So where is the best place to get this phone off contract? I have been free of the Verizon strangle hold for over a year now and will never go back...
BTW... I'm still rocking the Droid Incredible, now running CM7, that I picked up on release day...what an awesome phone!
bvd
If you buy it from Verizon directly, it's $589. If you buy it from Best Buy, or anywhere else, it's going to be $699.
However, if you buy it from Best Buy, you can pay them something like $60 for their buyback program. When you want to buy another phone, just give it to them for a buyback and they will give you credit for half of the retail price towards a new off-contract phone.
So when you want to trade your Bionic in, it'll be $350 off a new phone. This works even if you buy on-contract, they still give you half of the retail price when you trade it in. This only works on phones that have been activated at Best Buy.
Not sure where the best place to get it is, but this is one expensive phone, it almost approaches Iphone retail price. Maybe try grabbing one off a reputable seller on Ebay?
Are you even able to unlock it to use on a service other than Verizon?
I bought mine full retail at Verizon. One BB I talked to wouldn't match Verizon's retail price. One did match an AT&T price on a Captivate, but that was only $30 different, not $110.
I bought it for $589 at BestBuy yesterday. (they price matched the local verizonwireless store). The buyback program which was referred to earlier is a sliding scale (which I don't have in front of me). I do know that it's 50% of the retail price of the phone for the first 6 months (assuming that you don't scratch it). If memory serves me after 2 years its down at 20%.
Also as far as the buyback is concerned it does not make a difference if you bought the phone on or off contract.
I had bought a thunderbolt a few months back for $299, signed up for a 2 year, to lock in the unlimited data. I traded up to the bionic yesterday and got $350 back for my thunderbolt since it retailed at $699 back when I got it.
Wait jstrangfeld, are you saying the buyback program is based on the retail price of the phone REGARDLESS of what you paid for it?
Roland Deschain said:
Wait jstrangfeld, are you saying the buyback program is based on the retail price of the phone REGARDLESS of what you paid for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bet.
I paid $299 for my Thunderbolt in june (with a 2 year contract). It retailed for 699 at the time. Yesterday when I got my bionic I got $350 for my tbolt (less than 6 month = 50% of retail value).
So I had to pay $589 - $350 = $239. Actually I paid a bit more due to taxes getting screen protector and what not but you get the idea.
Interesting...thanks. Makes me tempted to go buy a Bionic right now since I could upgrade it to the rumored Nexus Prime if it really is all that and a box of crackers when it comes out in 2-3 months, lol. I'd still take a bath on the price of it, though; since I'd be buying it for retail price. Bleh.
Most eBay phones are going to be more expensive than Verizon. Honestly right now your best choice is to buy through Verizon. If you wait a few weeks you may be able to pick up some good sellers from eBay or elsewhere.
Related
The Comp Usa around the corner from me is going out of businness. They have three MDA,s $450 - %40 OFF. Good deal or not? Should I buy the batch? They also have a ton of other phones including a ppc 6700, treo's, razr's.... all %40 off.
Free Phones at Amazon.com
Go to amazon.com and get a mda phone for free, or actually about $50, cause in mine they kept the $50 rebate out of it, otherwise it would be free. Of course, this is with a two-year contract for T-mobile. But for me, it was worth it.
Free Phones at Amazon.com
Go to amazon.com and get a mda phone for free, or actually about $50, cause in mine they kept the $50 rebate out of it, otherwise it would be free. Of course, this is with a two-year contract for T-mobile. But for me, it was worth it.
if you are buying them with out a contact for 40% off then I would say its a good deal especially considering you can still sell them new on ebay for around 400
Just wondering what kind of deals people have seen on the Bionic. It almost seems like 3rd parties werent really pushing this phone. I know Costco had an ad with some accessories, but I also saw in the ad that it might not be on opening day.
Has anyone else seen anything worthwhile?
unfortunately nothing special as of yet. i have heard that you can do the $100 off trade-in deal if you are upgrading from a non-smart phone. other then that just accessories.
