Last time I was in the T-Mobile store, the clerk told me about their "Jump" program. It sounded great: You give them your old phone, they give you a new one, your monthly payments stay the same. No brainer. Go for it.
Something, however, didn't feel right. I went over the words again in my mind. You give them your old phone, they give you a new one, your monthly payments stay the same. What could possibly be wrong with that?
I took it apart:
1) You give them your old phone.
No problem. It's old. I want a new one.
2) They give you a new one.
Trade in your old, obsolete phone for a band new, cutting edge device. Cool.
3) Your monthly payments stay the same.
Paying the exact same amount for a brand new phone as what I was paying for my old phone. I can afford that.
Sound too good to be true?
It is.
When you do the math, it becomes obvious that when you jump, you lose money.
Think about "You give them your old phone". Notice the word "give". That means you get nothing in return. You may be thinking, "No, I AM getting something in return - a band new phone!
Wrong. T-Mobile makes it seem like it's all one big happy transaction. The Jump, however, actually consists of two separate transactions: giving them your old phone, and, getting a new phone.
1) Giving them your old phone
T-Mobile makes you think that when you give them your old phone, you get a new one in return. It sounds great because we think that the value of the old phone necessarily is less than that of the new phone. You say to yourself, Wow! I can't believe they're doing that! Well, they're not.
You have been paying off the old phone for quite a while, and have built up "equity" of a few hundred dollars, which is the basis for the true value of the old phone. When you jump, you give T-Mobile those hundreds of dollars as a gift. It seems like you get back the amount still left on the loan because T-Mobile "pays" it for you. That amount is always smaller than what you've already paid. It has to be, otherwise, T-Mobile wouldn't pay it. They make sure that they never lose money on the deal in two ways. 1) THEY tell YOU how much your old phone is worth, and, 2) You can jump only every six months (after which the amount you've paid on the loan exceeds what's left).
Now, what is the value of their payment of the balance of the old phone? Zero. When you give them the phone, you no longer owe the balance. You don't have the phone any more, they do. If you were to continue paying the loan off, you would be building up T-Mobile's equity rather than your own.
What is really happening is the following:
- You pay full price for your old phone, and then you give it away for nothing.
2) Getting a new phone
When T-Mobile says, "You get a brand new phone but the payments stay the same", they are drawing your attention away from the fact that when you jump, you take out a loan on the new phone for its full price. The payments don't "stay the same". The same as what? The loan you had on the old phone, which, as we've seen, is a separate transaction. So, the fact that the payments "stay the same" doesn't put a dime in your pocket. Ironically, you are the one ensuring that the payments stay the same by putting down a couple of hundred dollars. Oh, wait a minute, I forgot something. T-Mobile charges $10/mo to jump. So the payments actually increase.
What is really happening is the following:
- You pay full price for the new phone, and pay T-Mobile $10/mo for the privilege.
I didn't jump.
From my understanding if you owe money on the 6 month or less "old phone" then it is paid off. If you don't owe money on the "old phone" you get the trade in value of the phone. Which is what you would get anyways. And for someone who likes to switch there phone up every 3 or so months when a new "interesting" phone comes out, its a pretty good thing....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
You're wrong on the "Jump every six months part". You initially wait 6 months after signing up to be able to use Jump, after that you can get two new devices within twelve months with no wait time in between. I verified that with three T-Mobile reps. Say I buy the Nexus 5 this week (which I am) and the Galaxy S5 comes out next month and I want that.. Guess what? I can go trade my device in for that S5. But then I'm out of upgrades for almost a year..
jump program from what i was also told is that it comes with warranty, so if i lost my phone or what not, it will be covered.....
Dude the $10 replaces your old php/ warranty which could be higher . so no its not a separate charge. I was paying 15 for insurance/ warranty and when I registered for jump it REPLACED that charge for $10. So I saved $5 a month. Also when you trade in your old phone any balance left is paid off and yes you are technically leasing a phone but you don't have to JUMP every six months. It actually works out better than their previous plan. I have two separate payment plans before jump because I didn't realize they were actually starting a new credit line for every phone you financed. I thought it was adding to the total. This plan leaves you with one balance to pay and not multiple.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 AM ----------
jbreeze228 said:
You're wrong on the "Jump every six months part". You initially wait 6 months after signing up to be able to use Jump, after that you can get two new devices within twelve months with no wait time in between. I verified that with three T-Mobile reps. Say I buy the Nexus 5 this week (which I am) and the Galaxy S5 comes out next month and I want that.. Guess what? I can go trade my device in for that S5. But then I'm out of upgrades for almost a year..
