Related
The original HOT deal has ended. See below for the latest 25% discount. I've been meaning to post this for a couple months now and kept putting it off thinking that a) the promo was about to expire and b) most people might find this too much of a hassle. I however think this is a steal and I'm willing to move to Ptel while it's this price and switch elsewhere if the deal ends. The joys of using Google Voice means I don't really care if the phone number associated with my SIM changes. If you fall in to the same camp, read on.
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Plans
Ptel offers two "unlimited" plans:
$40 unlimited talk and text. First 250MB at 4G speeds then throttled.
$50 unlimited talk and text. First 2GB at 4G speeds then throttled.
Both plans include unlimited international text, MMS, and 411. Also, unlike all other prepaid companies I've tried, Ptel includes conditional call forwarding so Google Voicemail is not a problem.
Promo Codes
PTELG25 = 25% off ($4.99 SIM Card & Free shipping) = upfront cost of $41.24 for the unlimited 2GB plan -OR- $33.74 for the unlimited 250MB plan
This code requires you to buy a sim/top-up card combo each time, unfortunately. I don't see any way to use the coupon code when simply topping up.
Expired Codes
PTELSLICK20 = $20 off (Free SIM Card & shipping) = $30.00 upfront cost
-OR-
PTEL25BRAD = $25 off (Free shipping) = $29.99 Final upfront cost
-OR-
PTELSTUD25 = 25% off your order and free shipping (not really useful IMHO unless you're buying a phone)
Additional Savings (Cashback)
Befrugal changed their policies effective July 2013. No more cashback from them when buying minutes. If you find another site that will do so, please share! In addition to getting their unlimited deal for $30 $41.24, you can get 20% cashback via BeFrugal making the final cost $24 $32.99! BeFrugal will only allow you to cash out after your account reaches $25. For those of you that are new to cashback sites, just know that in order to qualify, you must click through on the cashback site before you go to the carrier's website. I will often open up a different browser, just to make sure I don't mess anything up. For other cashback options, see here:
http://cashbackwatch.com/store.php?store=PlatinumTel
Buying Multiple Months
The deal has been going on since December at least. So, while it's not "guaranteed" $30 service, it has effectively been that for a few months now. Another option to consider is buying several months worth of SIMs if that makes sense for you. Some might consider this to be counter to the premise of buying an unlocked Nexus. My brother is one of those people that thinks buying a years worth of service up front is a bad idea. "I guess it comes down to principle. Buying 13 months is like having a 13 month contract, more or less. I'm not cool with that."
Either way, it's your call. I bought enough for 3 months and as long as the promo continues, each month I buy one more SIM.
Here are more details which I found out from a Ptel customer service rep:
1) You must order a new SIM each time you use the coupon. There's no way around that.
2) The "Activation PIN" that comes with the SIM card can be applied to your original SIM. No need to change numbers each month by using the new SIM they send you.
3) Top-up cards in any denomination are good for a full year, but...
4) Once you activate the card, you must use it up within a certain period of time. For the $50 card, the term is 180 days. Totally fine if you're just using it for the unlimited plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the max number of cards you can buy at once would be 13, I think. Feel free to correct me if my math is off.
Odds & Ends
Other things to keep in mind:
They send you a standard size SIM card. It's too big for the Nexus 4 so you'll need a SIM card cutter. Or you can always ask someone at a Tmobile store to cut it for you (if they have a cutter one available). I bought mine on eBay for a couple bucks. EDIT: As of April 2013, Ptel now sells Micro SIMs too (labeled as Combi Card 2FF/3FF).
Ptel has been around since 2001, but only just switched to GSM (SIM-based) service in December. It seems this promotion is their way of drumming up business on their new plans/network.
I've been on Ptel since January 2013 and have had great luck so far. Good customer service. Fast HSPA+ service in Boston. 16mb down. Zero complaints. If you have any questions, just ask.
Just figured I'd give this post a bump. Just bought another month's worth of Ptel service. The PTEL25BRAD code still works. So, $29.99 service is still in effect (before the $6 cashback).
I don't understand why no one else jumping on this? Give it a try people!
Definitely giving this a try. Thanks for the info.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks again for the tip. Picked one up last night. My total was only 20 not bad for a whole month of service. Certainly beats my old Verizon plan
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
bkarlsen said:
Thanks again for the tip. Picked one up last night. My total was only 20 not bad for a whole month of service. Certainly beats my old Verizon plan
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it! How'd you get it down to $20? Or are you doing the first tier of 4G that throttles after 250mb?
Conditional call forwarding works on Straight Talk.
Op you sound like you work for them buddy.
adamr240 said:
Conditional call forwarding works on Straight Talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't realize that. I was on Tmobile's $30 plan before and had to call and ask them to disable voicemail altogether for GV voicemail to work well.
Underground_XI said:
Op you sound like you work for them buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. Well, if my XDA account was a new one, then maybe that'd be a red flag. That and and if I wasn't finding ways to pay nearly 50% what they charge per month...that too. I'm just a penny pinching mf.
