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Forget AT&T Customer Retention

I have seen several times on this forum mention of great deals gotten from AT&T Customer Retention from people who call them and threaten to cancel their contracts. Don't bother, I have tried it, and no matter who I talked to, the best deal they could give me (in the middle of my contract) was $399, with a $50 credit to my account, and a MANDATORY 3 months on the PDA data plan, so it ends up being $70 more than the $399 price from Premier. And this is for a premier customer threatening to quit. They will give you a worse deal if you aren't premier. They don't seem to have any leeway in terms of what they can offer you as an incentive to stay.

Depends on who you deal with???
Jozer99 said:
I have seen several times on this forum mention of great deals gotten from AT&T Customer Retention from people who call them and threaten to cancel their contracts. Don't bother, I have tried it, and no matter who I talked to, the best deal they could give me (in the middle of my contract) was $399, with a $50 credit to my account, and a MANDATORY 3 months on the PDA data plan, so it ends up being $70 more than the $399 price from Premier. And this is for a premier customer threatening to quit. They will give you a worse deal if you aren't premier. They don't seem to have any leeway in terms of what they can offer you as an incentive to stay.
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Jeez, I didn't have this problem... I live in California and just happened to be in the Portland, OR area and stopped in at a local store to buy the Tilt. I had just over a year left on my 2 yr contract, and was prepared to pay the Retail price of the device minus sales tax (no tax in OR). The sales rep told me he would take a look to see what he could do for me and told me that he would overwrite my current 2yr contract and start me over on a new one, and get me the lower price. I only paid 399 but am eligible for two 50$ rebates. I was a happy camper!

[Q] How Purchasing a phone works in the US

Hey all,
I see the HD7 is now only $50 on the Amazon site.
How does this price work? If someone already has a T-Mobile contract can they buy this phone for $50 without having to spend any more money? Or does it count as an upgrade and then they have to wait another 2 years before they can buy another phone at that rate?
Do you have to renew your contract to be eligible for that price?
I know some people in the US who have a T-Mobile contract and, if possible, $50 is quite a lot less than $520 but I'm sure that this is not how it works.
Could anyone fill me in on the details?
Thanks!

There are normally at least 2 different prices for phones here on US carriers. The full price, and the contract/upgrade price (which is usually the much lower price).
To take advantage of the lower price, you either need to:
- Be eligible for an upgrade and renew your contract (on either a 1 or 2 year contract, depending on the carrier, and the price you want to pay for the phone), and sometimes pay an upgrade fee
- Start a new contract/add-a-line on a new 1 or 2 year contract, and pay an activation fee.
When you are locked into a contract, you are subject to the terms of that carrier, so that may include a required data or text package in addition to your voice plan. These required packages cannot be removed for the duration of your contract (and depending on the carrier, for the life of your phone). That also includes a termination fee should you decide to cancel before your contract is up. These fees vary depending on the carrier.

prjkthack said:
There are normally at least 2 different prices for phones here on US carriers. The full price, and the contract/upgrade price (which is usually the much lower price).
To take advantage of the lower price, you either need to:
- Be eligible for an upgrade and renew your contract (on either a 1 or 2 year contract, depending on the carrier, and the price you want to pay for the phone), and sometimes pay an upgrade fee
- Start a new contract/add-a-line on a new 1 or 2 year contract, and pay an activation fee.
When you are locked into a contract, you are subject to the terms of that carrier, so that may include a required data or text package in addition to your voice plan. These required packages cannot be removed for the duration of your contract (and depending on the carrier, for the life of your phone). That also includes a termination fee should you decide to cancel before your contract is up. These fees vary depending on the carrier.
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Ok, thanks very much.
We have a similar system in this country but phone prices aren't advertised as the price you have to pay to get them on contract, they're either a certain price with a certain contract or they advertise the Pre-paid price.
It was confusing seeing websites that said "Buy the HD7 now for only $50" but all cleared up now, thanks!

If you actually go through the Amazon Wireless store and buy a phone, prior to payment you have to agree to the terms with which they save you so much money. If you don't use the phone for a minimum of 120+ days, they retroactively charge you for the full amount of the hardware.

