Are your plans limited if you buy on Amazon?

PaulQ

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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!
 
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. ??
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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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.
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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
 
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!!
 
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