[Q] Can someone explain to me why in the world anyone would use VZW edge? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I just looked into it to upgrade my finace to a S4 and they said not only do you have to pay the full device price(spread out over 24 months) but then you have to trade in your "old" device and get nothing in return? WTF. If I'm going to give you a device you are going to give me some money for it. Not to mention, other carriers knock off money on your bill for paying for your own phone, but not VZW. Geez. This company makes me wonder more and more why I am with them.
Sorry to vent, I just can't believe what they charge for. And I have been a customer since 2005.

1454 said:
I just looked into it to upgrade my finace to a S4 and they said not only do you have to pay the full device price(spread out over 24 months) but then you have to trade in your "old" device and get nothing in return? WTF. If I'm going to give you a device you are going to give me some money for it. Not to mention, other carriers knock off money on your bill for paying for your own phone, but not VZW. Geez. This company makes me wonder more and more why I am with them.
Sorry to vent, I just can't believe what they charge for. And I have been a customer since 2005.
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You are only forced to trade the old device in if you haven't paid the full price for it. With Edge, you're eligible for an upgrade every 6 months (providing that 50% of the device's retail price has been paid). If you keep the phone for 24 months (or pay it off early), you're able to keep the phone when you get a new device.
I think what they're looking at is more of a phone rental system. You pay monthly for the phone until it's half paid, and then trade it in for a new phone. It pretty much looks like a car lease.

Cilraaz said:
You are only forced to trade the old device in if you haven't paid the full price for it. With Edge, you're eligible for an upgrade every 6 months (providing that 50% of the device's retail price has been paid). If you keep the phone for 24 months (or pay it off early), you're able to keep the phone when you get a new device.
I think what they're looking at is more of a phone rental system. You pay monthly for the phone until it's half paid, and then trade it in for a new phone. It pretty much looks like a car lease.
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Click to collapse
Pretty much sums it up accurately. For the most part the consumers have been the ones driving this trend fighting tooth and nail over the early termination fees and 2 year contracts.
Good job explaining it.:highfive:

Cilraaz said:
You are only forced to trade the old device in if you haven't paid the full price for it. With Edge, you're eligible for an upgrade every 6 months (providing that 50% of the device's retail price has been paid). If you keep the phone for 24 months (or pay it off early), you're able to keep the phone when you get a new device.
I think what they're looking at is more of a phone rental system. You pay monthly for the phone until it's half paid, and then trade it in for a new phone. It pretty much looks like a car lease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then the CS rep I talked to yesterday doesn't know crap. Not surprising, but still. The we have about 8 months left on her contract for her driod 4, and she said for me to take advantage of the "edge" program I would have to trade that device in and pay my monthly installments for the S4. I would consider upgrading her early but the battery has taken a crap and I don't trust vzws return warehouse to not screw up again. So I was just going to use edge for her. But I'm not giving them a free device that I agreed to a two year contract over. I would rather just pay cash for the device than do that. So I guess they don't train their people for crap anymore.
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stein5830 said:
Pretty much sums it up accurately. For the most part the consumers have been the ones driving this trend fighting tooth and nail over the early termination fees and 2 year contracts.
Good job explaining it.:highfive:
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Huh? I'm fine with a contract. I'm also fine paying full price. But if I am going to pay full price for the device I should get an extra discount like what tmo gives. If that is where you are going with the comment. I'm not sure 100% what you're getting at.
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Cilraaz said:
You are only forced to trade the old device in if you haven't paid the full price for it. With Edge, you're eligible for an upgrade every 6 months (providing that 50% of the device's retail price has been paid). If you keep the phone for 24 months (or pay it off early), you're able to keep the phone when you get a new device.
I think what they're looking at is more of a phone rental system. You pay monthly for the phone until it's half paid, and then trade it in for a new phone. It pretty much looks like a car lease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1454 said:
Huh? I'm fine with a contract. I'm also fine paying full price. But if I am going to pay full price for the device I should get an extra discount like what tmo gives. If that is where you are going with the comment. I'm not sure 100% what you're getting at.
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Click to collapse
Sorry: To clarify, when you sign up for service you sign a two year contract, but at the end of those two years, unless you pay full price for a phone, you will be signing another two year agreement. At this point the carriers are acknowledging that users want phones more often than two years but two not want to pay full price. So in a sense you can know rent you phone and get a new one once you have paid ~50% of the full cost, however long that takes you (so long as it is more than 6 months).

stein5830 said:
Sorry: To clarify, when you sign up for service you sign a two year contract, but at the end of those two years, unless you pay full price for a phone, you will be signing another two year agreement. At this point the carriers are acknowledging that users want phones more often than two years but two not want to pay full price. So in a sense you can know rent you phone and get a new one once you have paid ~50% of the full cost, however long that takes you (so long as it is more than 6 months).
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Click to collapse
Oh, I see more of what you are getting at now. Sorry, I'm sometimes a little slow.
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A little caviar the rep might not have told you: you have to be OUT of contract to begin with to start edge
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reinaldistic said:
A little caviar the rep might not have told you: you have to be OUT of contract to begin with to start edge
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Click to collapse
Nope, she didn't. Thanks for the heads up.
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Related