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Click to collapse
Sorry that's not how it works either. If you buy your nexus device with jump you have to wait six months in between for the twice a year upgrade. I've also been told this by a few reps. I'd like to know the specifoc s of this.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
monkeypaws said:
Dude the $10 replaces your old php/ warranty which could be higher . so no its not a separate charge. I was paying 15 for insurance/ warranty and when I registered for jump it REPLACED that charge for $10. So I saved $5 a month. Also when you trade in your old phone any balance left is paid off and yes you are technically leasing a phone but you don't have to JUMP every six months. It actually works out better than their previous plan. I have two separate payment plans before jump because I didn't realize they were actually starting a new credit line for every phone you financed. I thought it was adding to the total. This plan leaves you with one balance to pay and not multiple.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 AM ----------
Sorry that's not how it works either. If you buy your nexus device with jump you have to wait six months in between for the twice a year upgrade. I've also been told this by a few reps. I'd like to know the specifoc s of this.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very possible for it to be that case. But for me to be misquoted by three reps is pretty bad on T-Mobile's part. The last time I called was to verify my Jump Upgrade date last week and the guy went through all the specifics of the program and said after you wait the initial 6 months, after that you can upgrade two times in one year regardless of the time between the upgrades. But I just like the fact that I can upgrade two times in one year and have it added to monthly bill.
Well, it sounds like if you consistently jump you're basically leasing your phones...
Pay monthly for it, JUMP to a new one, and continue paying. Might be okay for some people, might not. Really depends on how often you upgrade and whether or not you really need to. I love having the latest stuff, but the Nexus 5 seems to satisfy me in every way possible. Don't know how it could get much better right now (camera, MAYBE - I never really take pictures anyway), so I may end up keeping this phone past my typical year of owning a device.
I haven't paid insurance on my devices in quite some time. Waste of money for me considering how cheap the Nexus line is nowadays, plus I've never broke, damaged, or lost a phone in the past 10 years. Wouldn't really like paying the $10/mo, plus the new phone payments, even with a value plan.
craigbailey1986 said:
From my understanding if you owe money on the 6 month or less "old phone" then it is paid off. If you don't owe money on the "old phone" you get the trade in value of the phone. Which is what you would get anyways. And for someone who likes to switch there phone up every 3 or so months when a new "interesting" phone comes out, its a pretty good thing....
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct. When you first sign up with jump you have to wait six months to"jump". After that you can jump twice a year whenever you want, you can jump twice in one week but then have to wait another year to do it again. There are pros and cons to this plan and depends on the person to decide if it is useful to them. Remember OP just like flashing it's your choice, don't try to blame T-Mobile for a choice that you make.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Xparent ICS Blue Tapatalk 2
Let me break it down for you a bit:
Person 1 buys an HTC One at full price through T-Mobile at $600 (price when I purchased mine) no JUMP.
Person 2 buys the same HTC One for $0 down with payments equalling $25 beginning in Month #2 with $10 per month for JUMP.
Both parties pay the tax for the full price of the device so that's a mute point.
6 months down the road (when you are JUMP eligible for the first time) you trade in the HTC One for a Nexus 5.
Person 1 sells the HTC One for $369 (the current avg selling price according to Swappa.com) and buys a Nexus 5 from Google for $350 (again we ignore tax) making the total outlay:
0-600+369-350 = -$581
Person 2 walks into T-Mobile and trades the HTC One in and walks out the door with a new Nexus 5 for $0 down and $16.50 per month. Saving $8.50 per month from the HTC One. Total outlay:
0-150(payments of $25 x 6) - 60 = -$205
Let's also mention that JUMP gives you the insurance as well.
With the cost of mobile devices depreciating head over heels it makes no sense to purchase your devices outright if you plan on upgrading on any sort of routine. The equity drops too fast, almost 40% in 6 months. T-Mobile will make its money in 2 places:
1- people who dont want to upgrade
2- people who put money down on their device due to bad credit or when a 0 down deal isn't running
Also its a 1 time 6-month buffer period until you can use JUMP. After that point you may use it 2 times per 12 month period starting with your first JUMP date
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
moose1313 said:
This is correct. When you first sign up with jump you have to wait six months to"jump". After that you can jump twice a year whenever you want, you can jump twice in one week but then have to wait another year to do it again. There are pros and cons to this plan and depends on the person to decide if it is useful to them. Remember OP just like flashing it's your choice, don't try to blame T-Mobile for a choice that you make.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Xparent ICS Blue Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
My bad then. That sounds great. My six months will be up in march and I'll be able to do my first jump.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Guess I should have jumped.... Or, should I have?