I got the 100 off for using a non smart phone upgrade then 50 off the new every two rebate. See what happens.
Phone Arena's reporting Costco's doing $280 + a nice accessories bundle.
I was in Costco today. They said they would have 8 tomorrow at this store. He wouldn't say the price but claimed it came with $170 worth of accessories including a dock. He did say they would be cheaper than the Verizon stores.
I am seriously considering this phone instead of my Droid Charge.
Im getting rid of my Charge for this phone. I just cant take the battery drain any more.
I wonder if Amazon or anyone else will be running big specials.
mrhunter602 said:
Im getting rid of my Charge for this phone. I just cant take the battery drain any more.
I wonder if Amazon or anyone else will be running big specials.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably be some deals within a couple weeks, but I doubt it this week.
I just logged into my verizon and the upgrade price they have for me is $249. I totally expected $299.
I got this price by logging into the main phone account on a family plan and attempting to upgrade a secondary line.
$249 at amazonwireless
$50 for NE2, $30 off as loyalty bonus, free o/n shipping.
So one major gripe most reviewers had has been reduced. At $219, unlimited data and rooting it seems like a better deal, somewhat worthy of the delay.
I guess all new smartphones would receive such discount, but by most accounts the bionic is a capable phone and a significant jump from my D1.
mrhunter602 said:
Im getting rid of my Charge for this phone. I just cant take the battery drain any more.
I wonder if Amazon or anyone else will be running big specials.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon had it for $199 as of a couple hours ago.
pjosman said:
Amazon had it for $199 as of a couple hours ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For new customers only, unfortunately. Upgrade is $249.
wow didnt know verizon had it cheaper. was about to go to BJ's to buy it as I usually do, since the price for the phone is generally the same and they have better deals on the accessories. Thanks for saving me the money.
EDIT: just went to VZW and it only wants to give me a price of $289 with no loyalty bonus. I am part of a family plan but that shouldnt matter. I have been eligible since july for upgrade. amazonwireless says its backordered.
Checked this morning and:
Wirefly.com was $249
Amazon.com was $199 ( backordered)
Letstalk.com was $199
I'm hoping BJs/Costco will drop the price to $199 and waive the activation fee for me
Walmart.com also has it for $199. stores don't have them yet. Just checked. Don't want to wait though. Plus I'm always paranoid about a 3rd party seller screwing up my plan and charging me extra. Especially my unlimited plan.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
$269 in store plus $100 trade-in credit for old phone when adding a line.
Can anyone confirm the $249 price with verizon for upgrading a current line?
I am secondary on a family plan, and my upgrade isn't until 9/13, but the extra $50 off makes the deal a little easier to swallow. As far as loyalty, we have been good customers for at least 5 years, not sure how they do their calculations as to who is "loyal"
Kyledoo said:
Can anyone confirm the $249 price with verizon for upgrading a current line?
I am secondary on a family plan, and my upgrade isn't until 9/13, but the extra $50 off makes the deal a little easier to swallow. As far as loyalty, we have been good customers for at least 5 years, not sure how they do their calculations as to who is "loyal"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also secondary on a family plan and the best I got was $289. Just got mine a little while ago. Been with verizon for 8 years, but only 2 have been on the family plan I am now. Guess they dont count the other time before that.
Kyledoo said:
Can anyone confirm the $249 price with verizon for upgrading a current line?
I am secondary on a family plan, and my upgrade isn't until 9/13, but the extra $50 off makes the deal a little easier to swallow. As far as loyalty, we have been good customers for at least 5 years, not sure how they do their calculations as to who is "loyal"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake, this price was listed on my verizon for me because I had a $50 phone credit that I was unaware of. When I asked the verizon rep he said that all family plans are credited this $50 every 20 months.
I went in to the store today and got the Bionic for $289 without an upgrade and almost 50% off some accessories. Got the phone $589, a extended battery and door $49.99, case and holster $29.99, HDMI dock $99.99, and screen protectors $12.99 plus 24.43 tax and out the door for $431.63. Saved $375.75
Can I simply sign up for the cheapest contract, get the phone at a discounted rate, pay the ETF right after, and walk away with a discounted phone?
