty during my trial, a lot of data switching to edge or worse. So all in all, I guess I was just hoping Tmovile would wow me enough that I'd go the extra mie to keep it but they did not. So now I'm hoping I'm not stuck over something dumb on my part by losing my original hardware.
Good advice, though.
I am currently not eligible for an upgrade, but another person in my plan is eligible, so can I take the person in my family plan's upgrade and transfer it to mine? I remember my brother doing this for his iphone 4s :crying: ......
Also I want to order the LG Optimus G through amazon wireless, if that matters.
samsungepicgeek said:
I am currently not eligible for an upgrade, but another person in my plan is eligible, so can I take the person in my family plan's upgrade and transfer it to mine? I remember my brother doing this for his iphone 4s :crying: ......
Also I want to order the LG Optimus G through amazon wireless, if that matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can.
(How?)
samsungepicgeek said:
(How?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure with amazon. You might have to order the phone then switch the numbers when you have he phone in hand. I have done this numerous times at best buy. But talk to sprint and amazon to be sure.
Let me help you out since I just did this yesterday.
Go to store and upgrade users phone.
Go home
Call Sprint if thats your carrier, and tell them you want to do an ESN switch between the two lines.
Just have both dec esn's written down in advance.
Call on a phone that is NOT being switched
They will walk through the process with you. 6 minutes later
PROFIT
IF you get the phone from Amazon, then be careful. I have heard if you switch the device to a different line they will charge you for it. Just what I have heard.
Just google'd it and got this from Amazon's website.
"I need a new phone, but my line isn't eligible for an upgrade. Another line in my family account is eligible. Can I get a new phone for my line by using the upgrade of the other line in my family account?
While carriers may offer the option to swap upgrades between different lines on the same family account, this option isn't available through AmazonWireless. Phones purchased from AmazonWireless must remain on the line upgraded for 181 days. If you move the device to an alternate line within the first 181 days, you'd be subject to additional charges by AmazonWireless of up to $250 (per phone), plus applicable taxes."
_Epic said:
IF you get the phone from Amazon, then be careful. I have heard if you switch the device to a different line they will charge you for it. Just what I have heard.
Just google'd it and got this from Amazon's website.
"I need a new phone, but my line isn't eligible for an upgrade. Another line in my family account is eligible. Can I get a new phone for my line by using the upgrade of the other line in my family account?
While carriers may offer the option to swap upgrades between different lines on the same family account, this option isn't available through AmazonWireless. Phones purchased from AmazonWireless must remain on the line upgraded for 181 days. If you move the device to an alternate line within the first 181 days, you'd be subject to additional charges by AmazonWireless of up to $250 (per phone), plus applicable taxes."
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Click to collapse
I figured something like that because I believe wirefly does this too. Now the OP knows
I'm still confused on what to do ? I really don't want to pay $200 on a phone!
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samsungepicgeek said:
I'm still confused on what to do ? I really don't want to pay $200 on a phone!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use Amazon or Wirefly if you don't wanna get charged a ridiculous amount.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
_Epic said:
Don't use Amazon or Wirefly if you don't wanna get charged a ridiculous amount.
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
If that's the case, then is there anyway I can do what i originally wanted to do but with Best Buy( and then by showing them the amazon price to price match)???
samsungepicgeek said:
If that's the case, then is there anyway I can do what i originally wanted to do but with Best Buy( and then by showing them the amazon price to price match)???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen people do that. Good way to get around the system. Give it a try.
Its hard to argue with that quote from Amazon's website. However, I had also wanted to do something similar by using the upgrade of a family member then activate the phone on my account. When I spoke with the Amazon Wireless rep (who seemed extremely knowledgeable), he stated without hesitation that if that was done on a Verizon or ATT account, I would in fact incur significant extra charges for the phone once the switch was made. He stated that for Sprint, however, because Amazon is paid its cut immediately by Sprint when the phone is sold and the contract renewed (and not several months down the road like on ATT and Verizon), it was no problem to use the upgrade of a family member and then activate on a different line (and not incur and additional charges). I ultimately did not end up going that route but if you really want to do it, I would just call up Amazon and ask.
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
samsungepicgeek said:
If that's the case, then is there anyway I can do what i originally wanted to do but with Best Buy( and then by showing them the amazon price to price match)???
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I looked into doing this with Best Buy about a year ago and they told me the phone would have to remain activated on the upgraded line for 24 hours and then the swap could be made. Their policy may have changed since then though so you will definitely want to ask them first before proceeding.