PhilipTD said:
I didn't know you could get a phone with no money down.
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Click to collapse
$0 money down and 0 signal in any area not within the confines of a very large city.
You get what you pay for
jdk2 said:
$0 money down and 0 signal in any area not within the confines of a very large city.
You get what you pay for
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Click to collapse
That's true. Reception is pretty bad in the countryside. Good thing I'm not into nature.
jdk2 said:
$0 money down and 0 signal in any area not within the confines of a very large city.
You get what you pay for
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Click to collapse
Depends on the area for sure. I'm in the Lakeland area (between Tampa and Orlando FL) and I've had LTE for a long time now and Verizon can't match it. T-Mobile has really taken off within the past 3 years
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
altimax98 said:
Depends on the area for sure. I'm in the Lakeland area (between Tampa and Orlando FL) and I've had LTE for a long time now and Verizon can't match it. T-Mobile has really taken off within the past 3 years
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Here's hoping they keep up the momentum. They could bring AT&T and VZW to their knees.
Nice post altimax :thumbup::beer:
I jumped the day it came out. Haven't used yet. Glad I have it though
Nexus5
jbdan said:
Nice post altimax :thumbup::beer:
I jumped the day it came out. Haven't used yet. Glad I have it though
Nexus5
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Click to collapse
No problem, just trying to clarify it... The key is to only JUMP when they do the $0 down deals which is quite often.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
altimax98 said:
Person 1 sells the HTC One for $369 (the current avg selling price according to Swappa.com) and buys a Nexus 5 from Google for $350 (again we ignore tax) making the total outlay:
0-600+369-350 = -$581
Person 2 walks into T-Mobile and trades the HTC One in and walks out the door with a new Nexus 5 for $0 down and $16.50 per month. Saving $8.50 per month from the HTC One. Total outlay:
0-150(payments of $25 x 6) - 60 = -$205
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's a worthy mention that person 2 still owes the price of nexus 5.... so it be 396 + 205 if he doesn't upgrade again. He can jump to avoid paying the debt of the current phone, but eventually he'll be paying full price for a phone.
Person 1 can upgrade as soon as the new hot phone comes out. Person 2 has to wait for 0 down promotion or suffer a loss.
neugenusis said:
I think it's a worthy mention that person 2 still owes the price of nexus 5.... so it be 396 + 205 if he doesn't upgrade again. He can jump to avoid paying the debt of the current phone, but eventually he'll be paying full price for a phone. Person 1 can upgrade as soon as the new hot phone comes out. Person 2 has to wait for 0 down promotion or suffer a loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're exactly right, the $396 loss becomes obscured in the verbiage.
I prefer to just stick to buying my phones off-contract. With the Nexus line being so great at such an amazing price, it seems way better than perpetually paying $20+ a month to basically rent a phone.
Not to mention that pre-paid prices are *so* much better. Like, half the price better. And if you want insurance, you can always get it through one of the many phone insurance companies by yourself for cheaper.
Related
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.
So i was planning on buying the S4 outright because I have another month before I can renew my contract, but I learned from a sprint employee there is a 100 fee I can pay to renew early, only thing is I have to trade my S3 in, no issue there, I get a hundred dollar credit for my S3 which takes care of that fee, so I get the phone for 250.
I work right next door to a radio shack, and unfortunately whenever I have a question these guys have NO idea.
I was really hoping I could do the same deal at radio shack, pay a fee to upgrade early.
Would anyone here know about that?
Call account services or go to a corporate store. After the process is completed you will be able go into radio shack, and handle your business as usual.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium HD app
You have to trade in your s3... no issues there. that is a HUGE ISSUE. s3's can go for $300-350 on craigslist or e-bay!
I was in the same situation like you. I'm about 4 months away from an upgrade. I chatted with sprint and they said the same thing you mentioned, that I have to pay $100 and do the buyback program from them (ripoff). So instead of a chat, I've always had luck with calling instead. They immediately transferred me to the correct department, they said I can play $100 for an early upgrade. A few hours later, every site i checked, i was eligible for an upgrade. You do not have to go through the buyback program!
pbrbent said:
So i was planning on buying the S4 outright because I have another month before I can renew my contract, but I learned from a sprint employee there is a 100 fee I can pay to renew early, only thing is I have to trade my S3 in, no issue there, I get a hundred dollar credit for my S3 which takes care of that fee, so I get the phone for 250.
I work right next door to a radio shack, and unfortunately whenever I have a question these guys have NO idea.