It does sound too good to be true though, I admit. I hope it lasts for a while longer. At this rate, the savings will pay off my N4 by September. The only thing keeping me from buying even more cards at a time (well one of the reasons at least) is that it might be nice to have LTE at some point. It's still not clear if Tmobile will allow MVNO's to use that network.
how is tmobile's own unlimited everything for $50 any worst than this? considering you'll probably get better customer service, choice of buying a new phone and making payments, no contract or buying upfront, discount monthly bill if you're a student or have corporate discount, and last but not least like you've mentioned, simplicity?
Great tip. Ordering
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
khanh1289 said:
how is tmobile's own unlimited everything for $50 any worst than this? considering you'll probably get better customer service, choice of buying a new phone and making payments, no contract or buying upfront, discount monthly bill if you're a student or have corporate discount, and last but not least like you've mentioned, simplicity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At Ptel's normal monthly fee, the only benefit would be 2gb of unthrottled service instead of 500mb. With the coupon codes in the OP, plus cash back, Ptel's a no brainer in my opinion.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Yeah I went with the first tier. In their terms it only throttles to 3g after 250mb. Can't beat 20 bucks for a full month of unlimited everything even if it is at 3g speeds. I really appreciate the tip.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
bkarlsen said:
Yeah I went with the first tier. In their terms it only throttles to 3g after 250mb. Can't beat 20 bucks for a full month of unlimited everything even if it is at 3g speeds. I really appreciate the tip.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's 2G, at least according to their official twitter account.
https://twitter.com/ptelmobile/status/285848003506483201
adamr240 said:
Conditional call forwarding works on Straight Talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for Straight Talk AT&T SIM....
it does not work on Straight Talk T-Mobile.
khanh1289 said:
how is tmobile's own unlimited everything for $50 any worst than this? considering you'll probably get better customer service, choice of buying a new phone and making payments, no contract or buying upfront, discount monthly bill if you're a student or have corporate discount, and last but not least like you've mentioned, simplicity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just another option offered up by the OP. I personally think it will work out better for me, but if it doesnt I can just toss the sim and go back to Tmobile. But for $20 I felt it was at least worth trialing. That is one of the benefits of using my N4 with prepaid carriers. I can try out whomever I like or switch plans if I wind up needing more 4G data later on. For right now though I use mostly wifi at home and work so I just needed the data for times in between those two.
---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------
nomadism said:
I think it's 2G, at least according to their official twitter account.
https://twitter.com/ptelmobile/status/285848003506483201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My error, I thought I had seen a note on their website about it being throttled back to 3g if I use up the 250mb. Still I dont mind the slower speed for now. And I can always switch up to their 2gb plan if their services is adequate after my test run with them. Thanks for the info. I will try to put a quick update in a week or so after I have had some time to test out their service.
khanh1289 said:
how is tmobile's own unlimited everything for $50 any worst than this? considering you'll probably get better customer service, choice of buying a new phone and making payments, no contract or buying upfront, discount monthly bill if you're a student or have corporate discount, and last but not least like you've mentioned, simplicity?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because PTel's $50 plan gives more data, and with the coupon alone it costs significantly less. Plus you can save even more with the cash back.
If they ever stop having the coupons, then you can always switch to TMobile, but as long as you can save $20 to $30 per month over TMobile, why not go with PTel?
You can get TMobile refills at a discount as well, but I haven't seen any for effectivly 60% off.
More info here:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1793983-Took-the-plunge-spent-600-real-money-in-credit
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I went on to buy a few more and it looks like they are now offering micro Sims and the promo codes are still working. I am still stunned that I can get service for 16 a month after befrugal. Thanks again OP
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
bkarlsen said:
I went on to buy a few more and it looks like they are now offering micro Sims and the promo codes are still working. I am still stunned that I can get service for 16 a month after befrugal. Thanks again OP
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Thanks for the update. I wouldn't mind a proper micro SIM. Didn't do a very good job cutting mine down and I'm honestly worried it may not come out without a fight. We'll see!
Oh, and I noticed they're selling the N4 now too, albeit for $399.
Sent from my Nexus 4
OK10 said:
I wan to buy a few too, and it seems to good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought so too but tested out the service this week and it works everywhere T-Mobile does. Plus unlimited phone ,text,and data for that price is amazing. Already bought 6 months worth of cards just in case promo changes. Definitely recommend buying through the befrugal link to save the extra 20%. At this rate switching to my nexus 4 will more than pay for itself.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Just bought another month. Still working.
$250 (upgrade price), $36 activation fee...then add tax. I think it's annoying that Sprint is making us loyal customers pay the difference for new customers (as they save $100 upon signing up.)
Had to vent...