Also, if you plan on buying the phone and then cancelling the contract after a month, you can forget about it.
You will have to pay the carrier's ETF
The one-month of service, prorated accordingly
And Amazon's own termination fee.
All of this will be greater than simply buying the phone for full price.

Sign The Petition: Get Rid Of Contracts For Wireless Service

Getting rid of carrier contracts is a win for customers. Verizon's CEO, Lowell McAdam, has already expressed his willingness to do away with them if consumers speak loud enough about it. So here's your chance: sign this petition to tell Verizon to end carrier contracts and create an affordable way for consumers to purchase their devices. If you're a current customer, you don't have to switch carriers or have plans to switch carriers. I've been a long-time Verizon customer and I don't see myself ever leaving; but I want that choice myself; I don't want them making it for me and imposing stiff penalties if I do decide to leave.
T-mobile Did It, Why Cant Verizon And Then The Others Do It Too? Lets create a ripple effect in the wireless industry! Thanks For Your Support.
Sign Here: Change.Org/Petitions

Becool0130 said:
Getting rid of carrier contracts is a win for customers. Verizon's CEO, Lowell McAdam, has already expressed his willingness to do away with them if consumers speak loud enough about it. So here's your chance: sign this petition to tell Verizon to end carrier contracts and create an affordable way for consumers to purchase their devices. If you're a current customer, you don't have to switch carriers or have plans to switch carriers. I've been a long-time Verizon customer and I don't see myself ever leaving; but I want that choice myself; I don't want them making it for me and imposing stiff penalties if I do decide to leave.
T-mobile Did It, Why Cant Verizon And Then The Others Do It Too? Lets create a ripple effect in the wireless industry! Thanks For Your Support.
Sign Here: Change.Org/Petitions
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I've been a long time T-mobile customer. It's not that straight forward. I asked about going from my current contract to a non contract plan. Problem is, my four lines all have contracts. I had to buy out my current contracts to go to a non contract. I would have to pay $600 before I was able to go to non contract plans! :banghead: I would have to wait a year or so before that price will go down to a reasonable price. Now, the deal is, it's a "non contract plan. You pay a down payment on a phone, then pay it off in two years. Hmm, what happens if you want to leave in a month after you get your contract, that's right, you owe the balance of a phone. But, at the same time, you can bring an old phone to sign up with Tmobile. It has its positives, and negatives

LoopDoGG79 said:
I've been a long time T-mobile customer. It's not that straight forward. I asked about going from my current contract to a non contract plan. Problem is, my four lines all have contracts. I had to buy out my current contracts to go to a non contract. I would have to pay $600 before I was able to go to non contract plans! :banghead: I would have to wait a year or so before that price will go down to a reasonable price. Now, the deal is, it's a "non contract plan. You pay a down payment on a phone, then pay it off in two years. Hmm, what happens if you want to leave in a month after you get your contract, that's right, you owe the balance of a phone. But, at the same time, you can bring an old phone to sign up with Tmobile. It has its positives, and negatives
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Well, you'd have to remember the basic principle. Nothing is free in this world, as so you will have to pay for the phone you bought and nothing more if you decide to leave. Keep in mind, you can pay as much off as you'd like overtime if you dont pay in full from the start. I think getting hit with your device fee is the same as breaking your 2 year contract fee. They both equal the same more or less....
Lets say that you want to pay $100 instead of the regular $70/month, which btw includes your $20/month device fee. Then you would be paying $50 and effectively paying off your phone much quicker. Its definitely better than a car loan as it doesnt incur interest.
Above all, I think if you payed for your phone in FULL from the start -meaning your on prepaid- then your OPTIONAL monthly payment should be lower and not the same as someone on a postpaid plan. The other carriers love to charge the same amount of money for postpaid vs prepaid.

Bump
Seriously no support? You'd rather be forced to buy phones with contracts?

What's your thoughts on Sprint considering doing away with contract plans?

Me personally I rather have the contract plan and pay $100 - $200 for a phone then have to pay full price.

Here's the source material since it wasn't included in the OP:
http://www.androidcentral.com/sprint-may-go-un-carrier-and-ditch-phone-subsidies-and-contracts-2015

I was afraid this would happen... I too rather pay a discounted price for a phone than have to pay full price...