Rezound $50 UPGRADE

For those of us who can't do the $0.01 Amazon deal, this is the next best thing. I've got mine coming with free next day air.
http://membershipwireless.com/index.cfm/go/shop/do/PhoneDetails/productId/4907
HTGamingPC said:
For those of us who can't do the $0.01 Amazon deal, this is the next best thing. I've got mine coming with free next day air.
http://membershipwireless.com/index.cfm/go/shop/do/PhoneDetails/productId/4907
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find. I already have my Rezound on the way through the Amazon penny sale through a new activation, but only because I wasn't attached to my last phone number. In the end, it might end up being a bit of a headache because Amazon's system estimated that I have to wait 1 week because of the holiday weekend for the phone to show up.
-e- Ah, I missed the fact that Costco's price is an online-only deal too. Anyways, it's a nice offer for those that want to upgrade for a decent price.
Why couldn't you do the one penny deal. NM upgrade LOL sorry.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
HTGamingPC said:
For those of us who can't do the $0.01 Amazon deal, this is the next best thing. I've got mine coming with free next day air.
http://membershipwireless.com/index.cfm/go/shop/do/PhoneDetails/productId/4907
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU! Just need to double check tomorrow that I can keep my current data plan and I will have mine on its way. You did it just in the right time too. I was going to order or pick one up tomorrow no matter what but you saved me 150$.
What about saving money on activation fees. I might transfer over 5 lines to Verizon, that's almost 180 bucks in activation fees.
Anyway to avoid this silly fee or get it waived?
I just bought my phone from Verizon last week for $300. Would it be possible for me to return the phone, get my money back (-$35 restocking fee), get my upgrade date back, and order this from Costco (not a member, so 5% surcharge)? I noticed that it said you need to have your current plan for 22 months, would getting my upgrade date back affect this at all?
You might be in luck
mustbepbs said:
I just bought my phone from Verizon last week for $300. Would it be possible for me to return the phone, get my money back (-$35 restocking fee), get my upgrade date back, and order this from Costco (not a member, so 5% surcharge)? I noticed that it said you need to have your current plan for 22 months, would getting my upgrade date back affect this at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some good news for you.
According to my understanding, Verizon's holiday return policy as of Nov 15 is the following....all phones can be returned until January 15th (was Jan 9 but they extended it). Minus a 35 dollar restocking fee, you can probably ask them to waive it. Also make sure the rep rolls back your upgrade date. I once returned a phone to T-mobile and they didn't roll back my date, it showed I had used my upgrade even though the phone was returned.
Next good news. I'm a Costco member and have purchased several phones from Wireless Advocates, the company who actually runs the Wireless cell phone sales. (ps they are horrible...Costco needs to go with someone else). Anyway, back to the good news, unless they changed their policy, CELL phones purchased online for non-costco members are exempt from the non-costco member 5 percent surcharge!!! So you get the same benefits as a Costco member would!!! I might be wrong, but maybe Sam's Club online cell phone sales works the same way?
Seems like you're in luck
im a costco member...and i'd totally do it, but honestly, i don't feel llike going through the hassle..if there's a bad batch out there, mine wasn't part of it, so i'd hate to get a bad one and return a perfectly good one lol...plus honestly, the 267 total with tax i paid for the phone feels justified because this phone was ACTUALLY worth every penny to me
I am tempted to return my Rezound also and then get this deal. I wonder how long it is going on for though!
jayochs said:
im a costco member...and i'd totally do it, but honestly, i don't feel llike going through the hassle..if there's a bad batch out there, mine wasn't part of it, so i'd hate to get a bad one and return a perfectly good one lol...plus honestly, the 267 total with tax i paid for the phone feels justified because this phone was ACTUALLY worth every penny to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know exactly how you feel. The one that I got has been perfect, no lag, no dead pixels, no issues. I really don't feel like going through the hassle and potential lemon..but saving over 200 dollars is just too much for me to pass up lol. I paid $300 at the Verizon BJs store I frequent. Any idea how long they're doing this deal?
mustbepbs said:
I know exactly how you feel. The one that I got has been perfect, no lag, no dead pixels, no issues. I really don't feel like going through the hassle and potential lemon..but saving over 200 dollars is just too much for me to pass up lol. I paid $300 at the Verizon BJs store I frequent. Any idea how long they're doing this deal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, having dealt with Wireless Advocates(costco) several times, they don't really ever put expiration dates on promotions. Which is very annoying. Also, remember you will pay tax on full retail value of the phone(before subsidy), which the website also doesn't state what the full retail value exactly is. Anyway regardless you would have to pay full unsubsidized tax direct from Verizon too depending on your state.
Another thing, if the website suddenly says "sold out" just check a few hours later, sometimes minutes later, and it will be back in stock.
The free accessories it comes with is JUNK. You would find better stuff at the 99 cent store. You usually get a car charger, a case, and something else. Whatever it's free but still looks and feels like junk from the 99 cent store.
I say do it if you are tight on money.
SamsungVibrant said:
Again, having dealt with Wireless Advocates(costco) several times, they don't really ever put expiration dates on promotions. Which is very annoying. Also, remember you will pay tax on full retail value of the phone(before subsidy), which the website also doesn't state what the full retail value exactly is. Anyway regardless you would have to pay full unsubsidized tax direct from Verizon too depending on your state.
Another thing, if the website suddenly says "sold out" just check a few hours later and it will be back in stock.
The free accessories it comes with is JUNK. You would find better stuff at the 99 cent store. You usually get a car charger, a case, and something else. Whatever it's free but still looks and feels like junk from the 99 cent store.
I say do it if you are tight on money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in a tax free state (Live Free or Die baby), so would I have to pay said tax? Also, the only thing I'm interested in is the screen protector, I have my own case. Would you say that is junk also?
mustbepbs said:
I live in a tax free state (Live Free or Die baby), so would I have to pay said tax? Also, the only thing I'm interested in is the screen protector, I have my own case. Would you say that is junk also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you live in a tax free state, then you probably don't have to pay taxes. LUCKY [email protected] J/K
What state are you in? I'm so jealous, I'm sick of paying nearly 10 percent sales tax in California, errrr. Every time I buy a smartphone I have to pay 50-60 dollars in taxes on the full unsubsidized retail value, this state is stupid.
The screen protector is probably from the 25 cent gum ball machine. The free accessories they give you are seriously junk, but then again I've never gotten a screen protector from them, so it might actually be good, who knows.
SamsungVibrant said:
Well if you live in a tax free state, then you probably don't have to pay taxes. LUCKY [email protected] J/K
What state are you in? I'm so jealous, I'm sick of paying nearly 10 percent sales tax in California, errrr. Every time I buy a smart phone I have to pay 50 dollars in taxes on full unsubsidized retail value, this state is stupid.
The screen protector is probably from the 25 cent gum ball machine. The free accessories they give you are seriously junk, but then again I've never gotten a screen protector from them, so it might actually be good, who knows.
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Aw that sucks. I live in New Hampshire, and I love not paying sales tax They process the family line upgrade switch right? I used one of my other lines upgrades on my line.
mustbepbs said:
Aw that sucks. I live in New Hampshire, and I love not paying sales tax They process the family line upgrade switch right? I used one of my other lines upgrades on my line.
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Click to collapse
I didn't understand what you were asking.
"They process the family line upgrade switch right?"
Huh?
SamsungVibrant said:
I didn't understand what you were asking.
"They process the family line upgrade switch right?"
Huh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using an upgrade that is on another line in your family plan on your line. I think Verizon calls it the buddy upgrade?
mustbepbs said:
Using an upgrade that is on another line in your family plan on your line. I think Verizon calls it the buddy upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I didn't even know that was possible. You would have to ask wireless advocates directly. That might be something exclusive that Verizon representatives do for you directly as a courtesy, but probably Wireless Advocates(costco) wouldn't have the same ability to do. Make sure because you don't want to end up upgrading a different line on your account and be stuck paying data fees for 2 lines if your line isn't eligible for an upgrade.
Maybe you can call Verizon, tell them you're getting it at Costco, then have them do the buddy switch on the phone for you after?
I talked to Verizon via online chat and the rep said that this is possible through Costco, but I tend to take their info with a grain of salt lol. Thanks for your time and information Much appreciated!
I only got charged tax on $50. I do hope mine doesn't have any problems. I was expecting it would be like dealing with Costco (super easy) but from what you guys are saying, its not going to be easy if I have any issues.
There's no activation fee on upgrades, only on new lines, in which case you should do the Amazon 1 cent deal.
Tell me more about buddy upgrades please.
mustbepbs said:
I talked to Verizon via online chat and the rep said that this is possible through Costco, but I tend to take their info with a grain of salt lol. Thanks for your time and information Much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, tell me more about this "buddy upgrade." Is this a known and allowed Verizon wireless policy? Also what is a "dummy phone line" they are talking about in that link?
PS read this I found via Google, talks about buddy upgrades and Costco, also someone mentioned something about being careful not to lose your grandfathered unlimited data.
http://community.vzw.com/t5/Upgrade-and-Activation/buddy-upgrades-and-Costco/td-p/626622
---------- Post added at 10:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 PM ----------
HTGamingPC said:
I only got charged tax on $50. I do hope mine doesn't have any problems. I was expecting it would be like dealing with Costco (super easy) but from what you guys are saying, its not going to be easy if I have any issues.
There's no activation fee on upgrades, only on new lines, in which case you should do the Amazon 1 cent deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really tax only on 50 dollars? What state are you in?