Welcome to the world of sales. It's all about acquisition.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Sell your old phone on ebay/Craigslist or just sell it back to Sprint. If you work hard enough you can get the $36 activation fee waived.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
mjs2011 said:
Welcome to the world of sales. It's all about acquisition.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'd be different if other carriers did it, too. Every single other carrier has it for $200 on upgrade.
You should be able to get the activation fee waived. I have every single time.
Ascertion said:
It'd be different if other carriers did it, too. Every single other carrier has it for $200 on upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out wirefly and amazon mobile. Sometimes they are around $50 less than Sprint.
I bought my S4 from Sam's Club for $190. On an added bonus...Sam's Club only charges tax on the sale amount and not the regular retail price.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
I'm way more disappointed in Sprint's cell service. The S4 is a great phone and well worth $250, I payed full price off contract for mine $599, -$263 that I got for my S3 on trade in at Best Buy. But being locked into a two year contract with Sprints pathetic network is another thing.
Sent from my SPH-L720
GiantJay said:
I'm way more disappointed in Sprint's cell service. The S4 is a great phone and well worth $250, I payed full price off contract for mine $599, -$263 that I got for my S3 on trade in at Best Buy. But being locked into a two year contract with Sprints pathetic network is another thing.
Sent from my SPH-L720
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully the completion of their LTE rollout wins you over...
ive been a sprint customer for 12 years and the last phone i got they refused to waive my activation fee. i used to just make a simple call and request they waive it, i wasnt rude, or threatening and they flat out refused. they gave me the "we're trying to expand our network and push lte to more markets" excuse. and i bought it. i figure if my 36 bucks gets lte here faster then its worth it. that wont stop me from calling every time i get hit with an activation fee.
Ascertion said:
$250 (upgrade price), $36 activation fee...then add tax. I think it's annoying that Sprint is making us loyal customers pay the difference for new customers (as they save $100 upon signing up.)
Had to vent...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sams club has i for 166 and they waive the activation fee the first weekend of the month so im paying aroun 175 for it lol
harmansingh said:
sams club has i for 166 and they waive the activation fee the first weekend of the month so im paying aroun 175 for it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you need a membership for that? I would so do that if it was possible.
I upgraded with Sprint at Costco (yes you have to have a membership).
Phone was $195, no activation fee, and it included an accessory bundle. Not the best bundle, but hey, a free TPU case, Car charger and some other items aren't bad.
I only got charged $150 for the device when activating a new line (of course plus the activation fee, all carriers charge this). However, I also got charged a $100 deposit on the line, I'm assuming because of my credit or lack thereof. So I wound up paying $250 when I got my GS4. Is this what everyone else is talking about or did they itemize the phone as costing $250? As a note, I ordered online, not in a store if that makes a difference for anyone.
Yea, it's ridulous that Sprint would charge the most among the carriers. But I bought the S4 off-contract and they offered the best price when the preorders were going on ($599.99).
optimummind said:
Yea, it's ridulous that Sprint would charge the most among the carriers. But I bought the S4 off-contract and they offered the best price when the preorders were going on ($599.99).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon also has it for $599 off contract, so I went to Best Buy and had them price match and got the phone there.
Sent from my SPH-L720
optimummind said:
Yea, it's ridulous that Sprint would charge the most among the carriers. But I bought the S4 off-contract and they offered the best price when the preorders were going on ($599.99).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint has always been cheapest carrier in terms of nearly everything (plans, phones, etc.) But this was a surprise. I'll probably wait until a 3rd party retailer has a big sale and jump on it then.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Can I upgrade through Costco/Sam's club online without membership?
I couldn't resist. I got it the first day I had an upgrade. With everything (taxes and upgrade) on top of the 250 bucks for the device my out of pocket was aroubd 280. It was quite disappointing and the insult was that I didnt enjoy the device at first after being a die hard HTC follower.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
GiantJay said:
Amazon also has it for $599 off contract, so I went to Best Buy and had them price match and got the phone there.
Sent from my SPH-L720
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought of Amazon as well but when I submitted my preorder, Amazon didn't have the Sprint S4 for sale.
optimummind said:
I thought of Amazon as well but when I submitted my preorder, Amazon didn't have the Sprint S4 for sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They didn't have it in stock either when I had Best Buy price match them.
Sent from my SPH-L720
Just read today that on 7/19 sprint will be doing BOGO on Galaxy S3 and S4.
Offer valid on new accounts and upgrade eligible lines. So you buy one S4 at regular price and get a second one Free!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
HeyItsRyan said:
Here's some insider info from everyone's favorite Sprint guy.
Just read today that on 7/19 sprint will be doing BOGO on Galaxy S3 and S4.
Offer valid on new accounts and upgrade eligible lines. So you buy one S4 at regular price and get a second one Free!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure amazon and every other retailer on line will smash that deal, they will would probably offer it for 100 or so.
Same with the htc one, sprint dropped the price to 200, and amazon has it for 50 dollars now..
That great
neonsector said:
I am sure amazon and every other retailer on line will smash that deal, they will would probably offer it for 100 or so.