I'm 6 months away from ending my contract, and my current phone has been really messing up a lot lately. I'm really strapped for cash at the moment, and I really can't wait 6 months for a new phone. I could buy a phone on Ebay, but a few years ago I got ripped off on there, so I would rather leave that as a last resort.
The phone is $600 brand new from my carrier. I really can't pay that for a phone at the moment. Signing a 2 year and getting it online would cost under $100 including activation fee. That's without any rebates. Just immediate discounts I believe. Plan is $60. ETF is $200. That's about $400 total with room for any taxes once I cancel. On ebay it's about $400-$500 new.
Could I do this instead of paying the $600 full price? Or am I missing something?
toiletsss said:
Can I simply sign up for the cheapest contract, get the phone at a discounted rate, pay the ETF right after, and walk away with a discounted phone?
I'm 6 months away from ending my contract, and my current phone has been really messing up a lot lately. I'm really strapped for cash at the moment, and I really can't wait 6 months for a new phone. I could buy a phone on Ebay, but a few years ago I got ripped off on there, so I would rather leave that as a last resort.
The phone is $600 brand new from my carrier. I really can't pay that for a phone at the moment. Signing a 2 year and getting it online would cost under $100 including activation fee. That's without any rebates. Just immediate discounts I believe. Plan is $60. ETF is $200. That's about $400 total with room for any taxes once I cancel. On ebay it's about $400-$500 new.
Could I do this instead of paying the $600 full price? Or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing the fact that your phone will still be network locked,whereas buying it from the MANUFACTURER and it's dealers gets you an unlocked sim,and such phones maintain value longer
Also the carrier has a right to charge you full price if you cancel service in under 30 days and don't return equipment.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Allanitomwesh said:
You're missing the fact that your phone will still be network locked,whereas buying it from the MANUFACTURER and it's dealers gets you an unlocked sim,and such phones maintain value longer
Also the carrier has a right to charge you full price if you cancel service in under 30 days and don't return equipment.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be on the same network though, so that shouldn't be a problem right? I also don't mind paying an extra month. That would be about $450 total. I just don't want to be paying $600.
toiletsss said:
I'll be on the same network though, so that shouldn't be a problem right? I also don't mind paying an extra month. That would be about $450 total. I just don't want to be paying $600.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The savings won't be worth the hassle. I'm predicting more like $500 if you do it like you say.
But then,I'd advice you to read through your networks return policy, especially through the fine print. Like AT&T I know won't return your security deposit,another charge.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
You are really strapped for cash, yet your require a $600 phone? I think you should get your priorities in order before trying to get over on your carrier.
lowandbehold said:
You are really strapped for cash, yet your require a $600 phone?
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Click to collapse
Yes. When your phone is the one tool you depend on for most of the day, and considering the price trends on phones, it's worth the investment. In any case, I didn't come here for opinions on my personal finance.
toiletsss said:
Yes. When your phone is the one tool you depend on for most of the day, and considering the price trends on phones, it's worth the investment. In any case, I didn't come here for opinions on my personal finance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you kill each other,he does have a valid point. Why not buy a phone in your price range,or save for the 60 days you'd have to endure in your current plan?
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Allanitomwesh said:
Before you kill each other,he does have a valid point. Why not buy a phone in your price range,or save for the 60 days you'd have to endure in your current plan?
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 6 months left? Not 60 days. And because I've set aside money specifically for this purpose. Non-contracted phones in the $100 range are obsolete, and I'd end up spending more money anyways. I know what I'm doing with my money. I didn't come here looking for the Suze Orman of smartphones.
toiletsss said:
Yes. When your phone is the one tool you depend on for most of the day, and considering the price trends on phones, it's worth the investment. In any case, I didn't come here for opinions on my personal finance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, considering the price trends on phones, you are way off. If you are really strapped for cash, but can pull enough together for a phone, I would suggest a Galaxy Nexus. You can pick one up for $350 brand new, even less used. It will easily be good for another 2 years, and you can get yourself on prepaid when your contract ends and save a ton per month.