Verizon Administrative Charge Increase - Terminate w/o ETF?

Notice Of Administrative Charge Increase
Effective 1/1/2012, the monthly Verizon Wireless Administrative Charge for voice and email plans will increase from $0.83 to $0.99 per line for all eligible customers. The charge for Mobile Broadband customers will remain at $.06. For information regarding this charge, call 1-888-684-1888. Please consult your Customer Agreement for information about rate changes.
Click to expand...
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Will this make us eligible to terminate our contract without an ETF and go month to month? I would definitely be interested in re-signing a new contract for another phone.
They did this back in 2008 to the same fee and it was possible to cancel. Actually getting to Verizon to do it is a different story.
http://consumerist.com/2008/04/esca...-based-on-administrative-charge-increase.html
Well my question more specifically is...can I basically end my 2 year contractual commitment and go month to month due to this change? Or do I have to cancel completely and move to another carrier?
I have no desire to break my contract but I wouldn't mind getting them to offer me some freebies to not do it.
On the other hand, if I got out of the contract and something happened to my phone I could get a new one at a reasonable price so it could be my insurance. Hmmm...
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feralicious said:
I have no desire to break my contract but I wouldn't mind getting them to offer me some freebies to not do it.
On the other hand, if I got out of the contract and something happened to my phone I could get a new one at a reasonable price so it could be my insurance. Hmmm...
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I'm interested in. I'm wondering if it will basically let me get a new phone at a subsidized price anytime I want since I'm off contract. Essentially an upgrade available immediately for me.
You would probably lose your unlimited data and get on the 2/4Gb plan.... by having to start a new month to month contract.
Cares said:
That's exactly what I'm interested in. I'm wondering if it will basically let me get a new phone at a subsidized price anytime I want since I'm off contract. Essentially an upgrade available immediately for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Month-to-month customers rarely get discounted devices. Generally you will have to pay full price for a new phone. It wouldn't be worth it. And I agree that you would lose your unlimited data that way. On the other hand, if you break your contract, you could possibly come back in a week or so and sign up for a new one to get a discounted phone.
WasabiWa83 said:
Month-to-month customers rarely get discounted devices. Generally you will have to pay full price for a new phone. It wouldn't be worth it. And I agree that you would lose your unlimited data that way. On the other hand, if you break your contract, you could possibly come back in a week or so and sign up for a new one to get a discounted phone.
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Click to collapse
That's exactly what I meant. Stay month-to-month until a new phone comes out and resign a 2 year for a fully subsidized line.
If you break contract you are at the will of Verzion. If they decide they want to raise your price, reduce your data, etc, they can do it. The only thing keeping you in the plan you have now is the fact they have to honor their end of the deal too.
I will try this tonight. I have a line that I keep suspended, so this would be a great out for me.
H3Dude said:
You would probably lose your unlimited data and get on the 2/4Gb plan.... by having to start a new month to month contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And there it is who would want to be on a more expensive data plan.
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WasabiWa83 said:
Month-to-month customers rarely get discounted devices. Generally you will have to pay full price for a new phone. It wouldn't be worth it. And I agree that you would lose your unlimited data that way. On the other hand, if you break your contract, you could possibly come back in a week or so and sign up for a new one to get a discounted phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is only a slight discount from buying it outright in the beginning.
VZW charges $299 for these devices with a $350 ETF that drops $10 a month. Same $649 either way - you're just paying for your freedom in advance.
Superguy said:
Which is only a slight discount from buying it outright in the beginning.
VZW charges $299 for these devices with a $350 ETF that drops $10 a month. Same $649 either way - you're just paying for your freedom in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But we're talking about getting to break the contract without the ETF and we already have a phone. So I paid 1 penny for my phone and am on a 2 year contract. If I got out of contract and went month to month without the ETF and lose my phone then it will only cost me $150 to get a new phone with a new contract at Amazon or Wirefly. I don't know why people pay more and buy at Verizon.
The issue would be what they would charge you for a plan month to month - or if they even offer that option, they might just say see ya - and if you keep unlimited data if you already have it.
Regardless of who you buy your phone from, in the end we'll all be dealing with Verizon in the end. The .01 Rezound was a deal for new customers only/new lines only I believe. I'm not going to buy from wirefly or any of those retailers. I don't think Costco reduces the price of the phone too much when it first comes out. I do know they generally offer nice bundles for pretty much the same price though. With my company I do get more $ off my devices ranging from $50 - $100. Not sure if other places can apply that discount or not. Imo I don't see what the big deal is from such a minuscule bump in price. When we signed up with Verizon we all knew we were going to pay the highest rates already to begin with. Slight price increase with the 4-5 years I've been with them, I frankly could care less. You pay what you get for imo. If you people want to terminate and sign back up to get a subsidized phone you can try. I'm pretty sure they have some policy or regulation in place that will prevent such scenario. Well! Good luck to those that decide to go down this path.
feralicious said:
But we're talking about getting to break the contract without the ETF and we already have a phone. So I paid 1 penny for my phone and am on a 2 year contract. If I got out of contract and went month to month without the ETF and lose my phone then it will only cost me $150 to get a new phone with a new contract at Amazon or Wirefly. I don't know why people pay more and buy at Verizon.
The issue would be what they would charge you for a plan month to month - or if they even offer that option, they might just say see ya - and if you keep unlimited data if you already have it.
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Click to collapse
since you haven't had your rezound for 6 months, amazon would charge you their ETF. When they don't get their monthly commision for your line, they will come after you.
nrfitchett4 said:
since you haven't had your rezound for 6 months, amazon would charge you their ETF. When they don't get their monthly commision for your line, they will come after you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. I work at Best Buy mobile. We get payed by Verizon as long as they sign there contract and don't return and cancel with in 14 days. I assume this is the same at Verizon.
zetsumeikuro said:
Regardless of who you buy your phone from, in the end we'll all be dealing with Verizon in the end. The .01 Rezound was a deal for new customers only/new lines only I believe. I'm not going to buy from wirefly or any of those retailers. I don't think Costco reduces the price of the phone too much when it first comes out. I do know they generally offer nice bundles for pretty much the same price though. With my company I do get more $ off my devices ranging from $50 - $100. Not sure if other places can apply that discount or not. Imo I don't see what the big deal is from such a minuscule bump in price. When we signed up with Verizon we all knew we were going to pay the highest rates already to begin with. Slight price increase with the 4-5 years I've been with them, I frankly could care less. You pay what you get for imo. If you people want to terminate and sign back up to get a subsidized phone you can try. I'm pretty sure they have some policy or regulation in place that will prevent such scenario. Well! Good luck to those that decide to go down this path.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure the 1 penny deal was for any new contract, existing customers or new, but that's neither here nor there. I only brought up the price I paid cuz the poster I was responding to was adding up costs.
As to the additional costs, I could care less about pennies more per month, but if it creates a way to lose the 2 year commitment that would be cool since that would allow me to replace the phone for only $149 if something should happen to it. Most likely I won't do anything about it, I'll wait and see if anyone else reports back successfully. I've already had so much good luck getting this phone I may be pushing things. I got refunded $199.98 from Amazon when it went on sale, ordered it with the mhs to get the Amazon $100 gift card for which I found no fine print stating I had to keep it for any length of time, then found the unlimited data plan trick so bumped up my mhs to unlimited to get that. I really needed a new phone too so I made out like a bandit! Oh, and moms got me a 64gb card for xmas (she actually thought it was a boring gift, lol). Now I just have to get brave enough to root.
nrfitchett4 said:
since you haven't had your rezound for 6 months, amazon would charge you their ETF. When they don't get their monthly commision for your line, they will come after you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about that, but if Verizon is the one breaking the terms perhaps there's an out and they would be held responsible. However, I suppose they would just subsidize that pennies per month cost to keep the contract valid if it came to that.