Same with the htc one, sprint dropped the price to 200, and amazon has it for 50 dollars now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50 dollars for an htc1.....still too much...lol but thats great info thanks for passing it on.:laugh:
Originally Posted by HeyItsRyan
Here's some insider info from everyone's favorite Sprint guy.
Just read today that on 7/19 sprint will be doing BOGO on Galaxy S3 and S4.
Offer valid on new accounts and upgrade eligible lines. So you buy one S4 at regular price and get a second one Free!
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure amazon and every other retailer on line will smash that deal, they will would probably offer it for 100 or so.
Same with the htc one, sprint dropped the price to 200, and amazon has it for 50 dollars now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea but sprint doesn't compete with online retailers. Most companies can't.
And the HTC one has always been 200 since the day it was released.
But there are ways a new customer can get an HTC one or S4 completely free.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Best buy always has various great deals the one for the HTC One is good right now. $99 for the One trade in your old phone and put the amount toward the One and get a $50 gift card for Best Buy. The S4 had a deal a week ago. I will never buy from anywhere but Best Buy from now on and the last place would be from Sprint. They screw me over on my data enough I don't need there ridiculous prices and activation fees and about 1/3 the price for trading in your phone as Best Buy.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
GiantJay said:
Best buy always has various great deals the one for the HTC One is good right now. $99 for the One trade in your old phone and put the amount toward the One and get a $50 gift card for Best Buy. The S4 had a deal a week ago. I will never buy from anywhere but Best Buy from now on and the last place would be from Sprint. They screw me over on my data enough I don't need there ridiculous prices and activation fees and about 1/3 the price for trading in your phone as Best Buy.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So confused...
What makes you think you don't get charged activation/upgrade fees from Best Buy? Read the contract.
A Sprint store would offer discounts on accessories with a phone purchase, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will take the time to educate the customer on their new phone, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will assist the customer with applying or re-validating their discount, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store has access National Sales Support (NSS) to resolve complicated issues, Best Buy does not.
1/3 the price on Buy Back? Where do you get that info from? Sure, Best Buy MAY give you a little more for your phone than a Sprint store will, but we're talking maybe $20 tops. Sprint follows a national AVERAGE for Buyback value on phones.
Sprint stores can also offer different credits and discounts to beat Best Buy prices, such as the $100 port-in credit, or the ability to get $100 off any phone if you sign up for Sprint's Home Phone Connect service. I had a customer the other day who walked out with a FREE Galaxy S4 and free accessories... he had an iPhone 5 from Verizon and cancelled his Verizon contract. He got $100 for keeping his Verizon number, and another $100 for signing up for the Phone Connect... so that's a free S4 right there. Then he traded in his iPhone 5 for a $245 credit and used that money to buy a bunch of stuff for his new phone. Total out the door cost = FREE.
Best Buy can't match everything we do, as Sprint corporate won't allow it.
Hey Ryan, do you think you could explain how this deal works? Do we need two valid upgrade lines or can I walk in the store with my upgrade and walk out with two s4's?
asharm said:
Hey Ryan, do you think you could explain how this deal works? Do we need two valid upgrade lines or can I walk in the store with my upgrade and walk out with two s4's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need two VALID lines. You must meet 1 of these 3 qualifications:
1) Be a new customer activating at least 2 new lines of service.
2) Be an upgrade eligible customer upgrading at least 2 new lines of service.
3) Be an upgrade eligible customer upgrading at least 1 line of service and adding at least 1 new line.
Any of those scenarios will qualify you for the BOGO offer.
HeyItsRyan said:
Yes, you need two VALID lines. You must meet 1 of these 3 qualifications:
1) Be a new customer activating at least 2 new lines of service.
2) Be an upgrade eligible customer upgrading at least 2 new lines of service.
3) Be an upgrade eligible customer upgrading at least 1 line of service and adding at least 1 new line.
Any of those scenarios will qualify you for the BOGO offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm..this sounds like a cool deal. I switched my line from ATT about 2 days ago. I was gonna wait till next month to switch my wife's line over to Sprint. But if they would let me get a free S4 for her considering I just started service a couple days ago, that'll be great. But I doubt they will go for it...but I'll definitely call and try to get this deal next week when its made public...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
plmiller0905 said:
Hmm..this sounds like a cool deal. I switched my line from ATT about 2 days ago. I was gonna wait till next month to switch my wife's line over to Sprint. But if they would let me get a free S4 for her considering I just started service a couple days ago, that'll be great. But I doubt they will go for it...but I'll definitely call and try to get this deal next week when its made public...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't work. When the store processes the phone in SNAP, your line would be a service when it has to be a new or upgrade. So even IF the store personnel didn't know what they were doing and gave you the in-store credit, Sprint themselves would not pay the store back for the credit because the BOGO offer was done wrong.
