I'm trying to find the best (read:cheapest), and preferably (but certainly not top priority) soonest, way to get the Sensation 4G.
The prices for T-Mobile's stores have been announced:
$200 on-contract after $50 MIR
$550 off-contract
From people posting yesterday, I've seen the Wal-Mart prices as well:
$150 on-contract
$600 off-contract
T-Mobile's ETF: $200.
Currently, I'm off-contract (and want to stay that way). So, if I were to buy off-contract, I pay $550 at T-Mobile. However, on-contract, Wal-Mart is both cheaper and sooner (06/12 vs 06/15).
However, if I'm thinking correctly about this, then buying on-contract, and then cancelling would be cheaper:
Wal-Mart: $150 for device + $35 activation + $30 for half-month of service + $200 ETF = $415.
T-Mobile: $200 for device + $35 activation + $30 for half-month of service + $200 ETF = $465.
Either way, it's cheaper than buying off-contract...
The half-month of service (cheapest data plan) is for the return period (#4 in Terms/Conditions), because if you cancel then, you have to return the device too (if I understand correctly).
So the question becomes: is there any downside to buying on-contract and cancelling as opposed to buying off-contract? Or is there some other fee/limitation?
If you buy your contract is through a third party, Walmart, they may have additional fees if you cancel the contract. If you cancel your contract before you get your rebate, you might not get the rebate.
By adding the line and then canceling it extend the 2yr contract?
also you will be forced into there 2gb max current plans.. i like my current 5gb max. did not want to lose it
Paten said:
If you buy your contract is through a third party, Walmart, they may have additional fees if you cancel the contract. If you cancel your contract before you get your rebate, you might not get the rebate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if you buy it on-contract through T-Mobile and cancel, it will cost you $465, right?
BiGMERF said:
also you will be forced into there 2gb max current plans.. i like my current 5gb max. did not want to lose it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This wouldn't affect my current plan, right?
vetruvet said:
But if you buy it on-contract through T-Mobile and cancel, it will cost you $465, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't get the rebate it would be $50 more then that, making it $515. I just don't think it's worth the effort to work the system like this. Just pay the $550 and be done with it. That is probably what I will be doing.
I think I'm going to wait until the phone is absolutely boot loader unlocked and rooted before I lay my cash down though. Maybe it will be on sale by then.
vetruvet said:
I'm trying to find the best (read:cheapest), and preferably (but certainly not top priority) soonest, way to get the Sensation 4G.
The prices for T-Mobile's stores have been announced:
$200 on-contract after $50 MIR
$550 off-contract
From people posting yesterday, I've seen the Wal-Mart prices as well:
$150 on-contract
$600 off-contract
T-Mobile's ETF: $200.
Currently, I'm off-contract (and want to stay that way). So, if I were to buy off-contract, I pay $550 at T-Mobile. However, on-contract, Wal-Mart is both cheaper and sooner (06/12 vs 06/15).
However, if I'm thinking correctly about this, then buying on-contract, and then cancelling would be cheaper:
Wal-Mart: $150 for device + $35 activation + $30 for half-month of service + $200 ETF = $415.
T-Mobile: $200 for device + $35 activation + $30 for half-month of service + $200 ETF = $465.
Either way, it's cheaper than buying off-contract...
The half-month of service (cheapest data plan) is for the return period (#4 in Terms/Conditions), because if you cancel then, you have to return the device too (if I understand correctly).
So the question becomes: is there any downside to buying on-contract and cancelling as opposed to buying off-contract? Or is there some other fee/limitation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to walmart and ask them if they tack on any extra ETF. If they don't then you have your answer.
Paten said:
If you don't get the rebate it would be $50 more then that, making it $515. I just don't think it's worth the effort to work the system like this. Just pay the $550 and be done with it. That is probably what I will be doing.
I think I'm going to wait until the phone is absolutely boot loader unlocked and rooted before I lay my cash down though. Maybe it will be on sale by then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Forgot about the rebate...
Seems they've got their bases covered then... Saving $35 isn't worth all that hassle.
As for the bootloader, there's a good chance that it will be unlocked even if HTC fail to deliver. The devs have an ENG H-BOOT (rahan95 has a rooted phone, actually), Bin4ry is working on getting recovery working, and S-OFF will probably be possible via XTC Clip (raskal is working on that). Of course, I may be overly optimistic about all this, but even so, I'd like to try and help in any way I can...
harveydent said:
Go to walmart and ask them if they tack on any extra ETF. If they don't then you have your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called two different walmarts asking if they had the sensation, and asked about ETF while I was at it. One said yes, but didn't have the sensation. The other said no, but they don't sell T-Mobile phones on-contract (?? strange, but that's what they told me)...