Another Best Buy Question

Trying to decide if I want to pre order from best buy or straight through ATT. I wish Amazon Wireless would announce something already!
Anywhoo . . . I don't have any real reason NOT to order from BB apart from the fact that I don't like and have sworn never to shop there again. Long, unrelated story, but so far I've made good to myself on that promise.
If I do order from BB, is there any downside? Am on contract with them in any way, or only through AT&T? Can I still take my phone to ATT for warranty claims or do I have to take it to BB?
Thanks!
You will not be in contract with BB in anyway. For warranty I'm not sure. If you order through ATT it ships out on 02/16 while supplies last. If you order through BB it ships out 02/19 with the official flip case (free) while supplies last.
LiquidArrogance said:
Trying to decide if I want to pre order from best buy or straight through ATT. I wish Amazon Wireless would announce something already!
Anywhoo . . . I don't have any real reason NOT to order from BB apart from the fact that I don't like and have sworn never to shop there again. Long, unrelated story, but so far I've made good to myself on that promise.
If I do order from BB, is there any downside? Am on contract with them in any way, or only through AT&T? Can I still take my phone to ATT for warranty claims or do I have to take it to BB?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus you can register your number(s) with Best Buy for their "Phone Freedom" promo and get a $50 gift card per line when you activate the new phone. Can use the card immediately on the phone purchase or on a future purchase. And you can upgrade anytime during 2012.
I registered my number and will use the $50 on the note. Registered my wife's number, who's due for an upgrade in late summer.
Thanks...had no idea it ran all year
mikegehl said:
Plus you can register your number(s) with Best Buy for their "Phone Freedom" promo and get a $50 gift card per line when you activate the new phone. Can use the card immediately on the phone purchase or on a future purchase. And you can upgrade anytime during 2012.
I registered my number and will use the $50 on the note. Registered my wife's number, who's due for an upgrade in late summer.
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Click to collapse
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Plus keep in mind @ best buy Black Tie protection Plan with no deductibles and buy back program.
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dmbrown81 said:
Plus keep in mind @ best buy Black Tie protection Plan with no deductibles and buy back program.
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Click to expand...
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Keep in mind the BB insurance does not cover lost / stolen and is more expensive than AT&T insurance.
Maroon Mushroom said:
Keep in mind the BB insurance does not cover lost / stolen and is more expensive than AT&T insurance.
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If you buy the Black Tie protection upfront, it's $170 for 2 years (+$30 buyback). That's only $2 more than AT&T at $7 a month.
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00mred00 said:
Thanks...had no idea it ran all year
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Click to collapse
It does - but I believe you have to register any and all lines/numbers sometime this week. Nothing to lose - no obligation to actually do the upgrade. But $50 off per phone isn't shabby.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
mikegehl said:
It does - but I believe you have to register any and all lines/numbers sometime this week. Nothing to lose - no obligation to actually do the upgrade. But $50 off per phone isn't shabby.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha..you don't know me that well yet...I have had 6 phones in the last 6 months lol. I know I will get more.
best buy wins hands down.
not everyone has the luxury of six lines but this is what we do
We have 6 lines on our family plan (5 phones, 1 pc connect {cross upgrade HELLO})...
1.Buy device, purchase buyback, get discount on buyback for purchasing black tie (cancel black tie after 30 days)
2.Sell back Device
3.Use store credit from the buy back to purchase new phone on another line due an upgrade
4.use left over amounts for other toys, or save towards next upgrade.
I always get the newest device
It's worked out pretty well so far. Currently we are out of upgrades until September..but have a few phones that are eligible for buy back should I decide to trade them in towards one device at full price (unlikely)
our next round of upgrades start in September..right about time for the s3
sept, oct, dec, feb, then the following January '13
Oh, and you can't forget price matching...this is a very important part of the process
Maroon Mushroom said:
Keep in mind the BB insurance does not cover lost / stolen and is more expensive than AT&T insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lost and stolen for most people isnt an issue, its broken screens. While ours is slightly more expensive if you do the 9.99 a month, there is NO deductible for breaking you phone. The note will be classified as a tier 3 in att's insurance which means its a $200 deductible on top of the $7 a month. That is just ****ing insane lol if you do our outright price for the protection at best buy its $170 for the two years, putting it right under $7 a month. All without a deductible and unlimited claims. And Im not just trying to push our protection because I work there because frankly, you wont be buying from my store so it wont affect me. I just fully support our protection, coming from 3 broken iPhone 4's and most recently a skyrocket.
Side note, I have a concession line with ATT which I cannot get BB protection on and broke the phone. $200 to replace the vivid lol I just cancelled the line and threw the vivid in the trash
imitenotbecrazy said:
Lost and stolen for most people isnt an issue, its broken screens. While ours is slightly more expensive if you do the 9.99 a month, there is NO deductible for breaking you phone. The note will be classified as a tier 3 in att's insurance which means its a $200 deductible on top of the $7 a month. That is just ****ing insane lol if you do our outright price for the protection at best buy its $170 for the two years, putting it right under $7 a month. All without a deductible and unlimited claims. And Im not just trying to push our protection because I work there because frankly, you wont be buying from my store so it wont affect me. I just fully support our protection, coming from 3 broken iPhone 4's and most recently a skyrocket.
Side note, I have a concession line with ATT which I cannot get BB protection on and broke the phone. $200 to replace the vivid lol I just cancelled the line and threw the vivid in the trash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the protection Plan outright and need to service your phone you'll have to subscribe to the 9.99 afterwards or purchase it again.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
dmbrown81 said:
If you buy the protection Plan outright and need to service your phone you'll have to subscribe to the 9.99 afterwards or purchase it again.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yikes. Idk which best buys you guys are going but theres tons of false info here. Right now, most phones fall into the rapid exchange program. With this, the phone is sent away and a refurbished phone is sent at the same time, making the turn around time about 2-4 business days. This does NOT fulfill your protection plan, meaning it is still active and can still be used again and again with no limit to the amount of claims. If you chose to send your phone as a repair instead of exchange the typical wait time is 14-30 days. If they are unable to repaid your phone in a cost effective manor to them or it exceeds 30 days they will issue you a gift card for the full retail value of the phone so that you can pick out a new one. This WILL fulfill the protection plan. So in a strange, completely misleading way, your initial statement was kind of accurtate. If we give you a $600+ gift card to replace your phone with a different model, yes your $170 protection plan is void. What would you expect?