The only way you can do this is if you add TWO more lines of service. Then just give the 3rd S4 to someone else or something.
HeyItsRyan said:
Won't work. When the store processes the phone in SNAP, your line would be a service when it has to be a new or upgrade. So even IF the store personnel didn't know what they were doing and gave you the in-store credit, Sprint themselves would not pay the store back for the credit because the BOGO offer was done wrong.
The only way you can do this is if you add TWO more lines of service. Then just give the 3rd S4 to someone else or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he just does it now it would be the same...considering he has ports he would get two s4's now for 199 either way. Doing it now would be the logical choice.
It could technically be done next week because he is within 14 days...but would be a pita to do AND keep his number
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
HeyItsRyan said:
So confused...
What makes you think you don't get charged activation/upgrade fees from Best Buy? Read the contract.
A Sprint store would offer discounts on accessories with a phone purchase, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will take the time to educate the customer on their new phone, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will assist the customer with applying or re-validating their discount, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store has access National Sales Support (NSS) to resolve complicated issues, Best Buy does not.
1/3 the price on Buy Back? Where do you get that info from? Sure, Best Buy MAY give you a little more for your phone than a Sprint store will, but we're talking maybe $20 tops. Sprint follows a national AVERAGE for Buyback value on phones.
Sprint stores can also offer different credits and discounts to beat Best Buy prices, such as the $100 port-in credit, or the ability to get $100 off any phone if you sign up for Sprint's Home Phone Connect service. I had a customer the other day who walked out with a FREE Galaxy S4 and free accessories... he had an iPhone 5 from Verizon and cancelled his Verizon contract. He got $100 for keeping his Verizon number, and another $100 for signing up for the Phone Connect... so that's a free S4 right there. Then he traded in his iPhone 5 for a $245 credit and used that money to buy a bunch of stuff for his new phone. Total out the door cost = FREE.
Best Buy can't match everything we do, as Sprint corporate won't allow it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buddy you got all the wrong information. I work for Best Buy Mobile, and we do all of that.
Buy any case upto 24.99 get a zaggshield HD or car charger for only $10. OR all 3 for just $50
Buy any case upto 34.99 get a Zaggsheild HD or car charger for only $10 Or all 3 for $60
We price match accessories to any online or store retailer, including the $50 Otterbox's for $25 that are on sale at Amazon. And most of the time if you ask if you can give a discount on a case or charger, mobile manager or sales leads can give you a "customer satisfaction" discount.
I don't think any carrier store spends as much time with a single customer as we do at BBYM. We do not work on commission and don't rush you out of the store to get to the next customer to make money off of them and rush them out. There have been times where I have had older customers come into the store and I've spend an hour with them just educating them about the technology, finding out what their needs are, what they plan on using the phones for, and all of the different pricing options, plans etc. then another hour setting the phones up for them, google, corporate email accounts, apps, showing them how to work it and etc.
True we can't do the $100 credit for new service/bringing your number from another carrier, but Our system we use does allow us to search for corporate discounts to apply to the customers account.
And we do have NSS access to Sales Support for issues that may come up, and trust me, Sprint is the one that usually has the most issues with phones not wanting to update and activate and prl and profile updates not going through, also we have our Sprint Account Manager just a phone call away if there are issues that need immediate attention that calling NSS can't resolve as far as phones not activating due to still being on another account or Bad ESN's that need to be taken care of to reactivate for the customer.
As far as our protection plan, the best in the industry, $9.99 a month (a dollar cheaper than Sprint) with $0 deductible and UNLIMITED Claims. Although we do not cover loss of theft, but then that's why we have zero deductible and unlimited claims. As long as you have your phone, whatever is wrong with it, (cracked, broken, dropped in toilet, charger, battery, charge port) we'll take care of it. As for Iphones go, we now even replace the glass In Store. And if you have our Geek Squad Protection you automatically get our Trade-In Plus for free, and that will give you an additional $50 on top the trade in value of the phone.
00mred00 said:
If he just does it now it would be the same...considering he has ports he would get two s4's now for 199 either way. Doing it now would be the logical choice.
It could technically be done next week because he is within 14 days...but would be a pita to do AND keep his number
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it logical to do it now? I will be porting my wife's number over from att
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
HeyItsRyan said:
So confused...
What makes you think you don't get charged activation/upgrade fees from Best Buy? Read the contract.
A Sprint store would offer discounts on accessories with a phone purchase, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will take the time to educate the customer on their new phone, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store will assist the customer with applying or re-validating their discount, Best Buy does not.
A Sprint store has access National Sales Support (NSS) to resolve complicated issues, Best Buy does not.
1/3 the price on Buy Back? Where do you get that info from? Sure, Best Buy MAY give you a little more for your phone than a Sprint store will, but we're talking maybe $20 tops. Sprint follows a national AVERAGE for Buyback value on phones.
