I know there will be a number of people in the exact same boat as me, and since I'm a moron, I could use the guidance before making a fatal error...
I pre-ordered the S3 prior to June 28th on Verizon to use my available upgrade and lock-in my unlimited plan for another 2 years. However, I do not want this phone and want to get the Inc4G instead.
I know I'll have to sell the S3 and buy the Inc4g off-contract. What I don't know is if I have to activate the S3 on my line prior to selling it. I see all these ebay listings saying the S3 is new and never activated, but when I asked vzw support over email they sort of insinuated that I had to activate the S3 first before selling it as part of the agreement process. Does that sound right?
If so, I guess I activate the S3 when I get it then box it all back up and send it to the eventual CL/eBay buyer - do I have to do anything to wipe the phone at that point for the person that buys it from me?
H-508 said:
I know there will be a number of people in the exact same boat as me, and since I'm a moron, I could use the guidance before making a fatal error...
I pre-ordered the S3 prior to June 28th on Verizon to use my available upgrade and lock-in my unlimited plan for another 2 years. However, I do not want this phone and want to get the Inc4G instead.
I know I'll have to sell the S3 and buy the Inc4g off-contract. What I don't know is if I have to activate the S3 on my line prior to selling it. I see all these ebay listings saying the S3 is new and never activated, but when I asked vzw support over email they sort of insinuated that I had to activate the S3 first before selling it as part of the agreement process. Does that sound right?
If so, I guess I activate the S3 when I get it then box it all back up and send it to the eventual CL/eBay buyer - do I have to do anything to wipe the phone at that point for the person that buys it from me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I understood you correctly, you already upgraded your line, and so you can activate the s3, and then do whatever you want with it, as long as you keep the line active and pay your monthly bill. I've gotten phones as upgrades, then sold them soon after, the esn remains clean as long as the person who originally bought the phone as upgrade/new line keeps maintaining the line, or they pay the full etf.
In terms of preparing for sale, factory reset the phone before you sell it, that way your personal info is erased. Also, don't forget to wipe the SD card (if it came with one).
You don't have to ebay it. If you go to an actual VZW store and have them do an exchange which comes nicely along with a 35 dollar restocking fee, and not a return/replacement which they will want to do because it gets the sales rep a commission but screws you, you can swap it out in the store and keep unlimited data. The only thing you have to do is before you bring it in to swap it out it must be activated at least once, then you can wipe it or what ever.
Just make sure you talk to a sales rep that isn't a dope.
jvward said:
You don't have to ebay it. If you go to an actual VZW store and have them do an exchange which comes nicely along with a 35 dollar restocking fee, and not a return/replacement which they will want to do because it gets the sales rep a commission but screws you, you can swap it out in the store and keep unlimited data. The only thing you have to do is before you bring it in to swap it out it must be activated at least once, then you can wipe it or what ever.
Just make sure you talk to a sales rep that isn't a dope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This! Definitely try an exchange at a Verizon Corporate store before you go through the trouble of selling your GS3 on eBay. There have been numerous people in this forum who've successfully exchanged phones without having their data plan changed, but a few folks haven't been as lucky. It's definitely worth a shot though.
dbrits said:
There have been numerous people in this forum who've successfully exchanged phones without having their data plan changed, but a few folks haven't been as lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...it's that part that worries me and after it's all said and done, they're like 'whoops, you lost unlimited. sorry bro, you only need 2gb anyway so what's the big deal - it's totally better this way'
I'll definitely go the exchange route first, though, before dealing with eBay - although it looks like I'd come out ahead $-wise with eBay.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks, I also plan to do this when I get my phone. I pre-ordered to retain my unlimited data.
Since the Inc4g is $149 and the GS3 is $199, do you get $50 back (then the restocking fee)?
I may still do the ebay route depending how much money I can get for it and how much cheaper I can buy an inc4g for. I also noticed the ads all say "unopened" "clean esn" "ready to activate"
If you are required to activate your phone prior to switching, then how do these ebay people do it?
Once I get the Inc4g, do I just activate using the setup on the phone or do I need to call in? If I activate the SG3, then buy an inc4g and activate that, then does that mean the SG3 now has a "clean esn"
Correct me If Im wrong , but I was under the impression if you go and EXCHANGE your SG3III box UNOPENED they will NOT charge a restocking fee.
Johnnybee said:
Correct me If Im wrong , but I was under the impression if you go and EXCHANGE your SG3III box UNOPENED they will NOT charge a restocking fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard that if you do that (or any exchange), you lose your unlimited. But I've heard different stories.
When I called my local verizon store and asked if I could retain my unlimited data when exchanging the phone they said no. I guess I could try calling a different location or something...