I was really hoping I could do the same deal at radio shack, pay a fee to upgrade early.
Would anyone here know about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lil4o8kid said:
You have to trade in your s3... no issues there. that is a HUGE ISSUE. s3's can go for $300-350 on craigslist or e-bay!
I was in the same situation like you. I'm about 4 months away from an upgrade. I chatted with sprint and they said the same thing you mentioned, that I have to pay $100 and do the buyback program from them (ripoff). So instead of a chat, I've always had luck with calling instead. They immediately transferred me to the correct department, they said I can play $100 for an early upgrade. A few hours later, every site i checked, i was eligible for an upgrade. You do not have to go through the buyback program!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Called. They charged the 100 to my account. And now I don't have to trade my phone in! Good enough for me!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Yeah, I'm surprised Radioshack would do that. I was told by a Sprint rep that only a Corporate store would do it.
I personally took advantage of this and paid a hefty $275 fee for the early upgrade, but it's worth it because I won a gift card from my work that covered the costs.
BestBuy will give you 262$ for the s3
If you wanted to keep your SGS3, you can also put another device on that line and trade that one in. Obviously will not get as much for the SGS3, but you can keep that device or sell and get more. I put one of my dummy phones (old Evo Shift) on the line.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
i work for sprint and let me assure you you do not HAVE to do the buyback to use the "upgrade now" or "upgrade buyup" programs
So I'm a month away from an upgrade but I need a new phone. The chat people said I'm eligible for an early upgrade at the $150 for the SGS4. So I HAVE to trade a phone in and pay 100 bucks to get the early upgrade? I'm confused... I have the SGS2.
agentfazexx said:
So I'm a month away from an upgrade but I need a new phone. The chat people said I'm eligible for an early upgrade at the $150 for the SGS4. So I HAVE to trade a phone in and pay 100 bucks to get the early upgrade? I'm confused... I have the SGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm surprised that they are going to give you the $150 price for the phone. I had to pay $250 for the phone + my early upgrade fee - E4GT trade in.
So basically I paid $250 (Phone) + $275 (early upgrade) - $75 (E4GT trade in) = $450
mjs2011 said:
I'm surprised that they are going to give you the $150 price for the phone. I had to pay $250 for the phone + my early upgrade fee - E4GT trade in.
So basically I paid $250 (Phone) + $275 (early upgrade) - $75 (E4GT trade in) = $450
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is $150 for a new/renewed contract.
agentfazexx said:
So I'm a month away from an upgrade but I need a new phone. The chat people said I'm eligible for an early upgrade at the $150 for the SGS4. So I HAVE to trade a phone in and pay 100 bucks to get the early upgrade? I'm confused... I have the SGS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your only a month away, you should only have to pay 50$. also keep in mind it can take upwards of 24 hours to get the upgrade reset in the internal system so that stores and retailers can view and utilize it. an epic touch is currently worth 75$ in buyback value, although dont let them pressure you into thinking you HAVE to utilize the buyback program, because you dont.
hapticxchaos said:
If your only a month away, you should only have to pay 50$. also keep in mind it can take upwards of 24 hours to get the upgrade reset in the internal system so that stores and retailers can view and utilize it. an epic touch is currently worth 75$ in buyback value, although dont let them pressure you into thinking you HAVE to utilize the buyback program, because you dont.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50 bucks is fine. But my upgrade is on June 1. I won't do the buyback thing though, I'd rather keep my E4GT as a backup just in case... So you're confident that they'll give me an early upgrade with 50 or under as a fee aside from the phone? Don't want to waste my time going to the store.
agentfazexx said:
50 bucks is fine. But my upgrade is on June 1. I won't do the buyback thing though, I'd rather keep my E4GT as a backup just in case... So you're confident that they'll give me an early upgrade with 50 or under as a fee aside from the phone? Don't want to waste my time going to the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely. i wouldnt even waste my time going to the store, just call care and get transferred to retentions (or google the retentions number) and mmmmmmmm it should be 50 in may 1st, they might leave you hangin since its still technically april....they are strict about the price, even by one day.
please keep in mind most if not all buyups get billed to the account, unless it sends you over your spending limit in which case they will either retract the offer or make you catch up first. so the only thing you have to put up is the price of the phone at upgrade price
---------- Post added at 05:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
agentfazexx said:
So I'm a month away from an upgrade but I need a new phone. The chat people said I'm eligible for an early upgrade at the $150 for the SGS4. So I HAVE to trade a phone in and pay 100 bucks to get the early upgrade? I'm confused... I have the SGS2.