Sprint stores can also offer different credits and discounts to beat Best Buy prices, such as the $100 port-in credit, or the ability to get $100 off any phone if you sign up for Sprint's Home Phone Connect service. I had a customer the other day who walked out with a FREE Galaxy S4 and free accessories... he had an iPhone 5 from Verizon and cancelled his Verizon contract. He got $100 for keeping his Verizon number, and another $100 for signing up for the Phone Connect... so that's a free S4 right there. Then he traded in his iPhone 5 for a $245 credit and used that money to buy a bunch of stuff for his new phone. Total out the door cost = FREE.
Best Buy can't match everything we do, as Sprint corporate won't allow it.
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Lol okay. You sound like a Sprint employee for sure. Just speaking from my personal experience. I got $262.50 credit from Best Buy for my S3 Sprint was going to give me $106. I'm not going to argue but simply reiterate that Best Buy is a way better place to buy products, and insurance etc.
Sent from my Sprint Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2
HeyItsRyan said:
So confused...
1/3 the price on Buy Back? Where do you get that info from? Sure, Best Buy MAY give you a little more for your phone than a Sprint store will, but we're talking maybe $20 tops. Sprint follows a national AVERAGE for Buyback value on phones.
Sprint stores can also offer different credits and discounts to beat Best Buy prices, such as the $100 port-in credit, or the ability to get $100 off any phone if you sign up for Sprint's Home Phone Connect service. I had a customer the other day who walked out with a FREE Galaxy S4 and free accessories... he had an iPhone 5 from Verizon and cancelled his Verizon contract. He got $100 for keeping his Verizon number, and another $100 for signing up for the Phone Connect... so that's a free S4 right there. Then he traded in his iPhone 5 for a $245 credit and used that money to buy a bunch of stuff for his new phone. Total out the door cost = FREE.
Best Buy can't match everything we do, as Sprint corporate won't allow it.
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Buy Back everywhere is a joke... $245 for an iphone 5 I would be insulted.. they're what $600 at the store clearly it's 1/3 of the price right there..
my bf did that phone connect discount and he's going to end up paying more over all.... he doesn't even use his phone and hasn't even taken it out of the package...
Sprint Guy... how can a new customer get a free s4?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
waleed300 said:
Buddy you got all the wrong information. I work for Best Buy Mobile, and we do all of that.
Buy any case upto 24.99 get a zaggshield HD or car charger for only $10. OR all 3 for just $50
Buy any case upto 34.99 get a Zaggsheild HD or car charger for only $10 Or all 3 for $60
We price match accessories to any online or store retailer, including the $50 Otterbox's for $25 that are on sale at Amazon. And most of the time if you ask if you can give a discount on a case or charger, mobile manager or sales leads can give you a "customer satisfaction" discount.
I don't think any carrier store spends as much time with a single customer as we do at BBYM. We do not work on commission and don't rush you out of the store to get to the next customer to make money off of them and rush them out. There have been times where I have had older customers come into the store and I've spend an hour with them just educating them about the technology, finding out what their needs are, what they plan on using the phones for, and all of the different pricing options, plans etc. then another hour setting the phones up for them, google, corporate email accounts, apps, showing them how to work it and etc.
True we can't do the $100 credit for new service/bringing your number from another carrier, but Our system we use does allow us to search for corporate discounts to apply to the customers account.
And we do have NSS access to Sales Support for issues that may come up, and trust me, Sprint is the one that usually has the most issues with phones not wanting to update and activate and prl and profile updates not going through, also we have our Sprint Account Manager just a phone call away if there are issues that need immediate attention that calling NSS can't resolve as far as phones not activating due to still being on another account or Bad ESN's that need to be taken care of to reactivate for the customer.
As far as our protection plan, the best in the industry, $9.99 a month (a dollar cheaper than Sprint) with $0 deductible and UNLIMITED Claims. Although we do not cover loss of theft, but then that's why we have zero deductible and unlimited claims. As long as you have your phone, whatever is wrong with it, (cracked, broken, dropped in toilet, charger, battery, charge port) we'll take care of it. As for Iphones go, we now even replace the glass In Store. And if you have our Geek Squad Protection you automatically get our Trade-In Plus for free, and that will give you an additional $50 on top the trade in value of the phone.
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I'm going on information I have on hand, where I live our Best Buy sucks and I've been told that by customers many times. People tell me it's just like RadioShack, where yea they'll sell you a phone and if you're lucky they'll transfer contacts for it, but that's it. And the reason is BECAUSE you don't work on commission... a LOT of salespeople have no motivation to go the extra mile. They make a base pay and that's it. If they deal with 20+ customers a day, each one ending with the same result, then where's the drive to be the best? If you can't LOSE money as a sales rep, then you shouldn't call yourself a salesman IMHO. In that case you're just a customer service guy.