imitenotbecrazy said:
Yikes. Idk which best buys you guys are going but theres tons of false info here. Right now, most phones fall into the rapid exchange program. With this, the phone is sent away and a refurbished phone is sent at the same time, making the turn around time about 2-4 business days. This does NOT fulfill your protection plan, meaning it is still active and can still be used again and again with no limit to the amount of claims. If you chose to send your phone as a repair instead of exchange the typical wait time is 14-30 days. If they are unable to repaid your phone in a cost effective manor to them or it exceeds 30 days they will issue you a gift card for the full retail value of the phone so that you can pick out a new one. This WILL fulfill the protection plan. So in a strange, completely misleading way, your initial statement was kind of accurtate. If we give you a $600+ gift card to replace your phone with a different model, yes your $170 protection plan is void. What would you expect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is one of the negative sides AND positive sides to the black tie protection plans.
in some cases it just isn't worth the expense (i.e. when the cost of the plan exceeds about the 50% mark, I don't buy it)
it's rare, but in some cases it just isn't logical.
In this case...$300 for the phone plus $170 for the plan...it's a hard choice.
You realistically are looking at $470 vs $600 which isn't much of a difference...unless you utilize the plan towards the end of its life
00mred00 said:
that is one of the negative sides AND positive sides to the black tie protection plans.
in some cases it just isn't worth the expense (i.e. when the cost of the plan exceeds about the 50% mark, I don't buy it)
it's rare, but in some cases it just isn't logical.
In this case...$300 for the phone plus $170 for the plan...it's a hard choice.
You realistically are looking at $470 vs $600 which isn't much of a difference...unless you utilize the plan towards the end of its life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but that logic doesn't make much sense to me. Buy a phone at 300, break it and pay 650 that equals 950, which is twice the price of the upgrade and coverage for unlimited replacements. I guess its just that I see a lot of customers coming in after multiple broken screen replacements that I don't see the logic of buying other protection or buying outright replacements. To each his own tho I suppose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Maroon Mushroom said:
Keep in mind the BB insurance does not cover lost / stolen and is more expensive than AT&T insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider BB insurance has no deductible. ATT charges a $200 deductible if you phone needs repair.
No you are right...my point being that breakage occurring in the first 6 months to a year the plan makes sense...beyond that it wouldn't .
Its a gamble...otherwise best buy wouldn't offers it haha. The odds are in their favor. Unless of course one pretty much knows they are going to break the phone, or manipulate the program later to get a new device.
Curious question, only because I receive multiple asnswers in store
Does best buy black tie cover cosmetic damage? I have been told yes and have been told no.
Is there a wear and tear clause? I know att has a wear and tear clause and can deny coverage. Reading their fine print I also notice they can deny if its manufacturering related as well.
imitenotbecrazy said:
Sorry but that logic doesn't make much sense to me. Buy a phone at 300, break it and pay 650 that equals 950, which is twice the price of the upgrade and coverage for unlimited replacements. I guess its just that I see a lot of customers coming in after multiple broken screen replacements that I don't see the logic of buying other protection or buying outright replacements. To each his own tho I suppose
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
00mred00 said:
hahaha..you don't know me that well yet...I have had 6 phones in the last 6 months lol. I know I will get more.
best buy wins hands down.
not everyone has the luxury of six lines but this is what we do
We have 6 lines on our family plan (5 phones, 1 pc connect {cross upgrade HELLO})...
1.Buy device, purchase buyback, get discount on buyback for purchasing black tie (cancel black tie after 30 days)
2.Sell back Device
3.Use store credit from the buy back to purchase new phone on another line due an upgrade
4.use left over amounts for other toys, or save towards next upgrade.
I always get the newest device
It's worked out pretty well so far. Currently we are out of upgrades until September..but have a few phones that are eligible for buy back should I decide to trade them in towards one device at full price (unlikely)
our next round of upgrades start in September..right about time for the s3
sept, oct, dec, feb, then the following January '13
Oh, and you can't forget price matching...this is a very important part of the process
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can go to att website and upgrade for 299 even if line is not ready till 2013.u still get the cheap peice untill pre orders ends
For whatever reason it does not work for any of our lines. I tried.
mintu123 said:
U can go to att website and upgrade for 299 even if line is not ready till 2013.u still get the cheap peice untill pre orders ends
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
00mred00 said:
No you are right...my point being that breakage occurring in the first 6 months to a year the plan makes sense...beyond that it wouldn't .
Its a gamble...otherwise best buy wouldn't offers it haha. The odds are in their favor. Unless of course one pretty much knows they are going to break the phone, or manipulate the program later to get a new device.
Curious question, only because I receive multiple asnswers in store
Does best buy black tie cover cosmetic damage? I have been told yes and have been told no.
Is there a wear and tear clause? I know att has a wear and tear clause and can deny coverage. Reading their fine print I also notice they can deny if its manufacturering related as well.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my store, and I assume in most stores, if a customer wants their phone to be sent out AND they have GSBTP, they are fully entitled to send it out. There is almost no way coverage can be denied, although the plan does specify that submersion and extreme damage (i.e, running it over with a car) is not covered. As long as the customer doesn't explicitly say that was the issue, it is usually fine.
I will say, in two years at BBYM, I have never seen a customer who purchased the protection be denied a phone being sent out. While my store is pretty good at making sure the customer is treated fairly, I can assume that BBYM wouldn't be gaining the market share it is if customers were not being treated properly.
Corvette06 said:
In my store, and I assume in most stores, if a customer wants their phone to be sent out AND they have GSBTP, they are fully entitled to send it out. There is almost no way coverage can be denied, although the plan does specify that submersion and extreme damage (i.e, running it over with a car) is not covered. As long as the customer doesn't explicitly say that was the issue, it is usually fine.
I will say, in two years at BBYM, I have never seen a customer who purchased the protection be denied a phone being sent out. While my store is pretty good at making sure the customer is treated fairly, I can assume that BBYM wouldn't be gaining the market share it is if customers were not being treated properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool cool. I have not had any claims on mobile purchases. I have run into issues on laptops in the past (worn mouse tracker) where I was told it was wear and tear/ cosmetic and had to physically show them that the tracker no longer worked properly. The same with USB ports.
Thanks for chiming in!

