Anyone care about new $30 fee

[bananaslug613]

I'll pay it because I have no other options in the current market for the service I am receiving.

I just don't see many customers jumping ship over the charge since most carriers charge higher fees. It would be a poor financial decision based off an emotional response.

 

[smccloud]

I'll pay it because I have no other options in the current market for the service I am receiving.

I just don't see many customers jumping ship over the charge since most carriers charge higher fees. It would be a poor financial decision based off an emotional response.

That is the exact reaction they are hoping for though.

 

[bananaslug613]

That is the exact reaction they are hoping for though.

What are you going to do when you are ready to upgrade your device? Truthfully?

Are you going to switch to another carrier?

 

[anon(394005)]

There is no reason for a $30 upgrade fee, or even a $35 activation fee. A smaller activation fee yes, but not $35.

I could see something like a $5-$10 upgrade fee if you did it in a Verizon Corporate Store or with Verizon Telesales, but not if you do it on their website or a 3rd party reseller. But Verizon wants as much $$$ as they can before they get in trouble for being so greedy.

Just to clarify; this new fee does NOT apply when you use Verizon's website or a third party, ONLY via a Verizon store or via their customer service over the phone. So you do have options to avoid the fee.

 

[smccloud]

What are you going to do when you are ready to upgrade your device? Truthfully?

Are you going to switch to another carrier?

Costco, since they are a 3rd party reseller the fee won't apply. And if it does, calling to cancel always does wonders.

Just to clarify; this new fee does NOT apply when you use Verizon's website or a third party, ONLY via a Verizon store or via their customer service over the phone. So you do have options to avoid the fee.

Now if only they would lower the fee a lot if you visit a store or call for help.

 

[anon(394005)]

Costco, since they are a 3rd party reseller the fee won't apply. And if it does, calling to cancel always does wonders.

Now if only they would lower the fee a lot if you visit a store or call for help.

I've rarely if ever found Verizon's in-store or phone support helpful. Thus I always go online to find answers, like this forum! Also, I prefer to order/upgrade online as it gives me more control and I don't have to worry about someone else screwing up putting something into the system wrong. The only thing I really have to worry about is their order fulfillment screwing up or a shipping issue, but that's rarely if ever happened.

 

[smccloud]

I've rarely if ever found their in-store or phone support helpful. Thus I always go online to find answers, like this forum! Also, I prefer to order/upgrade online as it gives me more control and I don't have to worry about someone else screwing up putting something into the system wrong. The only thing I really have to worry about is their order fulfillment screwing up or a shipping issue, but that's rarely if ever happened.

See, I've had that happen. Shipped my sister-in-law's iPhone to the wrong address (my apartment instead of my work) and I couldn't get the address changed no matter what I did. Even with a Verizon rep telling FedEx that it was OK to change the address or hold it for pickup w/o even trying to deliver it.

Plus the Galaxy Nexus is less at Costco ($200 right now).

 

[bananaslug613]

I have not read an official Verizon press release saying the fee wouldn't be applicable at third party locations. Does anyone have a link stating that? All I have read is people saying they called Verizon's customer service number and were told this.

In my experience this is usually less than accurate information.

If that is the case it would be very apparent that they were looking to close many of their physical locations as they are driving business away.

 

[Droid800]

Just to clarify; this new fee does NOT apply when you use Verizon's website or a third party, ONLY via a Verizon store or via their customer service over the phone. So you do have options to avoid the fee.

Stop spreading misinformation. You are going to confuse people that legitimately want answers.

The fee applies to ALL upgrades and contract renewals where a subsidized handset is purchased. It does not matter where you buy it, because the fee is added to the first bill of that new contract. There is NO WAY to get out of it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Johnly]

Just invest more into Verizon to offset that fee : P Seriously, that is a down right rotten idea...

 

[recDNA]

I wasn't as upset when I thought online purchase eliminated fee. It's up to US now. HOLD OFF ON THAT UPGRADE if you possibly can. If VZW notes a blip in sales figures they just might relent.

I think it was a complete blunder to introduce such a fee anyway. Why not just add $30 to the purchase price of subsidized phones?

 

[smccloud]

I wasn't as upset when I thought online purchase eliminated fee. It's up to US now. HOLD OFF ON THAT UPGRADE if you possibly can. If VZW notes a blip in sales figures they just might relent.

I think it was a complete blunder to introduce such a fee anyway. Why not just add $30 to the purchase price of subsidized phones?