People have commission all wrong and it cracks me up when I see the Best Buy commercials that say you guys don't work on commission. Commission is what motivates salesmen to do a good job. Say a customer comes in my store and buys 4 new phones and I make $100 off that single transaction... it's my JOB to make sure they're 100% satisfied, because if they're not they have every right to return those phones and then I lose the commission, so now I just wasted time AND lost money because I half ass job. A typical single line upgrade will last about 45 minutes with us. We don't rush, and if we have customers waiting we simply set the expectations, tell them how long we'll be, and invite them to come back later so they don't have to wait. We go over ever aching detail from contact, picture, video, email, ringtone transfers to customer education. Then afterwards, the customer gets a CSAT call where they get to rate us. If our CSAT score is too low, we lose even more money off our commission. So once again, the result is that if you're dealing with a salesman who's pay and lively hood is directly effected by your (the customer's) level of satisfaction, then why do people assume commission-based salesmen don't do their job? Makes no sense.
But I digress.. Don't get me wrong bud, I am certainly NOT saying you do a bad job. If your particular Best Buy is a good one, and you in particular do an awesome job in phone sales, then that's great. I'm simply saying ours is not a good store, and the people there don't really give a crap.
Also, our accessory deals are pretty good. We do almost the same thing as you... buy any case for $29.99 or less and we'll bundle screen protectors and a car charger for a flat $40. We simply don't offer Zagg's because we don't believe in wet application screen protectors. OtterBox's are a big seller for us, and if you buy a Defender you don't need a Zagg anyway. We can't really match Amazon pricing for OtterBox because we're a preferred retailer, but we'll take a Defender down to $39.99 if we have too and still make a bundle deal.
kvan1707 said:
Sprint Guy... how can a new customer get a free s4?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
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NEW customer?
If you port your number to Sprint from a different carrier you will get $100 in-store credit. If you sign up for the Home Phone Connect on top of that you'll get another $100 in-store credit. That means you can get an S4 for only $50 in store, but then you get a $50 mail-in rebate. So after everything is said and done, you get a free GS4.
plmiller0905 said:
Why is it logical to do it now? I will be porting my wife's number over from att
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
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The current offer is get $100 off when porting in, I assume you did this on your Att port in 2 days ago. This offer expires the day before the new offer starts. Just do that now for her line as it nets the same total cost as the bogo.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
HeyItsRyan said:
NEW customer?
If you port your number to Sprint from a different carrier you will get $100 in-store credit. If you sign up for the Home Phone Connect on top of that you'll get another $100 in-store credit. That means you can get an S4 for only $50 in store, but then you get a $50 mail-in rebate. So after everything is said and done, you get a free GS4.
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If Only, I am on a family plan in someone else's name with sprint right now, I going to break off get two lines, add my subway discount and pay about $154 a month. Need to build my credit.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
Great price. Im going to try to price match this at verizon store, i just bought one 5 days ago.
djarmin76 said:
Great price. Im going to try to price match this at verizon store, i just bought one 5 days ago.
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Let me know if they price match it for you. I just bought one few days ago for $149 at a Verizon store. Thank You
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/11/07/lg-g2-drops-to-49-on-contract-at-verizon-until-november-11/
Turns out Amazon is selling AT&T and Verizon version 199 off contract!
Edit: nm, fixed now. That was quick!
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
The verizon store i went to still had the phone at $149 so i called verizon and i got the price match. The deal maybe just online.
Fyi for those who may have not pulled the trigger in buying the G2 the droidlife story helios posted has an additional promotion code you can use at checkout for additional $50 off. If it works then this phone would be free!
Edit
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...&jspName=/promo/splash/ewp?v=39&PUBID=1225267
Damn, 7 days past window.
heleos said:
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/11/07/lg-g2-drops-to-49-on-contract-at-verizon-until-november-11/
Turns out Amazon is selling AT&T and Verizon version 199 off contract!
Edit: nm, fixed now. That was quick!
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app
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I got in on this. I have one shipping from Amazon with a total invoice cost of $199.99
.. not sure what I want to do with it. May just resell.
I hope you get it. However I read people are getting emails from amazon saying they are not honoring this glitch even with people showing statuses of shipping. Fingers crossed
I have done no work today because of this phone crazyness.
Amazon would just eat those as a loss in profit. I wonder how many of them got sold. Either way, good catch for the ones that got it for 199 off contract.
Sent from my G2
djarmin76 said:
I hope you get it. However I read people are getting emails from amazon saying they are not honoring this glitch even with people showing statuses of shipping. Fingers crossed
I have done no work today because of this phone crazyness.
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My status shows "Shipping Now" and my card has been charged ... fingers crossed I guess.
not sure if this is the same thing but
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/smartphone/lg-g2?null
has the LG G2 for free with code VZWDEAL. Good till 11/11. 2 year contract required.
this might also help some people who are wondering about pulling the trigger
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/17/keep-unlimited-data-verizon-upgrade/
Please correct me if I am wrong. I read that Verizon 4G phones come unlocked and that I can use a Verizon LG G2 on another carrier. So can I buy this phone from Verizon (for free) and then just pay the ETF and go use it on TMobile?
