How does support work with Best Buy?

[Josh K]

Up till now I've always gotten my phone directly through Sprint (both Sprint stores and through corporate), though now I am strongly considering pre-ordering my Evo through Best Buy. I'm wondering if there is any difference once I buy it (as opposed to the rebate) in regards to support, warranties, returns etc.

Thanks!

 

[RikusHaven]

I'd like to know this too, as well as if I can go to a Sprint store and ask for help on my EVO if I need to, or do I have to do everything through Best Buy now? I won't mind, it just be nice to know. Still going ahead and pre ordering my EVO.

 

[WatermelonSlim]

I'm curious about this too. I'm wondering how their insurance deal compares to Sprint's.

 

[LABLE]

Best Buy told me theres going to a couple extra reps so that they can see everyone one on one for support. Returns I think they're the same as Sprint with the '30 Day trial'.

RikusHaven: I'm sure if you go into a Sprint store they'll help you after all you're still their customer too.

 

[thegov]

the corporate sprint stores have tech in-store that can do basic diagnostic and even minor repairs. they can't do much, but the best buy stores have nothing. idk if you can take the phone to a sprint store after buying it from best buy. i have a pre that i bought from sprint...as many of you all probably know the pre is a huge support/repair/return item. the sprint stores always treated me fairly. at pre-central, i heard some disgruntled best buy purchasers. i don't think the evo will give anyone as many problems as the pre did though. hope this helps

 

[djdisturbed]

A sprint phone is a sprint phone, you can take it to any sprint store, the only catch is, if you buy the best buy insurance instead of the sprint insurance you have to go through best buy for that (but even if you buy at best buy you can still get the sprint insurance, as long as you add it within 30 day after getting the phone and you can add it when you get the phone there).

 

[estebancam]

Here it is:

If you purchase the phone from a 3rd party retailer, that is your source of aid for the first 30 days of your contract, or the "trial" period. After the 30 days, your main source of support is Sprint stores. Because they use the same contract (sprint contract) you still have everything the Sprint store would give you. Think of buying at best buy as a Sprint store inside best buy, sam with RadioShack.

I do not recommend any of the 3rd party insurance plans, as they are usually less efficient, and will not cover loss or theft, as well as accidental damage (such as water damage, and dropping). There are some insurance plans that are sold by best buy and radioshack that will include accidental damage, but remember that those plans are through another 3rd paty company. So a third party of sprint uses a third party to handle insurance, which then uses a third party to get the phone. The result? Longer wait times. With Sprint's insurance, you can call Asurion, and your phone will be delivered the day after. That is not the case with others.

 

[RikusHaven]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the info, hope it helps others as well.

 

[tojoe616]

Here it is:

If you purchase the phone from a 3rd party retailer, that is your source of aid for the first 30 days of your contract, or the "trial" period. After the 30 days, your main source of support is Sprint stores. Because they use the same contract (sprint contract) you still have everything the Sprint store would give you. Think of buying at best buy as a Sprint store inside best buy, sam with RadioShack.

I do not recommend any of the 3rd party insurance plans, as they are usually less efficient, and will not cover loss or theft, as well as accidental damage (such as water damage, and dropping). There are some insurance plans that are sold by best buy and radioshack that will include accidental damage, but remember that those plans are through another 3rd paty company. So a third party of sprint uses a third party to handle insurance, which then uses a third party to get the phone. The result? Longer wait times. With Sprint's insurance, you can call Asurion, and your phone will be delivered the day after. That is not the case with others.

While some of this is true keep in mind that the best buy insurance will alway get you either your phone back repaired, or a new in box replacement. They don't deal in refurbs which is a huge plus to many customers, myself included.

In the end pick the plan that is right for you. If you lose your phone a lot or are afraid of it being stolen go with sprints insurance, just be aware that you will get a refurb and have to pay $100 dollar deductible. If you just want basic accidental coverage and don't want a deductible you can pay a few dollars more per month and have best buys insurance. It really just depends on whats best for your situation and what you want to pay per month and down the road. Either way its usually worth having just incase something goes bad outside the warranty.

 

[Josh K]

Thanks! You guys are the best!