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Click to collapse
nope. i hate the way sprint advertises the 150$ thing, they make it seem like thats how much you spend on the phone, or how much you get off...when in most cases its less or barely more, and you get WAY more than 150$ off...
lemme assure you if you get your upgrade moved up (lets say 100$, it gets billed to the account) you will still be spending the 249.99$+tax to get the s4 (unless you utilize the buyback program which can eat SOME cost)
hapticxchaos said:
absolutely. i wouldnt even waste my time going to the store, just call care and get transferred to retentions (or google the retentions number) and mmmmmmmm it should be 50 in may 1st, they mleave you hangin since its still technically april....they are strict about the price, even by one day.
please keep in mind most if not all buyups get billed to the account, unless it sends you over your spending limit in which case they will either retract the offer or make you catch up first. so the only thing you have to put up is the price of the phone at upgrade price
---------- Post added at 05:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
nope. i hate the way sprint advertises the 150$ thing, they make it seem like thats how much you spend on the phone, or how much you get off...when in most cases its less or barely more, and you get WAY more than 150$ off...
lemme assure you if you get your upgrade moved up (lets say 100$, it gets billed to the account) you will still be spending the 249.99$+tax to get the s4 (unless you utilize the buyback program which can eat SOME cost)
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Click to collapse
Now I'm even more confused... The lady on the Sprint live chat said I am eligible for early upgrade meaning I can get the phone at the $150 internet price. (All her words)
My spending limit is like $150 or something last I checked.
---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------
Either way, I'm leaving work in five minutes and heading to the Sprint store. I will report my findings after that.
If the first says "no early upgrade" or "early upgrade with crazy fee" is it worth hitting up another store?
agentfazexx said:
Now I'm even more confused... The lady on the Sprint live chat said I am eligible for early upgrade meaning I can get the phone at the $150 internet price. (All her words)
My spending limit is like $150 or something last I checked.
---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------
Either way, I'm leaving work in five minutes and heading to the Sprint store. I will report my findings after that.
If the first says "no early upgrade" or "early upgrade with crazy fee" is it worth hitting up another store?
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Click to collapse
The phone costs 249.99 $+tax +36 activation charge, with an upgrade or new line of service. If you are not currently upgrade eligible you can pay a small fee based on the length of remaining contract to get your device upgrade eligibility moved up. If you get this phone for 150 $ please let us know because ill take 10! Lol but in all seriousness I would wait the month to avoid the buyup unless you reeeeally need a new phone.
hapticxchaos said:
The phone costs 249.99 $+tax +36 activation charge, with an upgrade or new line of service. If you are not currently upgrade eligible you can pay a small fee based on the length of remaining contract to get your device upgrade eligibility moved up. If you get this phone for 150 $ please let us know because ill take 10! Lol but in all seriousness I would wait the month to avoid the buyup unless you reeeeally need a new phone.
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Click to collapse
I reeeally did need a new phone since the SGSII had some echoing issue and I am on call starting May 8th. Ended up being affordable enough for me.
Now that I have the S4, now what?
Got mine for $50
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
There are two upgrade early options
In store= trade in your old phone and pay fee, also known as upgrade now. With this option the phone trade is required
Call Care=they bill a fee to your account. No phone trade required
Read about it on here, it is a different program.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Why would wifi keep turning itself on after I turn it off on this phone?
im trying to take advantage of the samsung offer but i went to store to preorder and was told i could only trade in one phone, any try the same with two phones?
looks like jump users cant take advantage of samsung offer.
RotaryXperiment7 said:
im trying to take advantage of the samsung offer but i went to store to preorder and was told i could only trade in one phone, any try the same with two phones?
looks like jump users cant take advantage of samsung offer.
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Click to collapse
Jump users can't participate since they cannot trade-in a phone in addition to the one that they're returning (the EIP one).
Kawaisa said:
Jump users can't participate since they cannot trade-in a phone in addition to the one that they're returning (the EIP one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dang i was afraid of that, i thought someone said u could?
RotaryXperiment7 said:
dang i was afraid of that, i thought someone said u could?
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Click to collapse
Some people claim that they did (big mouths with no proof), but you can't. If you got to my-tmobile and click on trade-in you have to give the order number and phone number and you will get a message that you have already reached the maximum amount of trade-ins for that order (namely your jump device)
csmits said:
Some people claim that they did (big mouths with no proof), but you can't. If you got to my-tmobile and click on trade-in you have to give the order number and phone number and you will get a message that you have already reached the maximum amount of trade-ins for that order (namely your jump device)
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Click to collapse
I ordered using the normal upgrade, then traded in the phone online. I then called and asked them to cancel the order then reorder with JUMP. It still kept the old trade in as well.
so the trade-in is unrelated to your jump upgrade order, anyone could do that
Kawaisa said:
so the trade-in is unrelated to your jump upgrade order, anyone could do that
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Click to collapse
So do it? Don't say it can't be done.
aooga said:
So do it? Don't say it can't be done.