Please advise me on such a strategy. Thanks.
Univsoldur said:
not sure if this is the same thing but
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/smartphone/lg-g2?null
has the LG G2 for free with code VZWDEAL. Good till 11/11. 2 year contract required.
this might also help some people who are wondering about pulling the trigger
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/09/17/keep-unlimited-data-verizon-upgrade/
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Code don't work for free. Got it for $49
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
MicroMod777 said:
Code don't work for free. Got it for $49
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
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I did the VZWDEAL and got the phone for free. DL also posted the SLICK50 will get the phone for free also.
Another Verizon tip. If you're upgrading from a previously unlimited data line to 2GB of data, ask about Verizon Max (might be spelled Maxx). You get 6GB of data for the 2GB price. Got it for both mine and my wife's phone (that's 6GB per phone, not shared between the two of us). I had to call the customer support line as the store guys didn't know about it (3rd party vendor), and you'll need to go through a verification process that takes a couple days. But once done you'll have 6GB of data for $30 per month.
asianflavor said:
I did the VZWDEAL and got the phone for free. DL also posted the SLICK50 will get the phone for free also.
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Click to collapse
Tried both codes on my second like and no discount. Odd. $49 is still a sweet deal.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Good news: My G2 that I ordered from Amazon shows shipped for the low price of $225 with next day shipping!!!
Bad news: A lot of people seem to think Amazon will recall the shipped orders.
They will price match. I called verizon to get a refund. Just bought the phone on monday..
If they try to give you ****, you have 14 days to return the phone.
Return your phone. Then say, you know what, Id like to get that phone again.. =D bam..
but seriously, they should be able to knock it down or give you credit.
Verizon guarantees price match within 14 days of activating. I paid 200, got the 50$ off last week, just missed the other 100$ and 50 with code. So, I paid 150.
Steamer86 said:
Verizon guarantees price match within 14 days of activating. I paid 200, got the 50$ off last week, just missed the other 100$ and 50 with code. So, I paid 150.
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I paid 100 for the phone before getting the price adjustment. I would have paid 150 for this phone without hesitation.
To those who have at&ts note 3, is it worth it $300.00? Thats how much I would be charged but id also get a free Galaxy 8 tablet. That alone makes me think maybe I should get the Galaxy s 4. Just looking for some opinions! Thanks.
I love this phone even if it has a locked bootloader. It was a big upgrade from the original Note. It's so much faster and the battery life is very nice.
I love my note 3. Had it since the day it came out. Great battery, speed, screen. Great everything really.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yes! In my opinion the galaxy gear is way over priced, but the note 3 itself is the BEST phone on the market!
Galaxy Note 3....of COURSE size matters!
Got an offer from ATT to upgrade at $249.99 for Note 3 with $100 credit per line and free family texting which is $30 a month for 6 months. Only avail through Customer Relation, and no free tablet.
I traded my 5s for a note 3. I love it. I'm always on my phone because of my job and the battery is bar none
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Deadx10 said:
Got an offer from ATT to upgrade at $249.99 for Note 3 with $100 credit per line and free family texting which is $30 a month for 6 months. Only avail through Customer Relation, and no free tablet.
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How would I contact them? I would be leaving sprint and going onto my friends account. We would do a family plan.
thegameksk said:
How would I contact them? I would be leaving sprint and going onto my friends account. We would do a family plan.
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Call ATT Customer Service and ask them to transfer to Customer Relation Department. I am not sure if you would get the same deal from switching, but it is worth a try.
THE PHONE IS TOTALLY WORTH THE PRICE AND IS SIMPLY AMAZING! sorry for the caps, the phone deserved them haha
Deadx10 said:
Call ATT Customer Service and ask them to transfer to Customer Relation Department. I am not sure if you would get the same deal from switching, but it is worth a try.
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What exactly did you say when you talked to them? I tried going through online chat and they wouldnt make any offer.
First of all I've been with AT&T for over 10 years now. Would customer relation give a discount if you threatened to leave? I have a family plan with 2 lines. One is unlimited and one is 2 GB per month. I've already used the unlimited line to upgrade to a S4. Upgraded when the s4 came out so was fortunately to get root plus Loki cwm. Plus I'm truly getting unlimited LTE speed, no throttling what's so ever. Been checking this forum for a while now to keep up with the bootloader status. Doesn't look too good but I would be OK for now with just root. Even that is not a guarantee at the moment with the newest firmware.
I'm ready to jump ship to T Mobile just because of how locked down At&t phones have become. The only reason I haven't done so is because T Mobile's service where I'm at are horrible. Nothing compared to At&t.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
thegameksk said:
What exactly did you say when you talked to them? I tried going through online chat and they wouldnt make any offer.
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I called in to upgrade and told them that other carrier offers Note 3 for 169.99, so 299 is a bit too much for me and asked them if they have any special for upgrade. They transferred me to Customer Retention and got that deal.