Well for what it's worth, I've been a long term ATT customer with a stellar account record. I called customer service and negotiated an unbelievable deal on my garnet red GS3 and also got them to waive the activation fee and credit the CA sales tax ($44) to my account. So if you're a good customer with your carrier you might try the same. I purchased the phone for the same price that many outdated, entry level phones are priced at and lower than a refurb too.
"Ask and ye shall receive" ..
People that don't ask, don't get.