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Click to collapse
good luck with that
Kawaisa said:
good luck with that
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Click to collapse
With what?
I asked a rep on phone and she said only one trade in per line.
well that sucks, i thought the jump program was part of trading in your device so i guess not 200 promotion for us.
of course you can't use Jump and get the 200 rebate; with Jump, you aren't "buying" anything, you're just "renting" the phone for a period of time..
wase4711 said:
of course you can't use Jump and get the 200 rebate; with Jump, you aren't "buying" anything, you're just "renting" the phone for a period of time..
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Click to collapse
Not true. If anything you're paying for the privilege to sell it back to T-Mo for a guaranteed 50% of it's value. Once you pay it off its your phone.
knarfies said:
well that sucks, i thought the jump program was part of trading in your device so i guess not 200 promotion for us.
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Click to collapse
I effectively got $300 credit from my gs4 that still had a year of $25 payments on it... I'm plenty happy with that credit that really makes the Samsung promo null and void even if I COULD use it.
I was already paying $12 bucks a month on insurance before the JUMP! Program and un-plan came along. I lowered my bill over $20(was ~$188) even after I got unlimited everything family plan($80), increased my data cap 2 gigs on my line for a total of 3($10), got jump for $10 per line, not $12 like insurance was($20), and financed 2 phones($20 & $25 for a total of $163 after various taxes) and i get to JUMP! twice a year per line after the first 6 months passed, that's 4 phones a year for only taxes, which is lower then the "plan discounts" you used to get every 2 years!
....I'm plenty happy with JUMP! and no sammy promo on a full priced phone, tmobile is the one losing money, that's for sure.
Diablohtr said:
Not true. If anything you're paying for the privilege to sell it back to T-Mo for a guaranteed 50% of it's value. Once you pay it off its your phone.
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Click to collapse
I'm on the original Jump, so it works differently for me..
and, yes, if you keep the phone for 2 years, and pay it off, its yours, but I doubt many folks who follow XDA keep ANY phone for 2 years..
Ive only payed a year on mine and owe 280 and according o the check out, im only getting the 280 to pay it off.
knarfies said:
Ive only payed a year on mine and owe 280 and according o the check out, im only getting the 280 to pay it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they are effectively giving you 280 for your phone, $80 more than the Samsung credit...
I'm on the old jump plan also... I didn't even realize it changed till this upgrade and was reading the new terms... still an ALRIGHT plan, but the original is a steal... you really are only stuck for the first 6 months, or = to 1/4th the value the original phone, then you can jump twice a year after that n that literally means i can jump now to the note 4 and if I want, jump again in 2 months to the note edge.
If I DO want to keep any phone for 2 years also, I'm paying for the base price of the phone, interest free... n i was already paying more for insurance anyways, so in my case the monthly fee for the jump plan isn't even a knock against me(that 240 bucks for 2 years of jump+insurance is less than just old insurion @$288 for 2 years) n I'm actually likely to use the plan, where I maybe used insurance once in 7 years.
yeah, alot of folks forget that jump includes Insurance AND Lookout Premium for free; its not just a "tax" to be able to change phones frequently
I also had jump, but I didn't use it, since they want the phone back, i pre-order the note4 and do a trade in
i had a verizon i4 which tmobile gave me 203buck for it and i5 which is icloud lock and i got 232buck all in credit. i think i got a good deal with 2 useless phone. i talked to a rep u can trade in as many smart phone as u want as long as it not broken doesn't matter if it icloud lock. if that help somebody
is it possible if i trade my galaxy s3 into where i work (ATT) and pre order the note 4 from t mobile and still get $200?
**Warning** Kind of a long read but I'm curious to other peoples thoughts.
Wanted to share my experience today. I went into a Corporate AT&T store planning on upgrading to a 32GB MB Nexus 6 on the Next program. I'm good with it being carrier locked and I'll just remove the AT&T bloatware. I was excited that they had them in stock, however I noticed that the retail price was for $682.99 instead of $649 like Google has it for. I asked the rep and he was surprised and looked it up. I told him that other carriers were selling it for $649 also, and he verified it but couldn't explain it and mentioned that they can't match it either. I asked why do I want to pay like $30 more for it to be carrier locked and have bloatware installed (okay with it but not gonna pay for it).