I'm wondering the same thing, but I'm currently not a T-Mobile customer. I don't want to be on contract, so I'm questioning whether I should buy the phone outright or buy from Walmart, pay the ETF, then pay another activation fee which would still be cheaper than $550+activation. I read in the Walmart thread that Walmart does not charge an additional ETF on top of T-Mobile's but with all this conflicting information, it may be best to get something in writing from the Walmart we're purchasing from.
If you want it new in box, wait two weeks and get one in the classifieds or ebay, just make sure it was originally gotten from a T-Mobile store, if you have insurance/extended warranty on your account, you'll still be able to do a warranty exchange with it...
BiGMERF said:
also you will be forced into there 2gb max current plans.. i like my current 5gb max. did not want to lose it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They still have 5 GB (and even 10 GB) plans...
how bout this... would this work?
adding a line to the current plan and buying the sensation from walmart at 149, then a week later calling t-mobile and canceling that extra line under the 14 day cancellation thing and keeping the phone and not returning it to walmart.
^^ yeah I don't think that would work
LGS1231 said:
^^ yeah I don't think that would work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious... why wouldn't this work? I'm not saying that gaming the system is right, but if Walmart doesn't tack on their own ETF, you're only out the cost of the phone, T-Mobile's ETF, and any service-related costs incurred during that line's use. It could turn out to be a tad cheaper than buying the phone outright.
jankyboy said:
Curious... why wouldn't this work? I'm not saying that gaming the system is right, but if Walmart doesn't tack on their own ETF, you're only out the cost of the phone, T-Mobile's ETF, and any service-related costs incurred during that line's use. It could turn out to be a tad cheaper than buying the phone outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
personally, i decided it's too much hassle. i'm just gonna pay the off-contract price and avoid all complications...
Guys, from your experiences, does walmart really track the pre-14 days cancellations from T-Mobile? Would they come after someone who has cancelled service during the trial period and not returned the phone? I mean they got their 150.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App
Related
These questions might sound stupid, but the reason i don't know these things is that i don't actually live in the USA but i'll buy it from there online from att store with a friend's address in the USA and he will send it to me , so here are my questions:
1-If I buy it under contract, can i then cancel such contract ?
2-Can i buy it from att online store without the contract ?
3-Are all the phones they sell refurbished ?
4-Mail-in Rebate via AT&T Promotion Card <<< what's this and how do i get it ?
5-Is there any reliable site where i can buy the fuze with no contract for a reasonable price ?
p.s i've searched on a lot of threads but found nth, so plz help me cuz i'm only waiting for these answers to buy my fuzeeeeeeeee !
darkhalf520 said:
These questions might sound stupid, but the reason i don't know these things is that i don't actually live in the USA but i'll buy it from there online from att store with a friend's address in the USA and he will send it to me , so here are my questions:
1-If I buy it under contract, can i then cancel such contract ?
2-Can i buy it from att online store without the contract ?
3-Are all the phones they sell refurbished ?
4-Mail-in Rebate via AT&T Promotion Card <<< what's this and how do i get it ?
5-Is there any reliable site where i can buy the fuze with no contract for a reasonable price ?
p.s i've searched on a lot of threads but found nth, so plz help me cuz i'm only waiting for these answers to buy my fuzeeeeeeeee !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm surprised you haven't been flamed yet. All your answers can be found on the AT&T website.
But, since its almost Thanksgiving:
1 - Yes, within the first 30 days, after that, it's gonna cost you something like $175 to terminate your contract.
2 - You might be able to buy the Fuze without a contract for the no-commitment price. But be aware that AT&T is starting to refuse to sell to non-AT&T customers more and more, especially with "hot" phones like the Fuze. You can always walk into a store and social engineer yourself a phone ("It's a gift for my dad, who's on AT&T").
3- Phones are new, unless otherwise stated.
4- I believe you have to sign up for (and keep) a contract in order to qualify for the mail-in rebate. The AT&T promo card, basically gives you AT&T credit, not actual cash. Thus, you get a $50 AT&T card... that can't be used as cash, but can be used to buy accessories or pay your bill.
5- Probably several. Google is your friend.
An additional note: You can buy the Fuze for the no-commitment price and no contract and you still qualify for the 30 day guarantee. If you don't like the phone, you can return it within 30 days for a refund.