As far as price matching goes, I got Best Buy to price match Amazon at $99. I simply told them Amazon's price, they looked up the price on Amazon's website, asked the supervisor for permission, and price matched it. I think part of my success was that the browser they used to look up the price (which is running on the same machine as the register) is basically a text only browser (very limited capabilities) so when they pulled up the webpage, it failed to display the Amazon "out of stock" graphic/notice. If they had seen that the phone was out of stock at Amazon, I'm pretty sure they would not have price matched. I say if the first Best Buy you visit declines to price match, go to a different one until you find one that will be more accommodating to you.
Try seeing if Sprint will match amazons price a friend got a gs3's price matched from Sam's club
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sharkboy0901 said:
Try seeing if Sprint will match amazons price a friend got a gs3's price matched from Sam's club
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app
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This is really hit and miss, depending on the store's current numbers, goals, management, etc. I've known corporate stores and indirect stores to honor competitor pricing; however, I've also known some of each to laugh at the thought. Check with your local store if that is the route you want to take.
Let me go ahead and bust the myth about best buy and any other store that claims you have to keep it on the line for so many hours or days. This is false information and will not screw up your account, charge you extra, or anything else. Depending on the dealer and their contract with Sprint, they are given a list of sales either weekly or monthly. When you purchase a device at a discounted price by starting or renewing a two year contract, that dealer gets paid for the price of the phone (of course, they have to purchase it from their dealer like Brightpoint first, but it is almost always volume pricing and not retail price) plus they get paid for the contract, PLUS they receive monthly residuals from Sprint as long as that contract is still in effect. So in essence, part of that $69.99 per month you're paying goes back to the dealer where you bought it. Sprint will send a list of activations to the dealer for the devices that are no longer on the lines of which they were sold. This is why dealers want you to keep them on your line for x amount of time (a full day, a full week, a month, etc) so they can get paid for the contract without having to research where the device went after it was sold and submit an appeal.
There is no penalty for using an upgrade on a different line on the account. More often than not, you will need the account holder with you, unless you do it online and have the security information. You WILL want to write down the previous ESN/MEID, as the device will HAVE to be placed on the account on the line that was eligible to upgrade in order to get the discounted price. Once the transaction is finished, the device can be removed and the old device can be reactivated by doing an ESN swap. Best Buy CAN do this, but sometimes they just won't. Nevertheless, go to a Sprint store, call Customer Care, or use Sprint.com to do the service swap to put the old equipment back on. Once it is back on, the new device will be free to activate on any line using the same method, the service swap. If the device was activated on the old line already, it will need to be reprogrammed which is very simple to do and the rep/webpage will tell you how to do it. Done, and done. Enjoy your new device.
Go with Amazonwireless or Newegg
I did it with a Motorola Photon this January. I did the following:
1) Ordered phone on Amazon
2) To activate, don't do it on Amazon's site. Go to Sprint.com
3) Go through the options to activate on there.
Never once got charged extra for it.
I just did the same thing to get the Optimus G. Wife's line was eligible....ordered phone (this time from Newegg....Amazon severely backordered). Just activated it on Sprint.com tonight
Boy do I have to say that this is one GORGEOUS device!
I thought I would add my recent experience from 11/24.
Background:
My brother is notorious at losing his phones (or jumping in pools with one), so I was nice enough to give him my upgrade last year. He went to a sprint store and they were able to accomplish the upgrade of his phone without my line incurring the premium data charge.
Recent:
My Optimus S was getting old, and with the release of the Optimus G, I really wanted it. I was waffling on doing this exact same thing and was worried about getting the premium data charge on both my wife's line AND mine, even though we were using her upgrade for my phone.
To ensure I didn't have any problems, I got online and started a chat session with a sprint rep from India or something and asked him my slew of questions, effectively having him say, directly in the chat window, that we would only be charged the premium data charge on one line, not on both. I never mentioned anything about Best Buy, only about the process and premium data on both lines. So I copied the chat and emailed it to myself, and then got a nicely formatted email from the chat system detailing everything that was said.
I must say, that was key. I went in person to Best Buy and had them do the entire process: they enabled the new phone on my wife's account, switched the new phone to my account, then switched my wife's old phone back to my account.
A few days later, I checked my Sprint bill online, and what do you know? $10 premium data on both accounts. I called in and the woman I spoke with said "No, that's not allowed. You can't do that and there's no way I can give you a credit back." That's when I flashed the emailed chat I received stating that I wouldn't be charged on both accounts.
In the end, they had to go through some back-end management interface, taking 24 hrs to do the process somewhere, and finally was able to remove the upgrade fee from the account.