At home, I called 611 to see if they would match it and see if they knew why. The first rep basically said that was the way it was and didn't really seem interested. The second time I called (I know now maybe I'm crazy but didn't think its right), I asked for their loyalty department cause I know they have more power. The guy there said he was being told that its not ATT but the Manufacture that is dictating the price. I told him that Motorola has it for $649 on their website and it doesn't make sense that they are letting everyone else sell it for one price and making AT&T sell it higher. Told them that I may change carriers if AT&T thinks that its good business practice to charge more then everyone else.
I want to point out that:
1. I was never rude or demanded anything. Just told them that I hope it gets pushed up and corrected.
2. Realize that this is a first world problem and I could just go purchase it from Google or somewhere else but I feel its the principle. Its not right to charge like $30 more and add to the fact that I would have paid higher taxes.
3. They still ended up not matching the price but did offer me a $50 discount off the contract price but told them I didn't want a contract.
The extra cost is for the high quality paint used for the death star logo on the back. (The one that comes off if you stare at it hard enough.)
Actually, I didn't mind the extra 30 for one simple reason: it didn't require waiting 6 to 20 weeks for moto to get stock and ship.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Ha on the paint. I'm still torn. Almost talked myself into going back and just pay for it.
You know what? I just bought a Nexus 6 from AT&T web ordering and I knew it was $30 more than everyone else, but you know what?! AT&T has them in stock and nobody else does!! Get over it. If you don't like it wait until Google has them on their site and then wait some more until they really have it and can send it to you! I had no problem getting mine from AT&T and I really didn't care that it has their logo on it!
ILuvRice said:
Ha on the paint. I'm still torn. Almost talked myself into going back and just pay for it.
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Click to collapse
Do you going to leave a service because they charge 30 bucks for a device no one got in stock? Sound like a great business strategy for me... They know they can provide it today while others can in weeks. I will advice you go back
Appreciate the feed back. I realize that's it only like 30 bucks but there is also the added cost of paying taxes on 682 instead of 649. Not outrageous but still there. I doubt they are charging higher because they know they have them in stock. Especially when they are late to the game. They had to send their initial batch back. I wonder if this is fair to be who don't realize they are paying more. I noticed the price difference and accept the added cost, I'm okay with it but it's not fair to an unsuspecting customer.
Complain about it on at&t's Facebook page. The first person that contacts you probably won't be alot of help. They will eventually have someone else contact you. This person can help you. They gave me a $100 bill credit. I could have paid the balance of $582.99 plus tax but I chose to do the next 12 plan. So I paid $682.99 in order to do next and the $100 came off my monthly bill.
Well to update. I ended up going back and getting it. Really wanted to check it out and decided it was worth to walk out with it now. I hope its corrected still though. Now to run it through its paces before the 14 days are up. Like it so far. It is my first nexus device.
Mine was 249.99 with the 2 year contract.
$249.99 + $25 per month extra for 24 months = $849.99 + tax and upgrade / activation fees.
Best buy has the at&t n6 for 649 but the sprint n6 is 699 dosent make sense
Sent from my LG-D950 using XDA Free mobile app
That's interesting, on Sprints website its 648.
Hello everyone, I just switched to tmobile from sprint and I had the jump plan. I will like to root my phone and install some custom roms. But, Idk if I root my phone will void my jump plan. If anyone has the please do not hesitate to reply my question. Thanx for reading
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
johnson114 said:
Hello everyone, I just switched to tmobile from sprint and I had the jump plan. I will like to root my phone and install some custom roms. But, Idk if I root my phone will void my jump plan. If anyone has the please do not hesitate to reply my question. Thanx for reading
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had T Mobile for about 3 years now and ive traded in 3 or 4 of my past phones, all rooted.
I traded my S3, S4, Note 3, Nexus 5 all rooted.
Just make sure before you turn it in, it's back to factory settings (i.e. Odin a stock Firmware.)
Of course the Knox will still be tripped, but T Mobile doesnt care about that, more of a Samsung Warranty issue rather than T Mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thank you @devynbf for your info. I'll go ahead and root my phone.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
OP can you tell me what value you see in Tmobile's JUMP?
Since you're ready talking about trading in your Note 4 it's safe to assume 6 months or 1 year from now you're willing to let it go at half the cost? Half the cost of today's current Tmobile price is $349.
A mint condition Note 3 on ebay or craigslist will sell for that much.
