Have you, personally, ever seen anything in writing that clearly states the secondary ETF policy one way or another? Is that in some contract that a seller lets you see beforehand just for the asking?
Yes, absolutely. All retailers who charge the secondary ETF, also referred to as "Instant Savings Discount" have to have it posted. For example, here is Wirefly. Note that it depends on the retailer, the terms can be a little different. Just be sure to read throughly before agreeing. I never buy from a retailer that charges a secondary etf, but if they did, then they would have to have you agree to the terms when you buy the phone.
" INSTANT SAVINGS DISCOUNTS
Wirefly promises you savings in the form of instant discounts with no rebates or gimmicks when you sign up for wireless carrier service on a 2 year agreement. We are able to offer these great discounts because we get paid by the wireless carrier for having helped them get (or retain) a good customer. Delivering on this promise means that you must agree to maintain your agreement for a minimum of 181 days after activation. If we are notified by the carrier that they are not going to pay us because your phone has been deactivated during this period, then this may lead to additional charges.
To provide you with significant savings vs. buying in a retail store, the price you paid for your device includes an Instant Savings Discount from Wirefly.
By accepting this Instant Savings Discount, you agree to repay $200 of this discount ($400 for smartphones, tablets, and netbooks) and authorize us to charge your credit card in repayment of this amount if, you signed up for a 2 year agreement and during the 181 days after your new equipment is activated, your wireless carrier notifies us that the services you purchased have been suspended, disconnected, or deactivated, or if you return your purchase outside of the return and exchange provisions of our Satisfaction Guarantee.
Other than simply deactivating a line we?ve activated, your wireless carrier could notify us that you deactivated if:
You fail to pay the carrier in accordance with their terms and conditions
You transfer equipment we activate on one line to another carrier line, even within the same account
You activate this equipment on a new line of service with your current carrier and use it to replace an existing line by deactivating the existing line."
http://www.wirefly.com/about/purcha...e1=&refcode2=mobile&agent=&eid=&zipcode=48098
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