How to work over sprint?

Howbdo people do it? Meaning I see people getting new phones all the time and claim they pay for the discounted price (like an upgrade). How is they possible I want to upgrade but i dont have one coming for another year and a half and I don't want to pay full price for a phone. So how do people do it? Any ideas lol?
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
icon69 said:
Howbdo people do it? Meaning I see people getting new phones all the time and claim they pay for the discounted price (like an upgrade). How is they possible I want to upgrade but i dont have one coming for another year and a half and I don't want to pay full price for a phone. So how do people do it? Any ideas lol?
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way is you have to buy out your ETF on your line. I payed out mine last week, $160 per line and bought two new EVO 4G LTE's from Sprints EVP program at upgrade price. Even if you don't have EVP it is the same thing, call in *2 and tell them you want to buy out your ETF so you can upgrade your phone.
I have two lines and I keep them on a rotation. My mom uses the other line and every other year her phone upgrades. Like wise on the years hers doesn't mine does.
I use both upgrades and I get a new phone every year handing down my old phone to her. If she doesn't like my phone, I buy her a cheaper one at full price...they cheap ones are only about $150 bux max for a refurbished one.
The first time I tried this, they had the policy that I had to switch numbers with her, but they have since gotten rid of that policy. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.
Howbdo people do it? Meaning I see people getting new phones all the time and claim they pay for the discounted price (like an upgrade). How is they possible I want to upgrade but i dont have one coming for another year and a half and I don't want to pay full price for a phone. So how do people do it? Any ideas lol?
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They buy out their contracts
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
icon69 said:
Howbdo people do it? Meaning I see people getting new phones all the time and claim they pay for the discounted price (like an upgrade). How is they possible I want to upgrade but i dont have one coming for another year and a half and I don't want to pay full price for a phone. So how do people do it? Any ideas lol?
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all in how you speak to them... Surely, I think I found where the problem lies...
Buying out on exactly the 1year mark is very cheap. It's my work around for yearly upgrades.
XDA Since 2007...
SITH16 said:
I have two lines and I keep them on a rotation. My mom uses the other line and every other year her phone upgrades. Like wise on the years hers doesn't mine does.
I use both upgrades and I get a new phone every year handing down my old phone to her. If she doesn't like my phone, I buy her a cheaper one at full price...they cheap ones are only about $150 bux max for a refurbished one.
The first time I tried this, they had the policy that I had to switch numbers with her, but they have since gotten rid of that policy. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the way to do it. Wish I had people who didn't care about their upgrades. I would do the same thing. I have 3 line family plan. I got away with it on my wife's line with my evo 4g which kept me open for my ego 3d. I'm screwed now though because I got two iPhones last Christmas one for my wife and one for my daughter.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
I didn't "Work them over" I took advantage of an offer they have to buy out the remaining 10 months of waiting on my upgrade.
Once you get to 1 year left it costs about $115.
Considering I was going to TRY to find a used EVOLTE for around 350 when it hit that price, I beat that out by a few bucks (115 +200)
I plan on waiting for my 1 year mark. My 3D has been restarting randomly about once or twice a week for some reason. I'm not rooted and I've restored the phone twice already. I plan on getting it replaced and then selling it. Whatever I make will be used to pay for ETF and hopefully some of the new phone. Gonna wait to see the SG3 and then decide what I want.
Worst case scenario: They just fix my 3D and I sell it with only enough to cover ETF.
Best case scenario: They replace my 3D with an Evo LTE muahahahha!
from my NookColor using XDA
Saneless One said:
I didn't "Work them over" I took advantage of an offer they have to buy out the remaining 10 months of waiting on my upgrade.
Once you get to 1 year left it costs about $115.
Considering I was going to TRY to find a used EVOLTE for around 350 when it hit that price, I beat that out by a few bucks (115 +200)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you come up with 115? sprint etf chart states 240 for 12 months left? i'd love 115, would try that if i understood the difference.
Saneless One said:
I didn't "Work them over" I took advantage of an offer they have to buy out the remaining 10 months of waiting on my upgrade.
Once you get to 1 year left it costs about $115.
Considering I was going to TRY to find a used EVOLTE for around 350 when it hit that price, I beat that out by a few bucks (115 +200)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.cowboom.com/product/859956 cheap evo3d
mrjkwik said:
how did you come up with 115? sprint etf chart states 240 for 12 months left? i'd love 115, would try that if i understood the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got a launch 3D, sprints etf was alot cheaper then, I think it was around 200 for an etf vs the 350 it is now, so in that respect you should consider when you bought it and see what's up
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Or, you can wait until the insurance companies offer the EVO LTE as a replacement device and get it for only $100...or even free. I know for the Evo 3D it happened relatively quick. I think in just 3-4 months after it's release.
lpjzfan2005 said:
If you got a launch 3D, sprints etf was alot cheaper then, I think it was around 200 for an etf vs the 350 it is now, so in that respect you should consider when you bought it and see what's up
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my 3vo on launch day last year...about one month shy of a year now if I remember correct...are you saying my etf was only $200 when I signed that contract? And if I decided to etf now I should get it at the lower rate?
SITH16 said:
I got my 3vo on launch day last year...about one month shy of a year now if I remember correct...are you saying my etf was only $200 when I signed that contract? And if I decided to etf now I should get it at the lower rate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I'm saying, if any changes have been made to your plan though they probably tried to tack on the new etf, sprint did that to me when I took my dad off my account. I had to call retention to get it back.
Tl;dr yes you should def get it for the cheaper rate
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Save more with pre-order
Back in a bout february, Best Buy mobile held a promotion where you attached your email address to all lines that were available for upgrade in 2012. Later, when you upgrade, you get a $50 gift card which you can use towards the purchase. Additionally, they give another $50 for pre-ordering.
In short, I'm paying $100 for my EVO LTE, and using my sisters upgrade, (She can just wait till October or I'll give her my E3D, Its way better than the Optimus she's running on.
lpjzfan2005 said:
That's exactly what I'm saying, if any changes have been made to your plan though they probably tried to tack on the new etf, sprint did that to me when I took my dad off my account. I had to call retention to get it back.
Tl;dr yes you should def get it for the cheaper rate
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Taken from the Sprint ETF Page:
If you've entered into a two-year contract after Sept. 9, 2011 and choose to terminate or cancel your service before your contract ends, you will be charged an early termination fee of up to $350/line for Advanced Devices & up to $200/line for all other devices. No early termination fee applies for cancellations in compliance with Sprint's Return Policy.
The early termination fee is prorated and is calculated by taking the months remaining on your Service Agreement times $20 for Advanced Devices, with a maximum of $350, and minimum of $100. For all other devices, the prorated ETF is calculated by taking the months remaining times $10 with a maximum of $200 and minimum of $50.
Use the charts below to calculate your exact early termination fee. If you are cancelling multiple lines on your account, calculate the remaining number of months on each line, locate the corresponding amounts and add them together to reach your total. If you entered into a contract prior to Sept. 9, 2011, use the other devices chart to calculate your exact early termination fee.
Also keep in mind you can usually sell your 1 year old Smart phone for $200-ish no contract if in mint shape. Mine are always in mint shape
So it generally will never cost more than $200 or so a year to stay current.
I passed my 3D on to my wife (which Sprint just replaced with a brand new one) and used her upgrade for the LTE.
So do you just call Sprint and tell them you wanna pay the ETF and go month to month off contract? I'm assuming that would allow you to upgrade for 2 more years at 199 for the Evo LTE.
I have the Best Buy buyback on my E3D, so I can essentially get the Evo LTE for free since they will give me about $240 in credit for it
good read here on it. I am very tempted, but I feel as if a functional sense 4.0 rom will be enough to hold onto the 3d for another year.
http://meangreen.hubpages.com/hub/T...sprint-smart-phone-before-your-contract-is-up