In order to not get charged a %15 restocking fee, keep your receipt and all the packing materials (and everything) in as pristine condition as possible.
This is a nice policy of AT&T's
thanks for not flaming me
so i can cancel the contract within the first 30 days and still keep my phone....and this can be done online ?
thnx again !
if you cancel it before 30 days, they will ask you to return the phone. so wait 30 days then cancel it, but they will charge $175 for ETF, $40 for a month of service, and $36 for activation.
LOL these guys are smart....just hoped i could get around that someway....but hey a fuze without contract is still good enough for me....is letstalk.com reliable enough ?
Be extra careful when dealing with "Authorized Resellers" which is basically anyone that is not a corporate store. Read the fine print they often time include termination fees of their own. So you may get a Fuze for $150 up front but then you cancel at day 32 and you've got AT&T ETF plus the reseller's ETF.
Do the math before you do anything else:
AT&T Corporate Store (contract):
$350 Contract price
$175 Early Term Fee
===============
$525 Total Cost
AT&T Corporate Store (no contract:
$500 Retail price
===============
$500 Total Cost
Authorized Reseller:
$200 Contract price
$175 AT&T Early Term Fee
$200 Seller Early Term Fee
===============
$575 Total Cost
I see VZ's site has the TP2 for 400 and something for "month to month" plan option.
Now I imagine this would entail atleast signing for the first month. Is there a way to opt out of even the first month?
I plan on using this as a travel phone, as I spend most of my time traveling... so no need to lock into a US contract.
Sure there is EBay, but if the phone has problems (dead pixels, etc)... then it's a hassle to try and get fixed, rather than something bought through an authorized channel.
unless I'm mistaken, which I don't believe I am, that's the outright buy it price. month-to-month pretty much means just that, paying month-to-month, not under contract. $489 is hard to believe too, given that the TP1 is above the TP2 month-to-month price, but whatev.
Wonder if I should just get a "2 year plan" then cancel and eat the $175 as the cost of doing business.
$199 + $79 for first month minimum plan + $175 cancellation fee = $453.
twostep said:
unless I'm mistaken, which I don't believe I am, that's the outright buy it price. month-to-month pretty much means just that, paying month-to-month, not under contract. $489 is hard to believe too, given that the TP1 is above the TP2 month-to-month price, but whatev.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. The full price of the TP2 is $489. That's how I bought mine. I am locked into a 2 year contract, but was sick and tired of my BB Storm so I went ahead and bought the TP2 full price. I have been waiting for this phone for a while so when I saw the price was under $500 I could not believe it. Not sure how it would go if you were to just buy it and have it on a month to month basis. Would they even allow that?
just buy the phone at the 2 year price and then pay the ETF. that is the cheapest way to go. i always buy my phones with out a contract. and no you wont have to pay the first month. if they give you any hassle about it then just tell verizon you will give the phone back under their worry free gurantee. 9 times out of 10 they will take your money!
The month to month is the buy it outright price....you'll have to go to a local store to actually get one w/o a VZW account (tell them it's for a gift). I just called and they added a line to my family plan and gave me the phone for $150 + tax, then cancelled the line and charged me $175 ETF so $325 total.
Thanks for the input. But I've been reading that they aren't available in the stores.
Or is that hogwash?
Finally decided to get this. Now I need some advice.
I can't find this on eBay. There are a lot of Sprint TP2s available but I prefer the Verizon one (cuz it's a looker)
My business partner in the Baltimore has had a Verizon connection for as far back as my memory goes. I'd like him to get this for me. Problem is he's pretty daft and a bit of a ***** when it comes to these things.
I need a step by step guide (literally like 1. Call Verizon, 2. Say hello you get the picture) as to how to go about ordering this from Verizon. I'd prefer if he could do it over the phone or the internet (He is registered on VZW website). Oh and lastly I don't want this to interfere with his line in anyway neither is he looking for a new line (unless we can get the phone and then immediately pay the ETF and cancel the connection.
Also can somebody re-confirm that the ETF is exactly 175.00 in Baltimore?
I like the idea of doing the ETF thing. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
If you pay full price for the Touch Pro 2 it will be $489.00 plus tax which will come out to a total of about $520.00. This is what I paid for it. And you don't get a mail-in rebate for the phone if you pay full price.
I could get it for a lot lower than that on eBay... once the stocks are back I mean.
Looking for something south of 450 though.
<<<BUMP>>>
I currently have a one year contract with T-Mobile. It is going to end on October 11, 2010.