Nooooo! I don't mind my contract phone. At least I bought it for a good price, not full retail. ?
Sent from my 831C using XDA Free mobile app

I certainly would not mind it. Sprint has terrible coverage in my area but T-Mobile has awesome coverage. I would probably switch given the chance.

Phrostbite said:
I certainly would not mind it. Sprint has terrible coverage in my area but T-Mobile has awesome coverage. I would probably switch given the chance.
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Well I read somewhere that T-Mobile is paying off early term fees if you switch to them. Just a thought....
Sent from my 831C using XDA Free mobile app

Yeah we did the math and if we did that then after phone costs and what not we wouldn't break even until about two years in anyways.
But yeah T-Mobile is paying. Up to 350 dollars a line. They send it to you in the form of a gift card.

Good to know. Thanks for the update. Looks like it's not even worth checking into for our family. ?
Sent from my 831C using XDA Free mobile app

Sprint can't ever get away from the contracts or they would go under. They are hands down the worst provider of all the cell services and pretty much everyone I know including myself would leave them in a heartbeat if they could right away. I am just biding my time until I can be free from this god awful 2 year contract of pure **** service.
We got a call in January stating they are finally putting LTE in our service area (Detroit) and there are only 3-4 places I actually get it. I finally went into the store yesterday to talk to a rep and they told me my problem was that I need to disable 4G LTE for another 6 months until they have completed the roll out, and to just stick with 3G for the time being.
I can barely stream music, can't load video, and web pages crawl at best.
"Disable your LTE to get better service" was their official reply. They should be ashamed of themselves. I the last 6 months of having them my TOTAL DATA consumed is 1.8GB. I want to be using 1.8GB a week, not every 6 freaking months.

It wouldn't be so bad if retail for a phone wasn't so darn expensive. Could never figure out why a phone costs $500 - $700 typically out of contract. For that price, I could buy a notebook (and possibility a tablet too). The price of a higher end tablet with a larger screen is in the $200 price range - and that is pretty much a phone minus the radio. So my deduction is they charge $400-500 for just the radio.
That is why I tend to get a new phone and sign a 2 year contract or else I am leaving money on the table by not upgrading at a subsidized rate.

weidnerj said:
It wouldn't be so bad if retail for a phone wasn't so darn expensive. Could never figure out why a phone costs $500 - $700 typically out of contract. For that price, I could buy a notebook (and possibility a tablet too). The price of a higher end tablet with a larger screen is in the $200 price range - and that is pretty much a phone minus the radio. So my deduction is they charge $400-500 for just the radio.
That is why I tend to get a new phone and sign a 2 year contract or else I am leaving money on the table by not upgrading at a subsidized rate.
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The idea is that the plans where you have to buy your device are going to be cheaper than the ones with the subsidy built in. You won't be leaving any money on the table if it's implemented correctly.

I'm on Sprint no contract no credit check option with an HTC m8. I love this option the m8 was only $325 off craigslist brand-new and I'm not tied down for two years. $60 unlimited everything plan and I have no credit this is awesome!

Will a more reputable company buy out my contract with Sprint? Like say, Verizon or AT&T?

PhallusOfGod said:
Will a more reputable company buy out my contract with Sprint? Like say, Verizon or AT&T?
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I believe only T-Mobile it's the only one offering this right now.
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Toyeboy said:
I'm on Sprint no contract no credit check option with an HTC m8. I love this option the m8 was only $325 off craigslist brand-new and I'm not tied down for two years. $60 unlimited everything plan and I have no credit this is awesome!
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I believe you're new to sprint. I joined sprint with same idea $60 unlimited plan. I got the bill for first month, it's $132. When I asked them, they told me $40 is the activation fee and rest are government taxes, etc. That means going forward my bill will be $92.
I asked them to add international calling add on for $15, they told me I need to do the credit check for that and after that they asked me to keep a deposit of $100 for 1 year, though the device is my own.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Cashreedhar said:
I believe you're new to sprint. I joined sprint with same idea $60 unlimited plan. I got the bill for first month, it's $132. When I asked them, they told me $40 is the activation fee and rest are government taxes, etc. That means going forward my bill will be $92.
I asked them to add international calling add on for $15, they told me I need to do the credit check for that and after that they asked me to keep a deposit of $100 for 1 year, though the device is my own.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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I knew all that about the first month being $130. But Sprint employees told me $70 a month with fees and taxes after the initial activation month. I don't need international anything.
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Cashreedhar said:
I believe you're new to sprint. I joined sprint with same idea $60 unlimited plan. I got the bill for first month, it's $132. When I asked them, they told me $40 is the activation fee and rest are government taxes, etc. That means going forward my bill will be $92.
I asked them to add international calling add on for $15, they told me I need to do the credit check for that and after that they asked me to keep a deposit of $100 for 1 year, though the device is my own.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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You must be paying for the optional phone insurance it's an extra $11.00 every month. Check your account options and opt out. There's no reason for that to be $92 a month

I finally said F Sprint, and opened an account with Verizon. I can hardly make calls on Sprint let alone look something up online. On Verizon I have fast LTE 99.9% of the time, and I couldn't be happier. Trying to pick up a nexus 6 unlocked.

I will never understand people who cry and complain about a service provider. This isn't Yelp. It seriously showcases the most ignorant and uneducated. Look at a service map. Do some math. You're making an investment for crying out loud. So on to the point of this thread.
The HTC M8 Harman Kardon is currently $230 in most retailers on a 2 year contract. Also known as subsidy. The minimum rate plan for a single line with unlimited service is $80. 24 months of service is $1920 plus the $230 investment of the phone itself.
The same phone under the EZ Pay monthly installment plan is $0 down. The minimum rate plan for a single line with unlimited service is $60. 24 months of service including the $15 a month installment is $1800.
That is big time savings both up front at zero down and total two years savings. Even if you find a sale or promotion on subsidy the total two year investment is more. Period. This also doesn't take into account if you are eligible for membership or employer discounts. Credit Union members get waived activation fees and 10% off a month! No one else can touch this plan. Even T-Mobile. The installment plan is a complete and total win. Stop the belly aching about paying for a phone. You were always paying for a phone over subsidy it was simply masked in the rate plan cost. Remember when Sprint was charing $10 for "premium data"?
Sprint is just way more transparent now. More so than ever, maybe as a result of T-Mobile being aggressive. But it is flat out the most cost effective way to get a flagship phone and unlimited service. AT&T and Verizon don't even bother with unlimited service and T-Mobile short of their more expensive $70 plan will throttle you straight to the stone age. If you can't do homework over coverage or think the middle of Arkansas is as important as the Mid Atlantic then I'm sorry. Use Wi-Fi or look at a coverage map!!!
Sprint. Now and forever.

The only thing I don't like is sprint forces you to buy through them when you have 5 or more lines on your account. Tried to get my m8 on Amazon a few months ago and that was the case

mreniigma said:
I will never understand people who cry and complain about a service provider. This isn't Yelp. It seriously showcases the most ignorant and uneducated. Look at a service map. Do some math. You're making an investment for crying out loud. So on to the point of this thread.
The HTC M8 Harman Kardon is currently $230 in most retailers on a 2 year contract. Also known as subsidy. The minimum rate plan for a single line with unlimited service is $80. 24 months of service is $1920 plus the $230 investment of the phone itself.
The same phone under the EZ Pay monthly installment plan is $0 down. The minimum rate plan for a single line with unlimited service is $60. 24 months of service including the $15 a month installment is $1800.
That is big time savings both up front at zero down and total two years savings. Even if you find a sale or promotion on subsidy the total two year investment is more. Period. This also doesn't take into account if you are eligible for membership or employer discounts. Credit Union members get waived activation fees and 10% off a month! No one else can touch this plan. Even T-Mobile. The installment plan is a complete and total win. Stop the belly aching about paying for a phone. You were always paying for a phone over subsidy it was simply masked in the rate plan cost. Remember when Sprint was charing $10 for "premium data"?
Sprint is just way more transparent now. More so than ever, maybe as a result of T-Mobile being aggressive. But it is flat out the most cost effective way to get a flagship phone and unlimited service. AT&T and Verizon don't even bother with unlimited service and T-Mobile short of their more expensive $70 plan will throttle you straight to the stone age. If you can't do homework over coverage or think the middle of Arkansas is as important as the Mid Atlantic then I'm sorry. Use Wi-Fi or look at a coverage map!!!
Sprint. Now and forever.
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Are you referring to me? I would love for you to point out where I'm crying. And maybe before you assume things and start calling people ignorant and uneducated you might want to instead assume that maybe you don't have all of the information.
So let me break it down for your simple mind. I have been a Sprint customer for 12 years, I moved 3 years ago and no longer had cell reception at my house, no biggy I got an airrave, and I basically only used my phone at home or work and both places I had reception. In the last month I have started doing a lot of driving for work and have been making a lot more phone calls, and after one phone call dropping for the fourth time I drove to the nearest verizon store looked at their coverage map and switched that same day. No more issues with dropped calls and I have reception everywhere I have gone so far.
As far as living in the middle of no where is concerned, I think not. I live 30 minutes north of Los Angeles. I hope berating others on internet forums makes you feel better about yourself. Have a wonderful day.

T-Mobile 2-for-1: early termination?

T-Mobile is offering two Note 8s for the price of one. There's a 24-month payment plan (and service obligation) for the full price of both phones, but you get a rebate of one phone's full price via prepaid MasterCard ("allow 8 weeks").
The terms state that "If you cancel service, remaining device balances are due". But if you've already got your rebate, then you're still getting both phones for the price of one, even after early cancellation, correct?

Gary02468 said:
T-Mobile is offering two Note 8s for the price of one. There's a 24-month payment plan (and service obligation) for the full price of both phones, but you get a rebate of one phone's full price via prepaid MasterCard ("allow 8 weeks").
The terms state that "If you cancel service, remaining device balances are due". But if you've already got your rebate, then you're still getting both phones for the price of one, even after early cancellation, correct?
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Yes but seems like a lot of work and start up money.
1. You have to pay tax on both
2. There may be a down payment of 225 for both devices
3. 2-3 months of service eat into the potential profits
4. 2-3 months of depreciation eat into the potential profits
5. Better pray the rumors of the new s9 being announce in January doesn't effect note 8 resell price

Gary02468 said:
T-Mobile is offering two Note 8s for the price of one. There's a 24-month payment plan (and service obligation) for the full price of both phones, but you get a rebate of one phone's full price via prepaid MasterCard ("allow 8 weeks").
The terms state that "If you cancel service, remaining device balances are due". But if you've already got your rebate, then you're still getting both phones for the price of one, even after early cancellation, correct?
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I think I get what you're saying,but,the language does imply clearly enough that both phones are financed on EIP:
https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/deals-hub?icid=WMM_TMNG_Q416DLSRDS_O8RLYN4ZJ4I6275
Pre-order one Samsung Galaxy Note8 and get a second select phone free.
After rebate with finance agreements and new line of service. If you cancel service, remaining device balances are due.
Upgrade to the all-new Galaxy Note8 and do more on America’s fastest 4G LTE network.
Fastest claim based on download speeds. Limited time offer; subject to change.
Financing agreements for both devices, qualifying credit, and a new line of qualifying service required. If you cancel service, remaining device balances are due.
Galaxy Note8: $210 down and $30/mo x 24, full pre-rebate price $930. Galaxy S8: $30 down and $30/mo x 24, full pre-rebate price $750; Galaxy S8 +: $80 down and $30/mo x 24, full pre-rebate price $800. 0% APR. Full tax on pre-rebate price for both devices due at sale.
Rebate on device of equal or lesser value via Prepaid MasterCard® Card. This Card is issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted. Must be active and in good standing when card is processed. Allow 8 weeks.
The free part is when you apply the Pre-Paid MasterCard to the balance of either phone. Once that is done,you are likely free to cancel service on the device's line that you pay off,but,I'd double-check that the other device balance doesn't become due as well (I doubt it,but,I'd check nevertheless,the language there is a bit murky).

If you cancel the new line before receiving your rebate (which takes around 2 months to receive) you will not receive your rebate. So, don't cancel until you get your mastercard in the mail. Once you receive it, you are free to pay off the new line installment and cancel. Cancelling the free line does not make the 2nd device installment due in full.
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Also, regarding the 2nd line eating into profits, you can more than cover that cost for the line for 2 months by selling off the 2 x gear 360's you'll receive for preordering.