did anyone else use AT&T Next to get this phone?

So heres my case, after the 12 months would they take my phone back even tho its rooted and bootloader unlocked? just wondering because im gonna upgrade to the m9!!
HRodMusic said:
So heres my case, after the 12 months would they take my phone back even tho its rooted and bootloader unlocked? just wondering because im gonna upgrade to the m9!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes they will take it back. the reps dont know enough to check for root and unlocked bootloader. all they will check for is if it has "normal" wear and tear as per your at&t next agreement.
freebee269 said:
yes they will take it back. the reps dont know enough to check for root and unlocked bootloader. all they will check for is if it has "normal" wear and tear as per your at&t next agreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chill, ill just make sure i go back to a stock rom. =)
freebee269 said:
yes they will take it back. the reps dont know enough to check for root and unlocked bootloader. all they will check for is if it has "normal" wear and tear as per your at&t next agreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this rep nows well enough :good::good:
just unroot and relock the bootloader lol
Is next worth it? These Damn salesmen keep trying to get my dad to switch and he wants to do it.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
The way Next was explained to me by a customer service rep was this: You get a phone on Next and you pay monthly on it, on the unsubsidized price. As long as you're paying on the phone monthly, you get a discount off of your bill. When you stop paying for the phone, the discount is removed. But you never really own the phone.
So you're stuck constantly renting a phone from AT&T to keep your bill lower. They now have you even more firmly by the balls.
This was how it was explained to me, but not all reps know what they're talking about. So if anybody knows more or differently, feel free to correct me.
Anyway, I used a cross-upgrade to get mine.
rahtrip said:
Is next worth it? These Damn salesmen keep trying to get my dad to switch and he wants to do it.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You end up paying more in the long run IF you switch at the halfway point....but if you run the full payment plan then you obviously end up paying the same amount for the phone. That being said, the 2 year contract is ultimately cheaper by several hundred dollars. But of course you have to wait 2 years to get subsidized pricing, and if you're a gadget-addict such as myself then NEXT might be a good deal because you can get a new phone without having to worry about your two year wait period.
Ultimately they make way more money off of you....otherwise they wouldn't offer it
TheEmpyre said:
You end up paying more in the long run IF you switch at the halfway point....but if you run the full payment plan then you obviously end up paying the same amount for the phone. That being said, the 2 year contract is ultimately cheaper by several hundred dollars. But of course you have to wait 2 years to get subsidized pricing, and if you're a gadget-addict such as myself then NEXT might be a good deal because you can get a new phone without having to worry about your two year wait period.
Ultimately they make way more money off of you....otherwise they wouldn't offer it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, Next is cheaper than a 2 year contract. With Next you pay the full price of $640 plus tax. With a 2 yr contract you pay $800 plus tax... The phone is $200 up front plus you lose the $25/month Next discount and end up paying $600 extra over the term of the contract...so $800 total.
It's win-win for gadget addicts like me. I don't have to worry about losing resale value of I get a scratch or ding...no need to sell it to break even. I can just bring it back and get the new hotness each year.
working for at&t sales for 3 years i find it so awesome looking for phones that are rooted and unlocked. granted when i do see it i let it slide because heck im gonna do the same when i trade mine in lol.
but if they come in complaining about all the stupid issues their having and i find it rooted then i cant help them because theyve got a tmobile phone with an att type rom with tmobile apns and i just sit there and go...if ur gonna root...go learn to read dude.
/gets off soap box
bbunsen said:
Actually, Next is cheaper than a 2 year contract. With Next you pay the full price of $640 plus tax. With a 2 yr contract you pay $800 plus tax... The phone is $200 up front plus you lose the $25/month Next discount and end up paying $600 extra over the term of the contract...so $800 total.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all plans will receive a $25 subsidy. That's only if you pay for one of the more expensive mobile share plans. All plans below, I think 8 GB, only receive a $15 discount. Doing a cursory search of different sites that have done mathematical analysis on NEXT all conclude the two year subsidy is cheaper. Why would AT&T do it if they weren't going to make money hand over fist?
Sent from my HTC One_M8
TheEmpyre said:
Not all plans will receive a $25 subsidy. That's only if you pay for one of the more expensive mobile share plans. All plans below, I think 8 GB, only receive a $15 discount. Doing a cursory search of different sites that have done mathematical analysis on NEXT all conclude the two year subsidy is cheaper. Why would AT&T do it if they weren't going to make money hand over fist?
Sent from my HTC One_M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Well, I did the math myself and Next is cheaper for my lines on the 10GB plan.
Regardless of plan, you pay $40/mo with a contract plus $200 up front for the phone right now. That is $1160 for one line over 2 years. With a $15 subsidy one would pay $1240 over 2 years and with a $25 subsidy it is $1000 over 2 years.
So, after 12 months on Next, one will have spent either $684 or $564 for the line depending on the plan vs $680 with a contract...but with Next you can upgrade to a new just released phone and likely keep paying the same amount monthly.
If you don't want to upgrade early and don't get the 10GB or greater plan, it might not be as good for you...unless you keep your phone longer than 2 years. If you do, Next is better.
I've been buying new phones every year (or sooner) and selling my used ones to help finance the new one. I've been doing so since the Palm Treo 650 days...about 10 years now I guess. [Wow, I'm old.] I know how much money I've lost doing that over the years...even when hopping carriers to do so when ETFs were cheaper. Since I obviously plan on spending extra money to get the latest technology more frequently, this option helps spread out the costs and minimizes risk of not being able to sell a phone for the price I need to keep the ball rolling.
