Verizon/Ebay warranty issue

[iastonish]

Turning to the Android Central Community for some advice on an issue I am having with my Thunderbolt.

I purchased the Thunderbolt new on ebay less than three weeks ago and brought it into Verizon for activation and what not. The shutter on the camera is stuck closed on the phone, so I can't use either camera (front or back)

I called Verizon tech support today and was about to be sent a new phone, but then was told that they can't send it out because the phone wasn't purchased through Verizon by me. I tried to explain the situation, but to no prevail.

I don't want to pay $100 to have Asurion probably **** it up more than it is, because that's been my experience with them.

 

[dpham00]

return it to the ebay seller.

 

[FrankXS]

The only real option I see for you is to go back to the original seller (or file a complaint against the seller with eBay).

I don't know if you have insurance, but this isn't even an insurance issue. Not unless you get mad enough to throw it down a flight of stairs.

-Frank

 

[iastonish]

The only real option I see for you is to go back to the original seller (or file a complaint against the seller with eBay).

I don't know if you have insurance, but this isn't even an insurance issue. Not unless you get mad enough to throw it down a flight of stairs.

-Frank

haha I'd like to sometimes.

But yea, I contacted the original seller from Ebay. I've only had the phone for two weeks, so I really don't want to pay an additional $100 to fix something that should already be working.

 

[YourMobileGuru]

yeah you gotta go through your seller or Assurion... sucks One of the perils of buying a phone from someone else

 

[nativi]

haha I'd like to sometimes.

But yea, I contacted the original seller from Ebay. I've only had the phone for two weeks, so I really don't want to pay an additional $100 to fix something that should already be working.

Yeah I got mine at best buy but took it to Verizon under manufacturer's warranty. Try that but go to the store. Wroth a try.

Send using Tapatalk Pro via Thunderbolt

 

[worwig]

Been there, done that, sort of.
I bought a Samsung Fascinate that had an odd hardware issue. I suspect they ALL have the problem I was having.
But, if you aren't the original owner, you are out of luck. Even the manufacturers one year warranty is no good. There is no way to contact then and I had no proof of purchase.

 

[m4bandit]

Yeah I got mine at best buy but took it to Verizon under manufacturer's warranty. Try that but go to the store. Wroth a try.

Send using Tapatalk Pro via Thunderbolt

Verizon corporate locations will not do anything to replace your device anymore. They will have you call technical support for the issue/replacement. The result of which will be nothing.

 

[Jude526]

This is why buyer needs to be aware when dealing with getting electronics on ebay.
There is insurance that is offered to ebay buyers from squaretrade Too bad more people aren't aware of this. Verizon never covers a phone bought from ebay. They make that decision and have always been this way. You should contact the seller to see if they will cover it for you. I don't know if assurion will cover it either since you didn't get it from Verizon. Contact squaretrade and see if they will do anything for you and also like someone suggested if you can't get the seller to work with you, then file a complaint.
SquareTrade Warranties | Extended Warranties for 70% Less Than Retail | Electronics Insurance Alternative or 1-877-warranty
I used to sell wireless and I hate seeing people get ripped off.........carriers should accept devices from ebay after all they are Verizon or other carrier devices.
good luck

 

[iastonish]

Been there, done that, sort of.
I bought a Samsung Fascinate that had an odd hardware issue. I suspect they ALL have the problem I was having.
But, if you aren't the original owner, you are out of luck. Even the manufacturers one year warranty is no good. There is no way to contact then and I had no proof of purchase.

Would it make a difference if you could get an original receipt or something from the owner? If not, I might be sending this one back to the ebay seller as a lemon. I've only had it for two weeks, it shouldn't be broken out of the box : /

Thanks for all the advice guys. Rep'd/thanked all of you

 

[iastonish]

This is why buyer needs to be aware when dealing with getting electronics on ebay.
There is insurance that is offered to ebay buyers from squaretrade Too bad more people aren't aware of this. Verizon never covers a phone bought from ebay. They make that decision and have always been this way. You should contact the seller to see if they will cover it for you. I don't know if assurion will cover it either since you didn't get it from Verizon. Contact squaretrade and see if they will do anything for you and also like someone suggested if you can't get the seller to work with you, then file a complaint.
SquareTrade Warranties | Extended Warranties for 70% Less Than Retail | Electronics Insurance Alternative or 1-877-warranty
I used to sell wireless and I hate seeing people get ripped off.........carriers should accept devices from ebay after all they are Verizon or other carrier devices.
good luck

Thanks, this will be very helpful!

I am familiar with the ST warranty, but there is a $150 sign up fee then a $50 deductible....$200 to fix a two week old phone. Asurion will cover my phone, but I know how ****ty their refurbs are. I am going to try to work something out with the seller. I'd prefer to be refunded and then use the money to buy a Thunderbolt through Verizon directly, so I don't have this issue in the future.

 

[YourMobileGuru]

Also if the seller will not work with you if by chance you paid via PayPal you can file a complaint with them.

 

[iastonish]

Also if the seller will not work with you if by chance you paid via PayPal you can file a complaint with them.

Yes, I did pay via paypal. The seller seems willing to resolve the problem though, I got his contact number. I am going to give him a call later today and see if we can resolve the issue.

How does the paypal claim work? Similar to the ebay claim? And do you know how long it usually takes to be credited back your purchase amount?

 

[iastonish]

Can I send my phone into asurion rooted since it's a hardware problem and not a software problem?

 

[crspy]

Squaretrade route is your best bet at this point. You're pretty much screwed unless you go Manf. warranty, SquareTrade or Asurion

 

[YourMobileGuru]

Yes, I did pay via paypal. The seller seems willing to resolve the problem though, I got his contact number. I am going to give him a call later today and see if we can resolve the issue.

How does the paypal claim work? Similar to the ebay claim? And do you know how long it usually takes to be credited back your purchase amount?

Sounds good, hope things work out for you

Yes paypal claims are similar, it opens a case ticked and gives them time to respond, etc.

 

[anon(220176)]

This is why buyer needs to be aware when dealing with getting electronics on ebay.
There is insurance that is offered to ebay buyers from squaretrade Too bad more people aren't aware of this. Verizon never covers a phone bought from ebay.

I didn't know that, but it's kinda interesting Verizon have this policy. But then again, is the warranty with Verizon or HTC?

Most electronics I bought from eBay that have warranty left WILL be honored by the manufacturer. I even bought a $2000 MacBook from eBay and when I had problem with the logic board, Apple still cover it. They don't ask for proof of purchase, other than asking me for the serial number. Ditto with HP laptops and Bose sound system, all bought from eBay.

 

[iastonish]

So I called the ebay seller up, no answer, but guess what his voicemail stated...

THIS IS JOE (LAST NAME) FROM VERIZON WIRELESS

lol

This should be an interesting conversation.

 

[streetstrip01]

Maybe that is why he got rid of the phone on eBay?

Maybe it was jacked up for him too?

 

[jedoles]

So I called the ebay seller up, no answer, but guess what his voicemail stated...

THIS IS JOE (LAST NAME) FROM VERIZON WIRELESS

lol

This should be an interesting conversation.

This thread just became my new favorite.