Online or brick and mortar

[ASLgeek]

Activation fees are only for if you open up a completely new line/contract. Such as adding a device like you did.

Just an upgrade won't get you charged though.

I feel like because I paid full price that should've been waived

 

[menji]

I have always gotten all my phones online without any issue. I once went to a brick and mortar store to add my brother to my family plan, and I got charged a $35 for the activation fee. Didn't find out until I got my bill. a heads up would have been nice, I wouldn't have minded. In any case I prefer online. I'm comfy enough setting up my own phone.

 

[Edwill86]

My biggest draw to the B&M store is the fact that i can play with all the devices there and then walk out with the one I want.

 

[prakash99]

My biggest draw to the B&M store is the fact that i can play with all the devices there and then walk out with the one I want.

You can still play with the phones in the store, then go home and order online or on the phone.

 

[Edwill86]

You can still play with the phones in the store, then go home and order online or on the phone.

but.....its right there....why would I go home empty handed....I want it NOW! lol

 

[prakash99]

but.....its right there....why would I go home empty handed....I want it NOW! lol

I don't know what VZW's rebate policy is but one reason to order online was instant rebate as opposed to mail-in rebate with in-store purchase. When I ordered BB Storm 2 online, I had played with the phone in the VZW store a couple of times before I ordering.

 

[Edwill86]

I don't know what VZW's rebate policy is but one reason to order online was instant rebate as opposed to mail-in rebate with in-store purchase. When I ordered BB Storm 2 online, I had played with the phone in the VZW store a couple of times before I ordering.

see I hear that a lot on here...but my store In NJ has always honored the online instant rebates In-store for me and my family. so its never been an issue for me.

 

[prakash99]

I guess it is up to the store manager's discretion.

 

[SUB-dawg]

personally, i like to do in-store purchases.

 

[FatalErrorz]

Funny.....this is the MAIN reason I want to order online.... I'm OCD about that type of stuff.

Yea, you'll have HTC Employees putting their grubby fingers all over it while they eat Curry Chicken.

 

[Friend-O]

The upside of ordering online: No VZW employees getting their grubby fingerprints all over your new toy.

^THIS^ On two separate occasions, I've had my new phone scratched while the incompetent employee was installing the battery. (battery cover was launched across the counter and onto the floor in one instance, and one of the battery cover tabs ended up on the outside of the phone instead of in the tab slot in the other). Online purchases are the way to go if you love your phone.

 

[prakash99]

^THIS^ On two separate occasions, I've had my new phone scratched while the incompetent employee was installing the battery. (battery cover was launched across the counter and onto the floor in one instance, and one of the battery cover tabs ended up on the outside of the phone instead of in the tab slot in the other). Online purchases are the way to go if you love your phone.

When that happens can't we tell them to get another handset instead?


Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

 

[Friend-O]

When that happens can't we tell them to get another handset instead?

Yes, but in both of my cases, I happened to be getting the last phone of that type that they had in stock! So, I just sucked it up and dealt with it. It's just a potential hassle that could be avoided by buying online.

On another note, someone earlier in this thread mentioned that you can just tell them not to open the box if you don't want them to. I have gotten shot down every time I attempted that, with the reason being, "We're required to install the battery and turn the phone on to be sure it's working properly before giving it to you." I even brought up that the boxes aren't opened when ordering online, so why do they need to do it in-store? All they do is repeat the prior response. Ridiculous. I'm sure they've honored that request in some cases, but never in mine. Maybe I'm just unlucky.

 

[Cory Streater]

Online:

1.) My unboxing ritual is extremely important to me.
2.) No arguing with the rep behind the counter about me wanting to activate it myself. They are pretty adamant about this one. They like to push task killers as well.
3.) No loss of excitement when they find out I'm not there for a new line of service or upgrade.
4.) Verizion's website does not repeatedly ask me to buy their screen protectors and make me feel bad for not doing so. They are also adamant about this as well.
5.) No crowds or chit chat.
6.) Overnight delivery with a return label in the box.

True story with the Droid X:

First in line at the Verizon store on launch day. I even got a Droid lunch bag. Woot! CS guy behind the counter was not happy about 1-4 above. On the topic of screen protectors, I kept explaining I like my screens bare and I was willing to take the risk. He continued to push me on it, so I finally said "You're right, and I think I'll buy the one that everyone in our forums raves about. Can you grab me a pack of your Zaggs?" Bummer, don't carry those. So that discussion was over. Then I asked for the $99 32GB microSDHC card that Verizon had announced in a press release coinciding with the X launch. He said, nope that's not true. They are $149. Since showing him the press release on my laptop wasn't enough, I asked him to grab the manager. 60 seconds later, I got a blushed face and an apology, and the manager was getting the other reps up to speed. Okay cool. I could take just about anything because I was SO excited for my new X. He came around the counter to give it to me, and as he was handing it to me he dropped it. If only it had a screen protector on it.

B&M:

You are at the mercy of FedEx to get it to you as fast as possible. If this thing goes on sale on a Friday, you will need to call first thing Friday morning and say you want Saturday delivery.

 

[the one and only M]

The store reps at my verizon are usually good at taking no for an answer. No problems telling them I'm going to unbox and activate at home either. If not, I say I'm going elsewhere and they hand it over.

I ordered the X online and couldn't take the extra 5 day wait.

 

[FatalErrorz]

Best Buy will have the same pricing and won't try to mail you a debit card if there's a rebate. They will also take the phone back and mail it for you if it's broke. I will only buy phones from Best Buy.

 

[FatalErrorz]

Online:

1.) My unboxing ritual is extremely important to me.
2.) No arguing with the rep behind the counter about me wanting to activate it myself. They are pretty adamant about this one. They like to push task killers as well.
3.) No loss of excitement when they find out I'm not there for a new line of service or upgrade.
4.) Verizion's website does not repeatedly ask me to buy their screen protectors and make me feel bad for not doing so. They are also adamant about this as well.
5.) No crowds or chit chat.
6.) Overnight delivery with a return label in the box.

Are we just a tad anti-social?

 

[azdmelani]

Best Buy will have the same pricing and won't try to mail you a debit card if there's a rebate. They will also take the phone back and mail it for you if it's broke. I will only buy phones from Best Buy.

Verizon doesnt do mail in rebates anymore, they do instant in the stores.

 

[htowngator]

I would only do online if they didn't include an instant rebate or no rebates in the store.

 

[Chrisy]

Also, I want to document my store adventure!