Hence the question what's the value in Jump? Why would I wanna pay someone 10 dollars a month for the benefit of selling my device at half the cost? I think I can do better myself without a monthly fee
T Mobile employee here, rooting your phone will not trigger anything for a tmobile employee while they inspect your phones, the main thing we look for is water damage, screen, and it turns on and runs. Anything outside of that we will pretty much ask you to make an insurance claim and pay the 175 dollar deductible.
---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 PM ----------
Keep in mind tho, when we mess up, and accept a device that needed a claim, the price of the device comes out of our pockets. Yes it sucks.
Depends on jump program
BAD ASS NOTE 4 & GEAR S
shook187 said:
OP can you tell me what value you see in Tmobile's JUMP?
Since you're ready talking about trading in your Note 4 it's safe to assume 6 months or 1 year from now you're willing to let it go at half the cost? Half the cost of today's current Tmobile price is $349.
A mint condition Note 3 on ebay or craigslist will sell for that much.
Hence the question what's the value in Jump? Why would I wanna pay someone 10 dollars a month for the benefit of selling my device at half the cost? I think I can do better myself without a monthly fee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the very first jump program.
It's amazing.
It's $10/month, and it counts as insurance if ny device decides to fall in the toilet.
It also lets me upgrade my device every 6 months. As long as you trade in the original device and its functional.
Best thing T Mobile has ever done, especially with all the new devices being released.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
devynbf said:
I have the very first jump program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question obviously wasn't directed towards those on JUMP 1
shook187 said:
OP can you tell me what value you see in Tmobile's JUMP?
Since you're ready talking about trading in your Note 4 it's safe to assume 6 months or 1 year from now you're willing to let it go at half the cost? Half the cost of today's current Tmobile price is $349.
A mint condition Note 3 on ebay or craigslist will sell for that much.
Hence the question what's the value in Jump? Why would I wanna pay someone 10 dollars a month for the benefit of selling my device at half the cost? I think I can do better myself without a monthly fee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming since he just switched over that he's on the new JUMP plan. By the time you've paid off 50% of the device on that plan you're 12 payments in. After 1 year I'm not sure if you'd be able to sell the device for more than $325.92 (half of retail) unless it's in 100% mint condition. (I could be wrong). As an example Swappa says the Note 3 is selling for an average price of $335 right now in February 15. I guess it's really a wash. I don't use a case on my devices and they typically get pretty beat up. T-Mobile will take it back all scratched up and beat up looking as long as the screen is not cracked and the water indicator isn't tripped.. You're going to be getting around the same price as trying to sell it online without having to deal with the hassle and shipping issues.
I'm on the old JUMP plan so it definitely makes sense for me. As long as you purchase the phone with 0 down, you're just paying up front taxes and 6 months worth of payments. At $27.16 for 6 months my total investment is $52.14 front tax plus $162.96 equals $215.10. So I'm only paying $430 per year and getting a brand new device every 6 months. I don't count the cost of the monthly JUMP since I would be paying for insurance anyway. T-Mobile is paying $488.88 for my device after owning it for only 6 months. I'm okay with that. You won't get that much selling online after 6 months for a used device that's scratched up.
Scartaris12 said:
I'm assuming since he just switched over that he's on the new JUMP plan. By the time you've paid off 50% of the device on that plan you're 12 payments in. After 1 year I'm not sure if you'd be able to sell the device for more than $325.92 (half of retail) unless it's in 100% mint condition. (I could be wrong). As an example Swappa says the Note 3 is selling for an average price of $335 right now in February 15. I guess it's really a wash. I don't use a case on my devices and they typically get pretty beat up. T-Mobile will take it back all scratched up and beat up looking as long as the screen is not cracked and the water indicator isn't tripped.. You're going to be getting around the same price as trying to sell it online without having to deal with the hassle and shipping issues.
I'm on the old JUMP plan so it definitely makes sense for me. As long as you purchase the phone with 0 down, you're just paying up front taxes and 6 months worth of payments. At $27.16 for 6 months my total investment is $52.14 front tax plus $162.96 equals $215.10. So I'm only paying $430 per year and getting a brand new device every 6 months. I don't count the cost of the monthly JUMP since I would be paying for insurance anyway. T-Mobile is paying $488.88 for my device after owning it for only 6 months. I'm okay with that. You won't get that much selling online after 6 months for a used device that's scratched up.
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Click to collapse
Technically they are not paying anything... They have a different math than us "consumers' ... any new device comes out from the factory cost no more than $150 if not less "Google it". Plus when your return the phone they sell it somehow and make money from it. So these companies making billions of dollars anyways from us. But in our math yeah it's good to change the phone every 6 month and so on and we only pay around $250