When you say $600 I am assuming you are planning on getting the GSIII. Not worth it in my opinion. Best thing out right now? Probably. A major upgrade from a GSII or Nexus? Nope. With technology how it is right now..the latest and greatest isn't going to be that much greater than the other options.
---------- Post added at 08:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------
One more thing...check with your carrier before doing this. Most carriers won't let you start a new contract for 6 months after paying an ETF.
lowandbehold said:
Actually, considering the price trends on phones, you are way off. If you are really strapped for cash, but can pull enough together for a phone, I would suggest a Galaxy Nexus. You can pick one up for $350 brand new, even less used. It will easily be good for another 2 years, and you can get yourself on prepaid when your contract ends and save a ton per month.
When you say $600 I am assuming you are planning on getting the GSIII. Not worth it in my opinion. Best thing out right now? Probably. A major upgrade from a GSII or Nexus? Nope. With technology how it is right now..the latest and greatest isn't going to be that much greater than the other options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How so? Market prices for good conditioned phones seem to level off right above $100. And this happens far down the line. Sweetspot seems to be in the $300 range, so $400 for a new phone is more than reasonable. $600 is not so reasonable. This is from the prices I've seen on CL or Ebay.
And no. HTC One S actually. And for me, it's definitely the best thing out right now.
toiletsss said:
How so? Market prices for good conditioned phones seem to level off right above $100. And this happens far down the line. Sweetspot seems to be in the $300 range, so $400 for a new phone is more than reasonable. $600 is not so reasonable. This is from the prices I've seen on CL or Ebay.
And no. HTC One S actually. And for me, it's definitely the best thing out right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a One S for $380...
lowandbehold said:
You can get a One S for $380...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A new one? From where?
xda marketplace, swappa, craigslist...the price of that phone has plummeted.
toiletsss said:
I have 6 months left? Not 60 days. And because I've set aside money specifically for this purpose. Non-contracted phones in the $100 range are obsolete, and I'd end up spending more money anyways. I know what I'm doing with my money. I didn't come here looking for the Suze Orman of smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd have to keep your phone 60 days to qualify for ETF. I wasn't referring to your current contract. Also,phone companies aren't stupid,and neither are their law firms. You will end up paying in full,or incurring a loss. There's a reason nobody is trying it.
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
As this thread doesn't have to do with mobile devices and instead service plans and carrier issues, moved to Off-Topic.
Quite frankly,to be putting this much effort into getting a HTC one S isn't worth it at all. If you have $300 to pay etf then you have enough to afford a one S,new and unlocked from your carrier you seem to despise.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1774401&highlight=one+s
Sent from my U8150 using XDA
Tried it once when the iPhone 3g first came out. It ended up costing me no less than if I had paid retail price. I think they have that all figured out.
Not to mention the hell it will wreak on your credit score.
Yeah, for the money you're actually talking about you could get a Nexus, a Sony Xperia Sola or U, or a number of other phones.
I got my pre ordered One on Sunday from my local best buy. I paid $260 after my upgrade and getting the geek squad insurance and sales tax. I got to reading the wire fly thread and saw that they had them for $119 with $20 visa card. That would drop it down to $100 plus I get the $100 from my OG EVO. WELL...I went into Best Buy tonight and told them I wanted a refund on my phone and I was going to buy from Wire Fly. They asked if they price matched, would I keep it? Said, SURE! Walked out paying $.01 for phone and $9.99 for protection plan. $10.00!!!! I also get $100 back from HTC! In the end I'll have made $90 on the new ONE!
Just had to share my story. Love this phone!
Wish I had nice Best Buys near me that price matched online retailers. Mine only does local brick & mortar stores. Congrats!
Hey, I've got black tie, too. Dies having black tie help get any kind of discount even when you're not upgrade eligible? (Sorry, not real familiar with black tie/best buy).