Because they know most people will just pay the fee since all other major carriers charge a similar fee. Would be nice if they would only charge it if you bought it speaking to a Verizon employee.

 

[Jo5329]

First I've heard of it. Of course, I'm not even a year into our contract so no big deal. I suppose by the time the 2 year mark comes around, I'll check on it. However, we were grandfathered and still have unlimited data, so if $30 keeps me grandfathered - I'll pay it.

I don't complain too much about the costs of things I want.

 

[bill.allrobots.org]

Stop spreading misinformation. You are going to confuse people that legitimately want answers.

The fee applies to ALL upgrades and contract renewals where a subsidized handset is purchased. It does not matter where you buy it, because the fee is added to the first bill of that new contract. There is NO WAY to get out of it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Do YOU have a cite for this? I'm waiting for anyone on either side of this disagreement to cite something. Verizon customer service told me one thing, other forum members say another. Does anyone have anything more solid than customer service's word?

 

[anon(394005)]

Stop spreading misinformation. You are going to confuse people that legitimately want answers.

The fee applies to ALL upgrades and contract renewals where a subsidized handset is purchased. It does not matter where you buy it, because the fee is added to the first bill of that new contract. There is NO WAY to get out of it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Sorry, my bad. I should know better than to trust what a customer service rep says. There is one way to avoid the fee although not practical for most; don't renew your contract or in other words pay full price on a phone and stay month to month. Or of course, just keep your existing phone.

Edit: here is Verizon's public posting on the upgrade fee: http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2012/04/bl2012-04-11.html

 

[smccloud]

Sorry, my bad. I should know better than to trust what a customer service rep says. There is one way to avoid the fee although not practical for most; don't renew your contract or in other words pay full price on a phone and stay month to month. Or of course, just keep your existing phone.

Edit: here is Verizon's public posting on the upgrade fee: Upgrade Fee

This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.

Basically means that even if you don't use these, we don't care and want to screw you over anyway.

 

[Droid800]

Do YOU have a cite for this? I'm waiting for anyone on either side of this disagreement to cite something. Verizon customer service told me one thing, other forum members say another. Does anyone have anything more solid than customer service's word?

How about Verizon's announcement? It makes it clear it is the current customers version of an activation fee, and its going to work just like similar fees charged by competitors.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[anon(394005)]

Check this out that explains in detail the reasons behind the fee: Verizon introduces smartphone upgrade fee- MSN Money

A few excerpts:

"Smartphone subsidies forcing Verizon's hand

Saturation in the voice industry and the rise of data services has caused smartphones to increasingly figure into wireless carriers' plans. The lure of the high data ARPU generating smartphone customer has also led the wireless industry to heavily subsidize these smartphones in order to drive their sales. For example, a basic iPhone 4S model costs around $650 for the carriers who then subsidize it heavily to sell for $199."

"Verizon's latest move shows that the company is starting to feel the heat of its huge subsidies. This is an attempt to increase the upgrade cycle of smartphones so as to lessen the impact of subsidies."

 

[FrankXS]

Check this out that explains in detail the reasons behind the fee: Verizon introduces smartphone upgrade fee- MSN Money

A few excerpts:

"Verizon's latest move shows that the company is starting to feel the heat of its huge subsidies. This is an attempt to increase the upgrade cycle of smartphones so as to lessen the impact of subsidies."

I don't get how adding a $30 fee could increase the upgrade cycle. Or, do they mean make it longer? That I could believe. Still, better to put the money on the phone than have it viewed as a customer penalty, IMO.

-Frank



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[Droid800]

Originally Posted by Synycalwon<br />
Check this out that explains in detail the reasons behind the fee: Verizon introduces smartphone upgrade fee- MSN Money<br />
<br />
A few excerpts:<br />
<br />
"Verizon's latest move shows that the company is starting to feel the heat of its huge subsidies. This is an attempt to increase the upgrade cycle of smartphones so as to lessen the impact of subsidies."

I don't get how adding a $30 fee could increase the upgrade cycle. Or, do they mean make it longer? That I could believe. Still, better to put the money on the phone than have it viewed as a customer penalty, IMO.<br />
<br />
-Frank<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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I don't get that statement either. I think they meant that it would make it longer. The fee makes sense in light of higher costs due to more expensive phones. (And no, the iPhone isn't just to blame.)

They should just come out and say that it has nothing to do with in-store services, and everything to do with offsetting the higher cost of handsets.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2