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
You should be fine with not losing unlimited. The only way you can lose it is if you upgrade your phone with a new contract. I would assume if you upgraded the line already the contract should be in place. You can log into your account and see when the upgrade dat eis.
I called my local verizon store today and they told me they would accept the s3 and I would still be able to keep my unlimited data. I will do it once I get off work since my phone arrives today. I will post back tonight!
So if I get an Inc4g (and sell the SG3) and keep my unlimited, do I just activate the Inc4g? or do I need to first activate the SG3, then activate the Inc4g?
Hey,
The key is you need to open the box and activate the GS3 which nails you with the 35 dollar restocking fee for swapping it out for the exchange but it also locks in your contract with unlimited data.
Jeff
jvward said:
Hey,
The key is you need to open the box and activate the GS3 which nails you with the 35 dollar restocking fee for swapping it out for the exchange but it also locks in your contract with unlimited data.
Jeff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you "exchange" do you get the $50 rebate?
I may plan to sell it on ebay then buy an Inc on ebay. I figure if I can sell for $600 or higher and get an Inc4g for $350 or lower, I will break even with verizon's $200 + tax + $35 fee assuming I can't take advantage of the $50 rebate.
In that case, do I still need to open it and activate it?
And if I don't activate, and just activate the Inc4g, then what happens?
Is there anything special to be done with the sim card?
I have successfully exchanged in my S3 for the Incredible 4g. I walked in with my un-opened/un-activated S3 and asked for a straight up exchange. I still have my unlimited data intact and received the $50 dollar mail in rebate. HOWEVER I did have to pay the $35 dollar restocking fee. Good luck.
hieu2ueih said:
I have successfully exchanged in my S3 for the Incredible 4g. I walked in with my un-opened/un-activated S3 and asked for a straight up exchange. I still have my unlimited data intact and received the $50 dollar mail in rebate. HOWEVER I did have to pay the $35 dollar restocking fee. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I like to hear. My S3 is arriving tomorrow and I want the Inc4g but had to lock in my unlimited. I will be doing tomorrow what you did today.
sully5981 said:
Thats what I like to hear. My S3 is arriving tomorrow and I want the Inc4g but had to lock in my unlimited. I will be doing tomorrow what you did today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will also be switching to Inc from S III because of the sh!t screen the S III has on it (dim, pentile, generally crap).
I do not expect to pay restocking. I will not be opening the S III box!!! That would be completely unacceptable. I also expect the $50 difference of the price. It's just plain fair.
Also S III has locked boot loader, Inc does not. I hope this means we get good ROMs and mods etc.
macdroid01 said:
I will also be switching to Inc from S III because of the sh!t screen the S III has on it (dim, pentile, generally crap).
I do not expect to pay restocking. I will not be opening the S III box!!! That would be completely unacceptable. I also expect the $50 difference of the price. It's just plain fair.
Also S III has locked boot loader, Inc does not. I hope this means we get good ROMs and mods etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told that I had to pay the restocking fee. I will try and call csr tomorrow and try and get out of it. I was also told by a chat rep that I could get out of the activation fee as well. I will update you guys again tomorrow.
hieu2ueih said:
I was told that I had to pay the restocking fee. I will try and call csr tomorrow and try and get out of it. I was also told by a chat rep that I could get out of the activation fee as well. I will update you guys again tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not usually one to be rude in public or anything, but that is unacceptable. I assume you have not opened the box. In my case they won't have a problem selling a Galaxy S III. They'll probably sell my phone that day. So I don't expect anything less than $50 back and a "Have a Nice Day".
I do wish I had an S III with an LCD display. But the AMOLED is just so incredibly terrible no pun intended. At least to my eyes, anyhow. YMMV.
OH, if I can get the $50 rebate then I think its indeed worth it to exchange vs trying the ebay route with the selling fees, paypal fees, and shipping it would be tough to break even even with paying that $35 restocking.
I suspect with enough complaining and letters, I could get that waived if it was still sealed on box. Ofcourse its a "restocking" fee, not a "repacking" fee. Does it really cost them $35 to put the box back on the shelf?
Related
I have been an AT&T customer for 9 years now and still have my original voice plan which has since been replaced by more expensive plans. I initially tried to upgrade from my iphone 3s to the SG2 via the internet but I could not get the $199 price. I called into Small Business Support (my account is linked to my company's so I get a discount on my monthly bill). AT&T support said that my voice plan was so obsoleted so I would have to upgrade to a current plan. However, to even get close to the minutes I have, I would have to pay about $25 more a month. On top of that, I would lose my true unlimited data plan I had with my iphone 3gs. I told the rep I have a been a customer for 9 years, yada, yada but they would not budge.
Feeling pretty mad about the situation I walked into an AT&T store, chatted up some young kid, got my $199 upgrade, kept my voice and data plan.
