Are your plans limited if you buy on Amazon?

[PaulQ]

I bought my Droid as an upgrade from Verizon ($179) then saw it on Amazon yesterday for.... one penny.

If you buy on Amazon, are you limited to the few plan options they have? If you get a company discount, can you get it on Amazon?

Thanks!

 

[mwhartman]

I do not believe there is any difference in the plans.

 

[PaulQ]

Actually, I found differences. Definitely with T-Mobile and the plan I got at the Verizon store was different than what was offered at Amazon. However, I think it's kind of a wash when you consider the fact you are saving so much on the phone.

I was just wondering if anyone "broke free" of what seems to be limited plan offerings on Amazon. ??

 

[mwhartman]

Interesting. A year and a half ago, I left VZW to get an iPhone. I terminated early due to AT&T's coverage. I got a Droid and my wife went to BestBuy. She got her LG for free and no difference with the plan.

 

[PaulQ]

I can give more details...

Keep in mind, all the numbers here are after a 15% company discount.

I was on a plan that Verizon told me was no longer available. 450 min plus unlimited text/data for $100/month (that includes taxes, etc.). It also includes the corporate email option that they used at the time.

After looking at Verizon online and Amazon, I was under the impression I would have to switch to a limited text and limited data plan that would also add about $10 to my monthly bill. There was no indication anywhere that there was anything else available.

Verizon online did include my 15% discount but Amazon would not.

When I went into Verizon to get the Droid Pro, I was mentally ready for a higher monthly bill. The sales guy told me my current plan was no longer available - no surprise.

Here's the surprise... he did some typing then showed me that my plan would only increase about 50 cents/month and that I would have 450 min plus unlimited data and text. ?!?!? Essentially the same plan I had.

I said nothing. I didn't want to upset anything. I even checked it online for confirmation.

Bottom line is I paid the full upgrade price on the phone but (essentially) kept my existing unlimited plan.

It just lead me to believe there must be differences.

 

[mwhartman]

Honestly, there are days when I feel that this cell/mobil service and associated contracts are just a level above the shell/folded card game. It seems one never knows all of the variables (hidden issues). Therefore, you are probably correct about the differences.

 

[DroidFromTheCrypt]

3rd party buys... should have waited another few days! argh

Hey PaulQ, I've been thinking about the same thing... Amazon's penny deal sure looks better than the $150 I just spent on a refurb Droid X. I did talk to a VZW online rep, who basically stated that whatever plan you purchase through Amazon (or other vendor,) you can always change by calling Verizon directly. Ditto for transferring upgrades, although a 3rd party vendor can't directly transfer the upgrade to you -- once you get the phone, you can call Verizon and have it activated on whichever line you prefer. The additional ETF is a really minor drawback, what stops me is the hassle of trying to get Verizon to agree to refund me the $150 I spent, waiting for them to process the return, allow me to use that upgrade again so I can save $150 by ordering through Amazon. It took them 2.5 days to "process" my online order, then another 2 days for the phone to get here... so I'm sure the process of waiting for them to process a returned device is at least 3-4 times as long. Not worth the hassle, even if I am on vacation right now.

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Adam: If I purchase a phone from a 3rd party vendor with a 2-yr renewal, but they don't have my plan as an option -- can that plan be changed to my current plan at activation?
Tristal: Yes, it can. But there are a lot of hidden fees with 3rd parties.
Tristal: Was there anything else that I can assist you with today?
Adam: can
Adam: I am eligible for upgrade on line 2
Adam: can that upgrade be transferred if buying from a 3rd party?
Tristal: No, it can not.
Adam: and is there still an activation fee charged by VZW if i upgrade through VZW?
Adam: what about if I upgrade the 2nd line
Tristal: There is no activation fee to upgrade.
Adam: then I transfer the device
Tristal: You can transfer the device.
Adam: to the primary
Adam: okay
Tristal: You can activate the phone on any line that you would like.
Adam: so... I dont understand why I cant just transfer the upgrade
Adam: if i can just activate the phone on my primary line
Adam: that doesnt make much sense
Tristal: You can transfer it in My Verizon, but not through the 3rd party.
Adam: Okay.
Adam: So when I purchase the phone through the vendor, and agree to a new contract... I can modify that contract through verizon, then when the phone arrives I can activate it on a different line on the account.
Tristal: That is correct.
Adam: Fantastic
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[Natey2]

I did talk to a VZW online rep, who basically stated that whatever plan you purchase through Amazon (or other vendor,) you can always change by calling Verizon directly.
-----

The Vendor might cancel any advertised rebate/incentive if you change the plan through the Carrier right after you got your new phone. Check the Vendor's fine print.

Sent from my DROIDX using DroidForums App

 

[PaulQ]

This is so complicated. I wish they made the plans straightforward and uniform. I don't want to jump through these ridiculous hoops.

I just hope I get that $100 rebate!!