Again, it may not be for everyone.
bbunsen said:
Ok. Well, I did the math myself and Next is cheaper for my lines on the 10GB plan.
Regardless of plan, you pay $40/mo with a contract plus $200 up front for the phone right now. That is $1160 for one line over 2 years. With a $15 subsidy one would pay $1240 over 2 years and with a $25 subsidy it is $1000 over 2 years.
So, after 12 months on Next, one will have spent either $684 or $564 for the line depending on the plan vs $680 with a contract...but with Next you can upgrade to a new just released phone and likely keep paying the same amount monthly.
If you don't want to upgrade early and don't get the 10GB or greater plan, it might not be as good for you...unless you keep your phone longer than 2 years. If you do, Next is better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really not trying to start a pointless bickering match here, but for the sake of someone trying to make an informed decision here is my math:
Individual 2 GB Plan: $40 per month for the plan + $25 smartphone charge (includes $15 Subsidy off of the $40 fee) + $25 per month for a premium smartphone. Multipled over 12 months = $1,080
2 Year contract: $65 per month for a smartphone plan, 2 GB data + one time $200 fee, multiply the plan cost over 12 months = $980
The cost of the 2 year contract is cheaper in this case by $100, for an individual, for 2 GB of data.
TheEmpyre said:
I'm really not trying to start a pointless bickering match here, but for the sake of someone trying to make an informed decision here is my math:
Individual 2 GB Plan: $40 per month for the plan + $25 smartphone charge (includes $15 Subsidy off of the $40 fee) + $25 per month for a premium smartphone. Multipled over 12 months = $1,080
2 Year contract: $65 per month for a smartphone plan, 2 GB data + one time $200 fee, multiply the plan cost over 12 months = $980
The cost of the 2 year contract is cheaper in this case by $100, for an individual, for 2 GB of data.
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I don't want to keep going back and forth here either.
Your math is correct if a 2GB $65 on-contract plan exists, but I don't think it does. They advertise 2GB plans for $65 but that doesn't include a subsidized phone. 1GB on contract for $65 is a possibility and would be slightly cheaper over time if you can live with 1GB per month.
Everyone has different needs and requirements. I am just happy that the US is starting to transform their policies to separate phones and service like many other countries where the cost for mobile data is much more affordable. I've lived places where they dish out data on the cheap and it was glorious. BYOD pricing is getting reasonable and isn't just for MVNOs anymore which is nice.
Bottom line is that AT&T wouldn't invest money in creating and implementing the Next plan if they weren't going to see more profits from it. More profits means the customer pays more or more customers pay more. They aren't doing this as a convenience to their customers - it's about making more money.
Right. Businesses don't make changes to decrease their bottom line unless it is to attract more customers. I believe this is an attempt at gaining more customers and more market share while trying to remain competitive in this changing space. At the same time, I imagine it doesn't hurt them financially.
bbunsen said:
Right. Businesses don't make changes to decrease their bottom line unless it is to attract more customers. I believe this is an attempt at gaining more customers and more market share while trying to remain competitive in this changing space. At the same time, I imagine it doesn't hurt them financially.
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AT&T makes record profits every quarter, I bet they're willing to take a hit for a quarter or two to stop customers from fleeing to T-Mobile.
Me having 5 lines and the 10 GB mobile share it is significantly cheaper for me to do the Next with that $25 discount. When I first converted I didn't had the discount without the Next, but when my contract was up for me to upgrade it was cheaper to do Next than the 2 year contract.
I'll probably pay it off before the year and sell it myself and do another Next when my next phone i want comes out.
edit: ATT doesn't necessarily need to make a killing switching to these plans. If they keep their profits the same, but keep people under contract ( 2 year/or owing money on the Next) longer it makes sense. Carriers fear losing customers more than anything.
TheEmpyre said:
2 Year contract: $65 per month for a smartphone plan, 2 GB data + one time $200 fee, multiply the plan cost over 12 months = $980
The cost of the 2 year contract is cheaper in this case by $100, for an individual, for 2 GB of data.
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2 year contract price for 2 year is $80, $40 for the 2GB and then $40 for smartphone charge.
So AT&T Next with an iPhone 5S on the 20 month plan is $32.50 a month.
Next: ($25+$32.50)20 = $1150
2year: ($40x24)+$236 =$1196
That $236 is including the upgrade or activation fee, which is waived on Next as well.
Edit: I guess this is assuming you do the full ride for each the Next agreement and the 2 year contract. Although with Next you have the CHOICE to turn it in sooner and upgrade sooner, you don't HAVE to, which many people are misinformed about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
HRodMusic said:
So heres my case, after the 12 months would they take my phone back even tho its rooted and bootloader unlocked? just wondering because im gonna upgrade to the m9!!
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If you're going to be upgrading to a new phone release(which is every year) then "Next" is a great option for you.
Reason why is you going to be stuck in a contract with AT&T for two years. And when the M9 or whatever device you might see next year come out you won't be able to upgrade for the new/upgrade 2 year price tag, you would have to pay full retail($600-$800). Most likely you are going to stop using the older device once the new come out so why not just sign up for Next and keep upgrading every year. If you wanna spend $1,000+ a year for phone service + $600+ every time a new phone comes out then thats up to you.
You can also pay off your phone before a year. you don't have to keep paying $35 a month for the device.
Longcat14 said:
AT&T makes record profits every quarter, I bet they're willing to take a hit for a quarter or two to stop customers from fleeing to T-Mobile.
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I doubt T-Mobile is a threat to AT&T or Verizon. they're service is still useless unless you live in one of those "Markets".

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