Moral to the story, do not upgrade over the net or phone. The folks on the phone are trained to read from a script and not deviate at all. It may be less convenient, but go into a store, talk to someone. I have found people at the stores are almost always willing to "pull some strings" and work with you.
tboooe said:
I have been an AT&T customer for 9 years now and still have my original voice plan which has since been replaced by more expensive plans. I initially tried to upgrade from my iphone 3s to the SG2 via the internet but I could not get the $199 price. I called into Small Business Support (my account is linked to my company's so I get a discount on my monthly bill). AT&T support said that my voice plan was so obsoleted so I would have to upgrade to a current plan. However, to even get close to the minutes I have, I would have to pay about $25 more a month. On top of that, I would lose my true unlimited data plan I had with my iphone 3gs. I told the rep I have a been a customer for 9 years, yada, yada but they would not budge.
Feeling pretty mad about the situation I walked into an AT&T store, chatted up some young kid, got my $199 upgrade, kept my voice and data plan.
Moral to the story, do not upgrade over the net or phone. The folks on the phone are trained to read from a script and not deviate at all. It may be less convenient, but go into a store, talk to someone. I have found people at the stores are almost always willing to "pull some strings" and work with you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call again. You are grand fathered in for unlimited data. They have to let you keep your rate plan and unlimited data.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
seh6183 said:
Call again. You are grand fathered in for unlimited data. They have to let you keep your rate plan and unlimited data.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called 3 times, talked to 5 different people...wasted over an hour and got no where. Walked into a store and walked out 15 min later with my SG2 and my grandfathered voice and data plan.
I had a similar experence......I had a HTC Inspire, and damaged it. So I needed a new phone. I called AT&T but they said I had to pay full price reguardless if I wanted to resign or not. Now keep in mind I am not up for a upgrade so I figured that was fair.
I couldnt wait for the phone to come in the mail and being I was paying full price I may as well go to the local store. I went to my local AT&T, and the guy there hooked me up with the upgrade price.
So I was able to get a better deal by walking into the local store even after I was told "no sir, sorry you have to pay full retail price. There is nothing we can do"
kezell said:
I had a similar experence......I had a HTC Inspire, and damaged it. So I needed a new phone. I called AT&T but they said I had to pay full price reguardless if I wanted to resign or not. Now keep in mind I am not up for a upgrade so I figured that was fair.
I couldnt wait for the phone to come in the mail and being I was paying full price I may as well go to the local store. I went to my local AT&T, and the guy there hooked me up with the upgrade price.
So I was able to get a better deal by walking into the local store even after I was told "no sir, sorry you have to pay full retail price. There is nothing we can do"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well luckily your area carries the phone, my captivate died on me with endless rebooting and I broke the digitizer by dropping it *first and only drop in 15 months* and I contacted att's fb page about seeing if the insurance deductible was dropping down from $ 125, as well as I asked about why should I pay for their branded sgs 2 when for $ 10 more I could get an unlocked international sgs 2. A csr called me back with in an hour and gave me an early upgrade with out having to pay full price. The only issue I had to order the phone from the store but I still get to keep my data and text plan *have family text and unlimited calling to any mobile*. $ 242 out the door but I am still with out a phone because the local stores do not carry the sgs 2 in my area. Moral of the story, is be nice and literally att will bend over backwards for their customers because they could have told me spend $ 550 or good luck lol..
Cheers,
Charlie
@tboooe > are you sure that kid at the store didn't 'accidentally' upgrade your plan as well? I'd wait to see the bill next month before saying that you good to go with your old limits
vladm7 said:
@tboooe > are you sure that kid at the store didn't 'accidentally' upgrade your plan as well? I'd wait to see the bill next month before saying that you good to go with your old limits
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! I thought the same thing so I checked my account a few days later..luckily nothing changed.
Even worse, I WORKED for AT&T for years. I had an Employee Plan(No contract,) and when I went to switch to my captivate a year ago, they booted me from the plan. I raised hell, and settled on being in a contract, at full price, then asked them to grandfather in my unlimited data from the employee plan.
They said they don't have a record of me ever being a customer before I started my last contract, even though I worked for AT&T, and paid them monthly, for over two years.
vladm7 said:
@tboooe > are you sure that kid at the store didn't 'accidentally' upgrade your plan as well? I'd wait to see the bill next month before saying that you good to go with your old limits
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DING!
I've seen lots of unscrupulous dealers pull the same #(%#.. Only interested in the sale.
Mall kiosks are the worst, super high turnover and will lie to you about anything to get your signature on the dotted line... Waived activation fees, imaginary discounts, etc.
I have had a few customers who have come to me, I've let them know about the changes required (smartphone = required data plan). They were upset, so they went to a kiosk, where they were 'promised' that nothing would change, waived act. fees, etc.. Then wanna come yelling at me why their bill went from 120$ for 4 phones, to over $180..
I've never had problems with my local corporate store. I've known for a long time to avoid kiosks - ALWAYS go to a corporate-owned store.
When I got my Infuse, I was upgraded to the 4G unlimited plan. Grandfathered right in, didn't even need to ask, was told, "You won't lose your unlimited data" and I didn't.
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...
Click to collapse
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...
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
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...
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
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.
Click to expand...
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.
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Impossible. No such thing as a $37 activation fee.
Impossible. If you buy at BestBuy they have to activate it for you.
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they have to activate it in the store. Not certain, but I'm pretty sure that's a requirement. Also, I ordered min thru telesales and i was informed it came with a free activation! Maybe they can do something for you
Sent from my BadAzzEvo using Forum Runner!
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would that work though? Because your account may have been flagged once the phone is shipped/picked up that there is an upgrade pending. When you call in to sprint for 'swapping' they might see that its a new model and charge regardless.
Your plan might work though. That's what I was planning to do just pick it up from BB and call when I'm home. I didnt know you have to activate it there.
njspank said:
I believe they have to activate it in the store. Not certain, but I'm pretty sure that's a requirement. Also, I ordered min thru telesales and i was informed it came with a free activation! Maybe they can do something for you
Sent from my BadAzzEvo using Forum Runner!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lilbitz_1018 said:
would that work though? Because your account may have been flagged once the phone is shipped/picked up that there is an upgrade pending. When you call in to sprint for 'swapping' they might see that its a new model and charge regardless.
Your plan might work though. That's what I was planning to do just pick it up from BB and call when I'm home. I didnt know you have to activate it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm 100% certain you don't have to activate in the store because last time I used 2 upgrades to get the Evo 3D and the Galaxy SII (Epic Touch or whatever), and I never got the Galaxy activated. I just sold it on Craigslist immediately.
Unless of course.. they changed it in the last half a year or so.
arozer said:
I'm 100% certain you don't have to activate in the store because last time I used 2 upgrades to get the Evo 3D and the Galaxy SII (Epic Touch or whatever), and I never got the Galaxy activated. I just sold it on Craigslist immediately.
Unless of course.. they changed it in the last half a year or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy won't sell you a $550 phone for $200 just because they are so nice. They get commissions from Sprint that cover the difference and few bucks for the store. In order to get commissions, they need to extend contract and activate the phone with their dealer code. So, activating the equipment is a requirement. If someone lets you walk away without activating a phone, they just made $400 mistake.
I think I may be able to clear this up. Anytime you upgrade with Sprint at a third party retailer (Radio Shack, Best Buy, Sprint Indirect Retailer, etc) they will use a system called SNAP.
In SNAP, when an upgrade is processed a $36 upgrade fee is automatically triggered on the account, or at time of purchase if it is ordered. This cannot be waived manually by any rep. The system just forces it. Whether the phone is activated or not, your still going to get charged the fee.
For example, if you ever order a device from a Sprint Indirect dealer and have the phone shipped to your house and never activate, you will still get that upgrade fee. Even if you were to throw that phone in the river as soon as UPS hands it over to you and never active it, ever.
So: the actual activation of the device does not warrant the upgrade fee, the fact of you using your upgrade and resigning the 2 year agreement does. Thats why it is officially called an "upgrade" fee. An activation fee is when you initially sign up with Sprint.
Hope that helps.
I called Sprint retention department recently before I preordered from Amazon and asked them specifically about the activation fee and she was willing to waive it for me. What she did tell me though was they could not pre-emptively waive it. It needs to go through and to charged to my account first, then I can call in again and have them take it off.
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to break it to you, but this will NOT work. The reason you can swap other phones w/o charge is that they have been active on atleast one other account prior to yours. I can tell you this from exp I fought them on 3 fees for a week due to this. The phone had been on a friends account prior. now if you were to buy it from CL or Ebay, after it has been active on another acct first then you would not be charged.
Will
Azralag said:
I think I may be able to clear this up. Anytime you upgrade with Sprint at a third party retailer (Radio Shack, Best Buy, Sprint Indirect Retailer, etc) they will use a system called SNAP.
In SNAP, when an upgrade is processed a $36 upgrade fee is automatically triggered on the account, or at time of purchase if it is ordered. This cannot be waived manually by any rep. The system just forces it. Whether the phone is activated or not, your still going to get charged the fee.
For example, if you ever order a device from a Sprint Indirect dealer and have the phone shipped to your house and never activate, you will still get that upgrade fee. Even if you were to throw that phone in the river as soon as UPS hands it over to you and never active it, ever.
So: the actual activation of the device does not warrant the upgrade fee, the fact of you using your upgrade and resigning the 2 year agreement does. Thats why it is officially called an "upgrade" fee. An activation fee is when you initially sign up with Sprint.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is spot on and worded perfectly. Also, Bestbuy now uses BEAST only for processing new activations and upgrades instead of SNAP (i believe to track margin) but still has access to SNAP for other changes.
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want to avoid the activation fee here is how. Buy the phone at full price, or ebay price from a reseller. Once you get the phone go on your Sprint account and do the online activation.
If you want that $199 price you are going to pay the activation fee, it'll get charged to your bill.
Open a credit union account, credit union discount waives activation fee.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I called and asked them to waive it due to the delay in shipping, and they did
I called in account services as recommended else where in this thread.
What they offered me was a credit equal to the base rate - my employee discount if I extended the contract for another year. This extension is for the contract only and does not affect my equipment upgrade dates. Once I do upgrade the equipment, the date then gets pushed back another year from the time of activation (so the usual 24 months after activation). I only have one line with them with a MRC of $69.99+10 (no discount on the $10 though). I still have ~6 months on my current contract too.
I decided to go ahead with the offer since they're still the cheapest around here, and hopefully once lte roll out is completed, data will improve too. This credit cancels out the activation fee and a little more.
ymmv, but at this point I think they'll be making concessions to most customers, even those who in the past may not have qualified.
phillymade said:
I called and asked them to waive it due to the delay in shipping, and they did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my plan after I got my phone. Ask for a refund due to the hassle. Shouldn't be too difficult to get someone to credit it.
i dont pay activation fees. its part of my corp. discount w/ accenture.
it doesnt matter where i buy the phone. i got an evo3d via amazon 1 cent sale and a second one at radio shack for 49.99. they didnt even attempt to add it to my bill. the guy at radio shack mentioned it, but when i got the bill, there was no fee.
some others offer this too. aaa for example.
www.aaa.com/sprint
arozer said:
I'm sure many of you, like myself, are sick of paying the $37 activation phone every time you upgrade your phone.
Well I just had an idea, to maybe, perhaps, get the fee waived.
What if we just go to Sprint/Bestbuy, use the upgrade to buy the phone.. and then tell them NOT to activate it?
THEN.. once you're home, call Spring from your device and say "hey, I just bought a new phone that I'd like to use on my account please" (like how you would do with a phone bought from Craigslist.)
Since they don't charge you anything for swapping phones, maybe they won't charge you here either?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good idea but if you have worked for Sprint you know that just placing the phone on the account will generate that $36. It's just labeled an activation fee. It literally takes nothing to activate a phone. Just a simple "hey let me use your connection" from your phone to the Sprint Network and then Sprint replies with a "well let me make sure your on an account via your dec number" then boom! the phone is connected.
that though sadly is not what generates the fee its the simple act of placing the phone on an account. Seriously go buy a phone via upgrade then dont activate it till after you recieve your bill. you will still see that fee on there even though your phone is still in the box. (not that anyone will do this) haha
Whenever you purchase a new phone that has never been activated before, you ALWAYS pay a one time activation fee. After that you can swap it from phone number to number and you will no pay it again. Is a one time thing.(I called Sprint twice and both reps said the same thing)
I just got my fee waived via a "promotional" discount the CS rep said they had. Not sure if that's true. I also used some info found in Ramit Sethi's scripts. Worth a call or two to get it waived.
I ordered my phone online, activated it online, and was still hit with the activation fee. Their bullsh!t excuse when I emailed them wad that they have to do such things to keep the subsidized prices on the phones low... to which I replied that I paid full MSRP and if I had bought it second hand, there'd be no activation fee. I concluded saying that I may never buy a phone through Sprint again. It has been escalated and I've been playing phone tag with someone higher up. I'll post back with how it turns out.
Sent from my EVO LTE using Tapatalk 2
It's $299 - $100 Walmart E-Giftcard = $199! Great for those for a new account.
Linky: http://wireless.walmart.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=36575_f288944bf50047879ddee43a18be2111
I've already read people on the Slickdeals forum for those wanting to upgrade, they just called customer service to order the phone.
Thank you! Saw this on SD and was looking for the link to it. Do you know how I would apply my company discount if I was to buy via Walmart.com? Also, any chance Walmart would waive activation fee?
jinwu57 said:
Thank you! Saw this on SD and was looking for the link to it. Do you know how I would apply my company discount if I was to buy via Walmart.com? Also, any chance Walmart would waive activation fee?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always call Verizon customer service to apply your company discount. If your company discount includes waiving of the activation fee, they normally remove that as well. It can all be done after the fact. That's how I've handle my previous new accounts before with different carriers so I would think they would do the same. I don't think you can get Walmart to waive it but you can always try by calling their customer service number.
Just pre-ordered...thanks! :good:
Thanks. I just canceled my Verizon order and did this. BTW you can't keep your unlimited data just by checking the keep existing data option, it messes up the order and then you have to call them and chose one of the other data options. I thought it'd be worth a try though.
It says it applies to upgrades as well, but it also says "ships when available". I have a $50 credit at Verizon so I might just get it there so I know I don't have to wait several weeks.
Also, people should note that it is an eGift card, so you won't be able to use it in stores on groceries etc.
Is this just a today thing, available through cyber monday or likely throughout the holiday season?
It's a limited time thing, but you don't get the card until you are out if the 14 day exchange period. The guy I ordered from said they already have the Verizon Note 2s in their warehouse, and are waiting for launch to send them.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
Again, is limited time today? For a variety of reasons, I would rather buy on monday (I need to decide whether to upgrade or buy outright to keep unlimited data), but would do it now if the offer expires today.
empiremaster23 said:
Again, is limited time today? For a variety of reasons, I would rather buy on monday (I need to decide whether to upgrade or buy outright to keep unlimited data), but would do it now if the offer expires today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I THINK a local store also had $100 gift cards with a bunch of in stock phones (including GS3) until December 1st. That doesn't mean the online site will keep this deal until then though...
You could call or email them. I'm sure they'll tell you if it's ending soon so you feel rushed to buy from them.
The $100 promotion runs until December 1st.
http://wireless.walmart.com/additionalDetailsDisplay.aspx?AdditionalDetailsID=8214
I have a $100 walmart GC so this is a perfect combo for me.
Does this one come with a sim card? I don't have my own yet and I know Verizon gives you one for free when you preorder from them.
I called my local wal-mart and they had no idea of the promotion. Can someone else call their local wal-mart and see if they know anything about this as well?
Plus it isn't really like we are getting the N2 for 199.99. It should say 299.99 + $100 eGift card.
EDIT: There is a commercial for this on the TV. I called back my local wal-mart and they said they have the same offer and that the associate I talked to earlier must've been in electronics and not in their mobile dept.
This may be an issue for some...
I was all set to jump on this deal and then read some of the terms and conditions. For those of you who are looking to upgrade another line and then move the phone over to your line in order to keep your unlimited data, you could potentially trigger a fee of up to $400 by doing so. Please see the bolded text.
Instant Savings Discounts
By accepting this Instant Savings Discount, you agree to repay $200 of this discount ($400 for smartphones, tablets, and netbooks) and authorize us to charge your credit card in repayment of this amount if, you signed up for a 2 year agreement and during the 181 days after your new equipment is activated, Verizon Wireless notifies us that the services you purchased have been suspended, disconnected, or deactivated, or if you return your purchase outside of the return and exchange provisions of our Satisfaction Guarantee.
Other than you simply deactivating a line we've activated, Verizon Wireless could notify us that you deactivated if:
You fail to pay Verizon Wireless in accordance with their terms and conditions
You transfer equipment we activate on one line to another Verizon Wireless line, even within the same account
You activate this equipment on a new line of service on Verizon Wireless and use it to replace an existing Verizon Wireless line by deactivating the existing line.
I'm guessing this won't be a problem if you transfer an eligible upgrade over to another line, since by doing such a transfer, it now ties the line that is taking the upgrade to the new data terms (e.g. removes grandfathered unlimited data). However, this is different than trying to circumvent the system and keep your unlimited data.
My fear is that this trigger doesn't happen within the 14 return period and then you are stuck with a phone on a different line than what you originally wanted.
My fear is what happens when I sell the Note2 for a different phone in 6 months. Am I going to get a $400 charge?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
miiike said:
My fear is what happens when I sell the Note2 for a different phone in 6 months. Am I going to get a $400 charge?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have kept the phone for a minimum of 181 days (approx. 6 months) you should be fine. As that is the trigger for the Instant Savings.
I decided to bite bullet by cancelling my Verizon pre-order and going for this deal, but once I ordered it they told me it was out of stock. Now I have to wait for some unknown time to even find out when my phone will be shipped. Unbelievable. I know I'm getting a $100 gift card, but it's not like Wal-Mart is the sorta place I would want to shop (with the way they treat their employees and whatnot). Eh, it's just a phone, I'll get over this. I'm just a bit irked right now.
Yes, I followed up on this since someone else in my family is interested in the N2. I am forced to buy one at VZW because I need to deactivate it and swap-lines. However, my sister does not... so I called in Wal-Mart and ordered through them since she does not really care when she gets it. The deal is this, the eGift card works both in real life and online per the rep. If you want to use these gift cards somewhere else, buy a visa gift card. They charge a fee, but pretty much you can move it elsewhere. The other issue is VZW allows you to get $50 off without activation fees (with some haggling, I've had no luck with this, but other members have) so $30 saved too. So essentially if you are up for the $50 off at vzw, you can save a whopping $20 by going to Wal-Mart. According to the rep i've talked to, they have no idea when they will ship out the phone. The phone, according to them, is in very high demand. They are awaiting stock still and have no clue when it will be shipped out from their warehouse.
On another note, I was looking at their insurance plans for phones. No deduct, covers stolen, water damage, etc... for $60 bucks for two years. Seems way better than VZW, which has a $150 deduct, and BB, which doesn't cover stolen devices.
Anyone deal with their insurance at Wal-Mart? Seems sweet, since they are such a big company they rarely fight with customers in terms of returns... so I assume this should be the least amount of hassle in covering the device?
EDIT:
here is the funny part too. you don't get the gift card right away. she said as late as feb 2013 you will get a code for it.
kimdoocheol said:
Yes, I followed up on this since someone else in my family is interested in the N2. I am forced to buy one at VZW because I need to deactivate it and swap-lines. However, my sister does not... so I called in Wal-Mart and ordered through them since she does not really care when she gets it. The deal is this, the eGift card works both in real life and online per the rep. If you want to use these gift cards somewhere else, buy a visa gift card. They charge a fee, but pretty much you can move it elsewhere. The other issue is VZW allows you to get $50 off without activation fees (with some haggling, I've had no luck with this, but other members have) so $30 saved too. So essentially if you are up for the $50 off at vzw, you can save a whopping $20 by going to Wal-Mart. According to the rep i've talked to, they have no idea when they will ship out the phone. The phone, according to them, is in very high demand. They are awaiting stock still and have no clue when it will be shipped out from their warehouse.
On another note, I was looking at their insurance plans for phones. No deduct, covers stolen, water damage, etc... for $60 bucks for two years. Seems way better than VZW, which has a $150 deduct, and BB, which doesn't cover stolen devices.
Anyone deal with their insurance at Wal-Mart? Seems sweet, since they are such a big company they rarely fight with customers in terms of returns... so I assume this should be the least amount of hassle in covering the device?
EDIT:
here is the funny part too. you don't get the gift card right away. she said as late as feb 2013 you will get a code for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you see insurance plans for contract phones? I can only find them for non-contract and pre-paid phones. Do you have a link?
dawei213 said:
Where do you see insurance plans for contract phones? I can only find them for non-contract and pre-paid phones. Do you have a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, I didn't even see that. I just read the link to the side that said accidental protection and skipped to the coverage
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=21556885
After failing at convincing myself not to get one, since I already own a Note 10.1, I headed to a local Verizon brick and mortar ready to pay full price to retain unlimited data. Upon arriving found...
They have it in stock. Check.
They have it in grey. Check.
I asked to pay full price and that's when things went sour. He pulled up my mobile # then proceeded with the upselling trying to get me to add a line, up my plan, change my plan saying that it won't affect my unlimited data when I know it's a lie then when he couldn't get his way he said he couldn't sell me one even for full price.
Learned my lesson. Dropped by Best Buy with a different approach since they're all obviously giving priority to new contract and contract extension. When it was my turn I said I wanted to buy one full price as a gift and the recipient would come in to choose plan and activate. It rung up $799 but had them price match to Verizon for $699. A kind gentleman here posted a receipt for $670 so will use that for price adjustment towards accessories.
Awesome phone and well worth the effort. Another BB salesperson and a customer noticed I was buying it and complemented it as they bought it too.
It's because by buying the phone outright they don't make commission off of it. Also by buying the phone out of contract, it's one less phone to sell to someone who is planning on upgrading or signing a new contract. Cheers to you though, it's an awesome phone.
I bet if you would have called customer service they would have forced them to do it.
The 1-800 line has over riding power over ANYTHING they say in the store if your account is noted.
You can buy at full retail online and over the phone(I did) and to VZW Coportate offices a sale is a sale.
I work for a Verizon store and can confirm that adding a line will keep your data. What I do is swap the new phone to the number you want and scan an ESN of a crappy feature phone change the last 2 numbers of the ESN and that way you won't get billed for the data on your added line. Works like a charm and I get commission you get your new phone and its a win win.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I had a similar experience when I picked it up on the 29th when the store first opened. They tried telling me that they could not sell the phone for full price on launch day. The salesman then tried calling the manager to check, but was not able to get hold of him. Luckily another associate said that the store was allowed to sell one phone at full price... which happened to be me as I was waiting for them to open.
Wyatt W.
I bought my gray Note II from a brick and mortar VZ store for full price an hour after they came in with no problem.
