[Q] Verizon SGS3 activation before selling new on ebay - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

Hello,
So here's my situation. I have Verizon Wireless with Unlimited data. I wanted to keep the unlimited data plan. The phone that i really want is the HTC Incredible 4G (smaller screen, reasonable processing power, etc.). However, since the Inc4g wasn't going to be available before June 28th, I preordered the SGS3 from verizon with the subsidy ($200 out of my pocket). I then put the SGS3 phone on sale on Ebay for market value ($500 back into my pocket). This give me a little extra money ($300) to go towards the Full price of the Inc4G from verizon (no subsidy/full retail). So hopefully you have followed me so far. Basically, i got the SGS3 just to sell it on ebay for profit and use those profits to get the HTC Inc4G while keeping unlimited data.
So anyways, I went in to a Verizon "corporate" store today to buy the Inc4G and complete my plan. HOWEVER, there was a problem. The verizon sales guy said that he/I couldn't activate any phone on my account until the pre-ordered SGS3 was activated. He says that since the pre-ordered SGS3 is ... "pre-activated" to my account, nothing else can be activated on my account until the SGS3 is activated. Also, vzw sales guy says if I send the SGS3 directly to the guy on ebay (without activating it on my acct first), he would not be able to activate it on his account. Apparently the phone is locked to my acct until I activate it. So the problem here is that I promised the guy on ebay (to whom I already sold the SGS3) that the SGS3 box would be sealed. I see people sell these new phones on ebay all the time claiming "sealed and new in the box". How do they do it? Is this verizon guy mistaken about having to activating the SGS3? He appeared to know what he is talking about. He tried it on a few different computers in the "corporate store" (i.e. not a vzw authorized reseller) and also asked another associate (she agreed that it wouldn't work, but told him to try to activate the Inc4G anyways - it didn't work. The computers said the SGS3 has to be activated first).
To be clear, it's not a big deal that i can't activate a new phone (Inc4G) until after i receive the SGS3 sometime next week... what is a big deal is that i have to open the box, activate the phone, then send it to the ebay guy, when I had claimed that the phone would be "new and unopened".
Does anyone have any advice on this? Thank you so much!

Not a ton I could add to advice but if the guy who bought it on ebay is reasonable he may be ok with you just activating it and sending it off to him. I'd say your best bet is toexplain it to him the way you did in your post.
gl

Hello,<br />
So here's my situation. I have Verizon Wireless with Unlimited data. I wanted to keep the unlimited data plan. The phone that i really want is the HTC Incredible 4G (smaller screen, reasonable processing power, etc.). However, since the Inc4g wasn't going to be available before June 28th, I preordered the SGS3 from verizon with the subsidy ($200 out of my pocket). I then put the SGS3 phone on sale on Ebay for market value ($500 back into my pocket). This give me a little extra money ($300) to go towards the Full price of the Inc4G from verizon (no subsidy/full retail). So hopefully you have followed me so far. Basically, i got the SGS3 just to sell it on ebay for profit and use those profits to get the HTC Inc4G while keeping unlimited data. <br />
<br />
So anyways, I went in to a Verizon "corporate" store today to buy the Inc4G and complete my plan. HOWEVER, there was a problem. The verizon sales guy said that he/I couldn't activate any phone on my account until the pre-ordered SGS3 was activated. He says that since the pre-ordered SGS3 is ... "pre-activated" to my account, nothing else can be activated on my account until the SGS3 is activated. Also, vzw sales guy says if I send the SGS3 directly to the guy on ebay (without activating it on my acct first), he would not be able to activate it on his account. Apparently the phone is locked to my acct until I activate it. So the problem here is that I promised the guy on ebay (to whom I already sold the SGS3) that the SGS3 box would be sealed. I see people sell these new phones on ebay all the time claiming "sealed and new in the box". How do they do it? Is this verizon guy mistaken about having to activating the SGS3? He appeared to know what he is talking about. He tried it on a few different computers in the "corporate store" (i.e. not a vzw authorized reseller) and also asked another associate (she agreed that it wouldn't work, but told him to try to activate the Inc4G anyways - it didn't work. The computers said the SGS3 has to be activated first).<br />
<br />
To be clear, it's not a big deal that i can't activate a new phone (Inc4G) until after i receive the SGS3 sometime next week... what is a big deal is that i have to open the box, activate the phone, then send it to the ebay guy, when I had claimed that the phone would be "new and unopened". <br />
<br />
Does anyone have any advice on this? Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a question you need to ask him and ebay.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Yeah, best bet would be explain your situation to the buyer - I think he'd rather receive a phone that he can use where the box is not sealed, than a phone he can't use where the box is sealed
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

Hello again,
So i thought you all were right about just being honest and upfront with the guy on ebay. So i emailed him and explained the situation just like in my OP. He emailed back and said that it was OK for me to activate the phone and turn it right back off. Thanks everyone for your help/advice!

Related

how to buy a nexus s outside US?