I am wondering if I can get a discount on the a phone (I am hoping to get the T-Mobile G2 or even the Vibrant)
If I can't get a decent discount price off, If I sign up for a brand new 2-yr contract, will I be able to pay the 2-yr plan price (like if I was going to sign up for T-Mobile for the first time.) The G2 will be priced around $200.
Also will I be able to turn my old phone in for a discount also? (My current phone is in my signature. If I can turn it in for a discount, I will put it back to 100% stock.)
Thanks for your answers.
Bumb-Just to make sure that it will be seen.
Don't be fooled by T-Mobiles Discounts...
UberMario said:
I currently have a one year contract with T-Mobile. It is going to end on October 11, 2010.
I am wondering if I can get a discount on the a phone (I am hoping to get the T-Mobile G2 or even the Vibrant)
If I can't get a decent discount price off, If I sign up for a brand new 2-yr contract, will I be able to pay the 2-yr plan price (like if I was going to sign up for T-Mobile for the first time.) The G2 will be priced around $200.
Also will I be able to turn my old phone in for a discount also? (My current phone is in my signature. If I can turn it in for a discount, I will put it back to 100% stock.)
Thanks for your answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping to make this it's on thread but for some reason it won't post, came across your thread and saw how it applies to your question, hopefully the info is not to late for you:
I see lots of people in the IRC yesterday morning discussing the price of admission on the T-Mobile G2. Since I can't figure out how to post on the IRC with Android IRC for my G2 I'll post what would have gone there here, in the hopes that I can save a few of you a little money.
Please bear in mind that these are my opinions and there may be something I am missing.
T-Mobiles Contracts are complete and total rubbish when it comes to a phone upgrade, and here's why:
The average difference between a T-mobile contract and corresponding Month to Month plan price for an individual with unlimited Data is $20. With the month to month being the cheaper of the two...
What's $20 buck extra a month for $300 bucks off the phone you ask?
Let me tell you....
@ $20/mo extra for 2 years that is $480, the G2's retail price is $500 uhh you just payed full price for that phone.. but wait there's more:
Add to that $480 the $200 you just spent for your "discounted" upgrade for extending your contract for 2yrs and that cost jumps to $680.
That's nearly $700 bucks for a $500 phone.
Here's the break down....
::::::::::::::::::::::Month to month Costs:::::::::::::::::::
G2 down payment = $200
Interest free financing = $300 over 20 months @ approx $15 per month
Total Phone Cost = $500
::::::::::::::::::::::Month to month Costs:::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::2yr Contract Costs::::::::::::::::::::::
Phone upgrade discounted price = $200
Contract monthly cost Difference = $20/mo. = $480
Total Phone Cost = $680
::::::::::::::::::::::2yr Contract Costs::::::::::::::::::::::
So your reward for being a loyal T-mobile customer and extending your contract for 2 more years is paying full price for the phone + $150.
Doesn't exactly exude the warm and fuzzy feeling of being a valued customer does it?
TO THE MOD: I couldn't post this in it's own Thread I kept getting a message about not allowing outside links on new users, if you could copy this to it's own thread or tell me what I'm doing wrong I'd appreciate it! thanks in advance!
Well, since everyone is excited on contract price, I wanted to know if anyone found the lowest off contract price on any store. I was hoping to get the phone off contract from Costco, but it seemed they don't sell it off contract. Being an Even More Plus customer, I got no choice but to buy the phone off contract.
Here are the ones I know.
T-Mobile - $499.00 + tax
Amazon - $509.00
Target - $519.00 + tax
RadioShack - $519.00 + tax
Walmart - $549.00 + tax
My local T-Mo store sold me one for $450 with $65 in accessories (car charger, screen protectors, case, and headphones).
I was able to get one for $250 and I'm an EM+ customer. I guess I got lucky. I went to a corporate store. She was even going to allow me to do the EIP, but I paid in full.
If you have some time just float around to a few and see what happens. Ask if they "can give you a deal?". Worst that could happen is they say no. I'm almost eager to put the mail in rebate form in, but wouldn't want it to backfire on me. I'll just be happy that I got the phone 50% off.
rukawa2k said:
Well, since everyone is excited on contract price, I wanted to know if anyone found the lowest off contract price on any store. I was hoping to get the phone off contract from Costco, but it seemed they don't sell it off contract. Being an Even More Plus customer, I got no choice but to buy the phone off contract.
Here are the ones I know.