TIA
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
reynoldsrobbie said:
I got my pre ordered One on Sunday from my local best buy. I paid $260 after my upgrade and getting the geek squad insurance and sales tax. I got to reading the wire fly thread and saw that they had them for $119 with $20 visa card. That would drop it down to $100 plus I get the $100 from my OG EVO. WELL...I went into Best Buy tonight and told them I wanted a refund on my phone and I was going to buy from Wire Fly. They asked if they price matched, would I keep it? Said, SURE! Walked out paying $.01 for phone and $9.99 for protection plan. $10.00!!!! I also get $100 back from HTC! In the end I'll have made $90 on the new ONE!
Just had to share my story. Love this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I wish bestbuy would be consistent with their pricematching.
I had every intention on returning it I even chatted with an online sales person to see if they'd price match, they told me only if it says 'lowest price guarantee". When I went in, the girl asked me if they matched the price, would I keep the phone. She then asked the details she must have misunderstood me and gave it to me for free. Score!
Was able to give evo4g LTE to son and send in his evo for $100.
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2
I bought a HTC One from Best Buy, then realized that Sprint was selling it for $150 less. They would not price match so I ordered one from Sprint, it arrived a couple days later, then returned the first one back to them.
Pretty ridiculous that they wouldn't price match especially considering I bought it off contract.
mutelight said:
I bought a HTC One from Best Buy, then realized that Sprint was selling it for $150 less. They would not price match so I ordered one from Sprint, it arrived a couple days later, then returned the first one back to them.
Pretty ridiculous that they wouldn't price match especially considering I bought it off contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be mistaken but I believe their policy says they price match most things except "contract phones." Since you were going to buy yours off-contract from BB, they should have price matched. I would call up BB corporate and complain, telling them that cannot see yourself shopping at BB any longer after that experience. I do this every time a BB employee/manager screws up and corporate always makes up for it by sending me a $50 gift card.
Here is the policy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Payment...ee/pcmcat297300050000.c?id=pcmcat297300050000
Marty said:
I could be mistaken but I believe their policy says they price match most things except "contract phones." Since you were going to buy yours off-contract from BB, they should have price matched. I would call up BB corporate and complain, telling them that cannot see yourself shopping at BB any longer after that experience. I do this every time a BB employee/manager screws up and corporate always makes up for it by sending me a $50 gift card.
Here is the policy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Payment...ee/pcmcat297300050000.c?id=pcmcat297300050000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought too but the guys working in the mobile section seem to be a few beers short of a six pack.
I let them know that I would never considering buying a phone from them again. I will continue to use Best Buy for their "showrooming" quality and order my stuff online.
Ya I too bought mine from best buy off contract and I couldn't for the life of me get them to price match sprints off contract price when I use to get them to price match the off contact price on my past phones like the Evo 3d and Galaxy Nexus, they said it was a new policy that went into effect in like March
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
reynoldsrobbie said:
I got my pre ordered One on Sunday from my local best buy. I paid $260 after my upgrade and getting the geek squad insurance and sales tax. I got to reading the wire fly thread and saw that they had them for $119 with $20 visa card. That would drop it down to $100 plus I get the $100 from my OG EVO. WELL...I went into Best Buy tonight and told them I wanted a refund on my phone and I was going to buy from Wire Fly. They asked if they price matched, would I keep it? Said, SURE! Walked out paying $.01 for phone and $9.99 for protection plan. $10.00!!!! I also get $100 back from HTC! In the end I'll have made $90 on the new ONE!
Just had to share my story. Love this phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to one up ya......but check out what I did. Last year my wife and I both got 2 Evo 4G LTE's and I shelled out an extra $30 on each phone for their black tie trade in program. I had to open up 2 new lines as my wife and I's lines were not available for upgrade. Best buy let me swap my 2 new lines to the old lines. This would allow me to upgrade my LTE's in a year if I wanted. (My friend wanted one of my lines and the other went to my mother). So this brings us to this year and the one. When I went to trade in my LTE's, Best Buy gave us $280.00 per LTE for trade....I walked out about $40.00 + after taxes....and have 2 phones to send back to HTC....so end the end....+240.00!!!! (well minus the $60 i paid for the program only $180 ahead.) still not bad being paid for this awesome phone!!
LymeWire said:
Ya I too bought mine from best buy off contract and I couldn't for the life of me get them to price match sprints off contract price when I use to get them to price match the off contact price on my past phones like the Evo 3d and Galaxy Nexus, they said it was a new policy that went into effect in like March
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, that new policy in March says no price matching for "contract phone." The employee you spoke with incorrectly applied it to off contract phones. You can see the policy in the link I provided in my previous post in this thread. I would print out a copy and show it to them. If they still refuse, call corporate and complain. They will likely send you a gift card for your trouble at the minimum.
I know that I probably just need to drag my ass down to Best Buy or Verizon, but thought that I'd ask here first.
I am currently on a two year contract. Actually the contract expired last year, but the point is that I go with the whole two year contract thing. If I take advantage of Best Buy's offer on the Verizon, how will that affect my contract? You get the phone through BB, and it is $150 off. The monthly payment is something like $33 per month. Is that a contract price? Or do I lose my contract?
It's difficult to keep up with this stuff. I have always had contracts and never gone with anything else.
usmaak said:
I know that I probably just need to drag my ass down to Best Buy or Verizon, but thought that I'd ask here first.
I am currently on a two year contract. Actually the contract expired last year, but the point is that I go with the whole two year contract thing. If I take advantage of Best Buy's offer on the Verizon, how will that affect my contract? You get the phone through BB, and it is $150 off. The monthly payment is something like $33 per month. Is that a contract price? Or do I lose my contract?
It's difficult to keep up with this stuff. I have always had contracts and never gone with anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the monthly payment for the phone itself, in addition to your Verizon plan cost.
Very few phones are subsidized anymore. They care more about the device payment than the contract. I have been out of contract for 2 years. When they used to subsiduze the phones they would lock you into a 2 year contract on the phone. That is no longer done by VZ. If you have a contract it's either because you got a subsidized phone less than 2 years ago or you added a VZ tablet or smart watch to your account. They still provide minimum subsidies on VZ tablets and smart watches.
I just cancelled my VZ preorder and paid off my S7. I then pre ordered from Best Buy to save the additional 150. Plus, I'll get 425 for my mint condition S7 Edge. I paid 786 with the 150 off, 56 dollars in tax and will get my Note 8 for 361 excluding tax or 15.04 per month. I also get to keep my Pixel XL as a spare.
Mike02z said:
Very few phones are subsidized anymore. They care more about the device payment than the contract. I have been out of contract for 2 years. When they used to subsiduze the phones they would lock you into a 2 year contract on the phone. That is no longer done by VZ. If you have a contract it's either because you got a subsidized phone less than 2 years ago or you added a VZ tablet or smart watch to your account. They still provide minimum subsidies on VZ tablets and smart watches.
I just cancelled my VZ preorder and paid off my S7. I then pre ordered from Best Buy to save the additional 150. Plus, I'll get 425 for my mint condition S7 Edge. I paid 786 with the 150 off, 56 dollars in tax and will get my Note 8 for 361 excluding tax or 15.04 per month. I also get to keep my Pixel XL as a spare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I actually completed my contract last October. I've had this Note 4 for almost three years. Turns out that I'm kinda dumb, because I've been paying the same price that I did when under contract, and my phone has been mine for almost a year. I pre-ordered a couple of Note 8s from Best Buy and once I get them, I'm going to knock my plan down to 2GB. With the 2GB plan and the two phones on payment plan, I'll be paying just a few more dollars than I'm currently paying.
I didn't keep up on what's going on with phones now, but it almost seems like this is a better way to go. I can pay this phone off any time I want, get a different phone, and sell it. Seems like more freedom.