So, that's what I had to go through with this. My brother went directly to the Sprint store last year and had no problem doing this. I got confirmation via chat first and then had to call in to have them fix the problem.
If you'll notice, this is my first post. I just registered to be able to help you out a bit. Hopefully it'll save you some headaches and a bunch of $$.
Good luck!
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
bast525 said:
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
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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?
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bast525 said:
Ok, I'm trying to weigh my options here. I have unlimited data and have no plan on ending that until they force me to. I have looked around and have found that a new HTC One still tends to go for around $500-550.
However, Verizon's ETF is $350, and now that the One can be had on contract for $50, it seems to me I could have the phone and only be out $400.
I actually ran this plan by a Best Buy employee as well to see if they could warn me of any pitfalls, and the guy said there would be no problem. But, I seem to find you guys know more than the guys at Best Buy or Verizon! So, here's what I had in mind...:
- Start a NEW LINE of service, not at all linked to my existing account, get whatever cheapest plan they have, and get the One for $50
- Wait out the 14 days "worry free" period, so that I am past the point where they would just want me to return the phone
- Cancel the service, pay the $350 ETF (plus a possible pro-rate for the half-month of service?)
- Profit!
Are there any catches? Any pitfalls? ANY way that I can screw myself over by doing this? Also, at what point can I switch the SIM card from my current phone over to the new phone? Right away or do I have to wait til I cancel the service? Do I need to do anything on the Verizon website as well? I have bought a phone outright for my wife and just switched the SIM and it worked fine.
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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.
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cstrife999 said:
Other than losing tons of money I don't see an issue. Why not just pay the monthly payments and keep unlimited though?
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using xda app-developers app
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Not sure I understand? Where am I losing tons of money?
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
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Ok so as far as you know, what is the cut off where they can no longer ask me to return the phone, but will not charge me the full retail price of the phone either? After conversing with the Best Buy guy, he said this cut off is 14 days, after which they will not allow me to return the phone, and would only charge me the ETF, not the full price of the phone. Is he full of it?
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
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That's only if he does not pay the etf , if he pays the $350 they can't then charge for the phone .
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 2
NOT TRUE. I just opened up a new account to get the phone for $149. It was my only choice since I have a concession account and Verizon would not sell me the phone unless they could attach it to a consumer account and I wasn't about to pay $699 at Best Buy. I cancelled the next day over the phone. The rep told me I was within my window to return the phone. I told him that I wanted to keep it and he said that was absolutely fine. Got my final bill about 2 weeks later and was charged $350 ETF, 1 day service $3.50, and $11.48 in taxes. They tried to charge me tax on the Activation fee which they eventually reversed since the account was cancelled within the first 3 days. In the end I paid a total of $565. The cheapest retail is at a VZW corporate store at $599. I was satisified.
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
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great info here, thank you. This is right in line with what I was expecting. Based on your experience, and the fact that the phone is now $50 on contract, I would say $465 is probably a good ballpark figure for what I should expect my total out of pocket cost to be for the phone.
wcr84 said:
They will charge full price if phone if you don't return the phone. I use to work for Verizon in Columbia TN. This was the norm for that issue.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
If that is what they told you, that is complete bull****. That's a bs line that INDIRECT stores tell their customers. I know this because I was a store manager for one. The indirect retailers get paid when you buy a phone. When that phone/line is canceled a DAY before 6 months in term, they get their money taken back from them. Any new line or upgrade needs to be active for a complete 6 months before they are free and clear of returns and chargebacks. You tell them to shove it and call their bluff...Corporate Verizon should have NO problem doing this, I've seen it done. Hell....I've done it, but do it at your own risk because I don't work for corporate and never have, so idk what kind of guidelines they have about these types of things...
EDIT*** I thought you said the store TOLD you that, I misread. You WORKED for Verizon? Was it corporate or indirect? I've done this before, and have helped friends do it as well and there were no issues....
bast525 said:
great info here, thank you. This is right in line with what I was expecting. Based on your experience, and the fact that the phone is now $50 on contract, I would say $465 is probably a good ballpark figure for what I should expect my total out of pocket cost to be for the phone.
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Sounds right. I picked mine up from the same store that refused to sell the phone to me. I placed the order online and chose in store pickup. Phone was ready within an hour..
skorpyo31 said:
Sounds right. I picked mine up from the same store that refused to sell the phone to me. I placed the order online and chose in store pickup. Phone was ready within an hour..
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Pay full retail or do the 12 monthly payments split on your bill.
zetsumeikuro said:
Pay full retail or do the 12 monthly payments split on your bill.
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Orrr.... Pay less. By doing it his way?
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