T-Mobile - $499.00 + tax
Amazon - $509.00
Target - $519.00 + tax
RadioShack - $519.00 + tax
Walmart - $549.00 + tax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon looks like your best bet if you have Amazon prime. I would have suggested Cellhub because I got mine for 514.00 (no tax) 2nd shipping
okplaya said:
I was able to get one for $250 and I'm an EM+ customer. I guess I got lucky. I went to a corporate store. She was even going to allow me to do the EIP, but I paid in full.
If you have some time just float around to a few and see what happens. Ask if they "can give you a deal?". Worst that could happen is they say no. I'm almost eager to put the mail in rebate form in, but wouldn't want it to backfire on me. I'll just be happy that I got the phone 50% off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well done!
EIP will let off contact customers spread the payments over 19 months. The best part is you can payoff early if you want.
XDA Mobile
I tried to get the EIP but they couldn't discount the phone and accessories if I did. I'd expected to pay full price up front and it's probably worth it in my case.
Are you sure you got it for $250? Mine was $246.11 and $20 a month after that. Are you sure you didn't get the installment plan?
What's eip? How does it work?
Edit : Sorry, Did not read above.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
btmec said:
Are you sure you got it for $250? Mine was $246.11 and $20 a month after that. Are you sure you didn't get the installment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm pretty sure. She basically gave it to me for the cost of the phone on contract. It's $250 w/ $50 MIR. She even offered me the EIP with the $250 price. It would've been $27 down, and $12 and some change a mo. I just forked over the full amount since I would've had to pay over $100 had I been charged full price. I really lucked up man. I was all set to pay the $499, but I walked out paying $264 ($250 + tax).
Why are you paying so much anyway? $246 + (19*20) = $626. Am I missing something?
She probably snuck in a 2yr contract on you for $250 so she gets a kickback. Look online to see your plan.
I used my EIP at first but returned.it cause the screen had bad bleeding. Since I sold my Nexus One afterwards, I just decided to buy it outright. $534 in hand from a store.
I'd rather spend a few extra bucks and have it immediately vs 2 day shipping.
-sent from my LG 2Gx
She snuck in PHP which I probably should keep, but I'll probably cancel it on principle. I definitely checked and I'm still on the EM+ 1500 for families.
Just tried one local T-mobile store and immediately after I asked for discount, the sales rep said NO. She said I can upgrade to EM plan (Which I highly doubted...) Going to try other stores later.
girlfriend works at target and gets 15% off. should i get?
I say 15% off is a pretty decent deal. I'd jump on it..
Hey guys my 2-year contract is up and I'm looking to renew it with T-Mobile. Are there any stores that offer a better promotion than others? For example, maybe at Best Buy they will give you a free case or something (I just made that up). I usually renew my contracts at official T-Mobile stores but I'm wondering if stores like Best Buy, Radioshack or any other electronic store that is affiliated with T-Mobile might give better deals.
I am a TMobile customer. The answer is, not really. Occasionally, but not often. Most of the big deals they were doing were during the holiday season.
Be sure to read tmonews.com. They have a nice rss feed and they list deals when they happen. Very good news.
Note that since your 2 year lease is up, you should consider a non-subsidized phone in the future due to the cost savings. Also, make sure you have a plan where you are not paying the hardware subsidy fee.
You may be able to change your plan now to something slightly cheaper. Even if it is only $5 cheaper, that is $60 per year.
jmomo said:
I am a TMobile customer. The answer is, not really. Occasionally, but not often. Most of the big deals they were doing were during the holiday season.
Be sure to read tmonews.com. They have a nice rss feed and they list deals when they happen. Very good news.
Note that since your 2 year lease is up, you should consider a non-subsidized phone in the future due to the cost savings. Also, make sure you have a plan where you are not paying the hardware subsidy fee.
You may be able to change your plan now to something slightly cheaper. Even if it is only $5 cheaper, that is $60 per year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait I don't understand what you mean about hardware subsidy fee. I am in a family plan right now and I am planning to get four new discounted phones from the start of a new 2 year contract. Does T-Mobile add additional cost so I have to pay off the four phones in the length of 2 years?
Also, what if I purchase a discounted device for $200 and resell online for $400+?
kharnage said:
Wait I don't understand what you mean about hardware subsidy fee. I am in a family plan right now and I am planning to get four new discounted phones from the start of a new 2 year contract. Does T-Mobile add additional cost so I have to pay off the four phones in the length of 2 years?
Also, what if I purchase a discounted device for $200 and resell online for $400+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump