| Author |
Message |
    
Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 841
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 1:59 pm: | 
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Hi,
I need to replace a lost cellphone and maybe add another one to my account. Because I lost the one I need to replace, Im not eligible for promotional rates for phones according to the Verizon store I went to. Is it cheaper to buy a cellphone elsewhere? Or are the phone prices pretty much the same going direct through Verizon? Thnaks for any info. |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 2420
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:11 pm: |
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In about a week, new rules will take effect under which people will be able to switch their cell companies, but keep their existing numbers.
So, for example, you could switch to a different carrier, keep the same number, and see if the new carrier has a promotional deal on phones for you.
On the other hand, Verizon also is aware that its customers will be able to switch. The guy at the Verizon store may be more willing to give you a deal on a new phone, if you mention that you can't decide whether to stay with Verizon or move to a different carrier. |
greeneyes
Citizen
Username: Greeneyes
Post Number: 421
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:30 pm: |
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Call Verizon customer service. They would be more willing to give you a "deal" than the store owner would. |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 782
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 2:53 pm: |
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I have had pretty good luck buying cell phones on ebay to use as replacement or spare phones. The prices are always much better (less than half) what Verizon charges for a new phone other than a promotion. (I've paid in the $40-50 range usually.) Also this is more economical than paying for their "replacement coverage" (at $5/month) unless you have a really bad record for hanging on to your phone. If you are looking for the "standard" model (the one that comes as the promotion when you sign up), there are almost always several available on eBay from people who have upgraded to a fancier phone and don't need their original one. |
gretchen
Citizen
Username: Gretchen
Post Number: 78
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 5:22 pm: |
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I don't mean to sound like a dolt, but then what do you do--bring in the phone you bought on e-bay and have Verizon program it with your phone number? I have the same problem as Hank--I lost my phone and hadn't purchased the insurance. I haven't replaced the phone because I'm so outraged at paying "retail price" for the phone. Do they care what phone you have? |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 784
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 6:57 pm: |
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When I want to activate the phone, I just call Verizon customer service and tell them that I want to activate a new phone on my existing line and they walk me through it.
You do have to be sure the phone is compatible with your service. (I searched for and bought the exact same model that I already had in order to be sure, but you could probably ask the Verizon customer service folks - ahead of time - if a particular model is compatible.) Usually the ebay advertizers will also say that it is (or occasionally ISN'T) compatible with Verizon, but you also have to be sure that it works with your plan (i.e. different kinds of phones work with the Nationwide plans vs local-only.)
You could also email the seller and ask them and see whether you are satisfied with their response. It is always a bit of a risk to buy on eBay, but so far I have had no problems with any transactions (3 were for cellphones and I've made some other purchases also), so I am satisfied to date.
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NCJanow(akaLibraryLady)
Citizen
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 1087
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 8:38 am: |
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If you like your Verizon service and don't want to switch to another carrier, they will often give you one of their new phone deals if you extend your contract.
NCJ aka LibraryLady
On a coffee break..or something like it.
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Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 843
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 8:58 am: |
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Thanks for the tips...I do want to keep Verizon (the least of all evils I suppose for cellular service in the area, excluding their celltower desires) and they did offer me a promotional price on adding a second phone or promotional prices on two phones not if I extended my contract in length of time, but if I bumped up to the next monthly rate level..which I thought was a bit skunky of them. Time to break into negotiating stance with them. |
NCJanow(akaLibraryLady)
Citizen
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 1088
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 9:11 am: |
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Just tell them ATTWireless is offering a better deal. The thought of losing your business is usually ebough to get them to change their stance.
NCJ aka LibraryLady
On a coffee break..or something like it.
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