From what I understand the policy is that it's up to the store manager's discretion whether or not they wish to sell you a phone at full retail or not.
It's not so much a matter of commission I don't believe, as they do earn some commission on even full retail sold phones, but the thing is it looks a lot better for the store to get a new customer or upgrade an old one, than it is to sell a phone out right. And selling that phone removes inventory that could go to a potential upgrade/new customer.
sorry i am new.
why not add a line and then pay 350 to terminate it? will it hurt your credit or something?
I just had a bought the phone in store for my fiancé using an upgrade on my unlimited line. Didn't affect my unlimited at all. Just have to get a rep that knows how to do it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
jiwengang said:
sorry i am new.
why not add a line and then pay 350 to terminate it? will it hurt your credit or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think Verizon charges u another ETF which all comes out to $15 less then buying the phone at full retail ($700) but easier and less of a headache just buying at retail (there is some kind of loop with a dummy line on your account but not everyone has one)
Whatever the Verizon store policy is, it must be manager discretion or it's not followed consistantly.
I called the closest store to verify they had a gray Note 2 in stock and an hour later I was walking out the door with one at full retail with no issues.
I just told the sales guy I wanted to pay full retail to keep my unlimited data, and he said "no problem". I just verified on "My Verizon"...It shows my new phone and my unlimited data is still intact.
BTW...LOVE this phone! Coming from a rooted DX, running CM7...This phone is 'da bomb'!
I got mine full cost, no issues. Wish I had got the gray titanium color though...sigh.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
This isn't the first time I've heard this so I was worried when I went in Thursday trying to buy it.
They let me do it, could tell she was reluctant. Now I know why since they don't receive the commission, which is stupid.
Same thing happened to me... I felt the pain of waiting so long for this phone then telling me they couldn't sell me it.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
I will only buy phones from best buy because they price matched a launch phone heavily and their 9 dollar a month unlimited warranty is amazing. I bent an iPhone 5 in half they took it back laughing and gave me a new one. Assurion would a charged 100 to swap. So far I'm liking best buys phone insurance and price match on a launch day even
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
How do you bend an iphone in half? Lol!
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Ran it over with a forklift wheel
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
mi7chy said:
After failing at convincing myself not to get one, since I already own a Note 10.1, I headed to a local Verizon brick and mortar ready to pay full price to retain unlimited data. Upon arriving found...
They have it in stock. Check.
They have it in grey. Check.
I asked to pay full price and that's when things went sour. He pulled up my mobile # then proceeded with the upselling trying to get me to add a line, up my plan, change my plan saying that it won't affect my unlimited data when I know it's a lie then when he couldn't get his way he said he couldn't sell me one even for full price.
Learned my lesson. Dropped by Best Buy with a different approach since they're all obviously giving priority to new contract and contract extension. When it was my turn I said I wanted to buy one full price as a gift and the recipient would come in to choose plan and activate. It rung up $799 but had them price match to Verizon for $699. A kind gentleman here posted a receipt for $670 so will use that for price adjustment towards accessories.
Awesome phone and well worth the effort. Another BB salesperson and a customer noticed I was buying it and complemented it as they bought it too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a link to that receipt? i would like to go get my price adjusted also
If it's a corporate store, they have to sell it to you at full retail. Or at least that's what I've been told by Verizon customer service in the past.
Back when the Droid 3 first came out, I went in to buy one at full retail. The rep said they didn't sell phones at full retail in the store, and that I'd have to order one online or over the phone. I asked to speak with the manager, and he told me the same thing - "We can't sell phones at full retail in the store." I said "Yes you can. Either you don't know that you can for some odd reason or you're just making that up." Having purchased phones at full retail from corporate stores before, I promptly called customer service and told them where I was and what was going on. The manager received a call a few minutes later, and I walked out with my new Droid 3 a few minutes later.
Authorized retailers might be a different story, but corporate stores should sell it to you. If they don't, call customer service right then and there.
bulvine420 said:
I work for a Verizon store and can confirm that adding a line will keep your data. What I do is swap the new phone to the number you want and scan an ESN of a crappy feature phone change the last 2 numbers of the ESN and that way you won't get billed for the data on your added line. Works like a charm and I get commission you get your new phone and its a win win.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I did yesterday at my brick and mortar verizon store. Was going to pay full price to get the phone, but the the salesman stated he could convert my two lines I currently have into a family plan without changing the unlimited data I have and add a new line for $10 a month. He then looked at my account and just used an old ESN from an old non smart phone so I won't get charged data rates on the new phone line. Yes I understand the long run I am paying almost $600 for the phone but it is spread out over the 2 year term. Now I have a line I can use for upgrades in the future if I am not forced to dump my unlimited data. I was very pleased with my salesman yesterday.