[Q] Help! online ordering from Best Buy
I just paid for the Nexus S through Best buy, and now I am afraid that I made a mistake. When I added the phone to my shpping cart, it asked me i I am a T-Mobile contract holder (Which i am not) and I said that I do, which gave me the option to buy the phone at the full price of $529. I am afraid that I am going to receive a LOCKED Nexus S with T-Mobile affiliations and that it's maybe not Sim Free.
Is this the case? If so, how do I order it SIM Free and UNLOCKED Online? The only options on the website was to buy it either for $199 with a T-Mobile contract or to buy it for $529, but again, I am not sure if this is fully unlocked or it is still with a T-Mobile Simcard.
jonatansofer said:
I just paid for the Nexus S through Best buy, and now I am afraid that I made a mistake. When I added the phone to my shpping cart, it asked me i I am a T-Mobile contract holder (Which i am not) and I said that I do, which gave me the option to buy the phone at the full price of $529. I am afraid that I am going to receive a LOCKED Nexus S with T-Mobile affiliations and that it's maybe not Sim Free.
Is this the case? If so, how do I order it SIM Free and UNLOCKED Online? The only options on the website was to buy it either for $199 with a T-Mobile contract or to buy it for $529, but again, I am not sure if this is fully unlocked or it is still with a T-Mobile Simcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK they are all unlocked - even the phones sold with T-Mo service.
Will the phone say T-mobile on the phone or connected with it in any way ?
nope, box has a tmobile sim in it but noowhere on the phone does it say tmobile
People at best buy online support are complete fools, they keep saying it's locked, even though twitter and their FAQ say its unlocked.
The whole point of Pure Google phone is that it's unlocked and unbranded
All Nexus S phones are unlocked by default with no carrier branding on the phone or box.
Pricing just varies based on if you want a contract or buying outright.
psp888 said:
People at best buy online support are complete fools, ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, not everybody have the intelligence required to flip burgers.
Best Buy couldn't even get the ordering live until about 10 minutes late ...
Then I tried to order 3 times; each time I got a vague credit verification error that made no sense.
Plus, they tried to switch me from my $10/mo unlimited 3G data to $10/mo 4G data with a 200MB cap... no thanks.
I was able to order by phone, but the process took over an hour. At least I got to keep my data plan.
Total cost was $250 after taxes and activation fees.
hi folks, is there anyone from from non-US/UK manage to buy a Nexus S>? If yes can let me know how? Especial from Malaysia. Thanks..
i had help from a fellow XDA member in the USA to help me buy one
as all the BestBuy stores were out of stock on the first 2 hours of the release date
make sure your phone operator works with 900/1700/2100 data
I bought two on launch day. The second is unopened. PM me if you want to buy it.
Wow!
I have a G1 and tried to upgrade to the nexus s with my existing 24.99 unlimited G1 data plan. The rep in the store said she was pretty sure I had to upgrade my plan. She said she would try it without upgrading my plan and got almost through the entire process but her system would only allow for the full price option for the phone.
Did you do anything special to get them to let it work with your existing plan??
Thanks
Bicster_ said:
Best Buy couldn't even get the ordering live until about 10 minutes late ...
Then I tried to order 3 times; each time I got a vague credit verification error that made no sense.
Plus, they tried to switch me from my $10/mo unlimited 3G data to $10/mo 4G data with a 200MB cap... no thanks.
I was able to order by phone, but the process took over an hour. At least I got to keep my data plan.
Total cost was $250 after taxes and activation fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone actually bought this online?
I'm having problems getting Best Buy's site to let me buy this thing. It keeps getting hung up when I select a plan - just keeps asking me if I currently have T-Mo service and won't let me actually select an answer...
Also, since I'm a new customer, would I be able to sign up for T-Mo's promotional plan (1500+unlimited for 79.99)?
You have to go to the store for starting a new plan.
If just happened that you have an extra unit or you're willing to help me, please PM me. THanks; )
AllGamer said:
i had help from a fellow XDA member in the USA to help me buy one
as all the BestBuy stores were out of stock on the first 2 hours of the release date
make sure your phone operator works with 900/1700/2100 data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one of the best buys near me still has 2 phones in stock
Marmle said:
You have to go to the store for starting a new plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's ridiculous - there's not a single Best Buy here in TN that will sell it with a plan. I suppose none do T-Mo. And my local store says $529.99 - available at Bestbuy.com for $199.99.
Whose idea was this Best Buy debacle?
your going to have to sign up for t-mobile service online best buy online sells tmobile online. Call there customer service they might be able to help you out.
Hey,
Maybe this will help!
bonvu.com
never used it so not sure how safe it is, but read that people are using it to purchase what ever they want in the US.
GL,
Some options:
www.ebay.com (in advanced search you can select someone that delivers to your country, offers paypal)
www.usunlocked.com (3rd party site, buys it for you and sends it yo you).

Upgrading on a Family Account

Hey guys,
I'm on ATT, and I was thinking about picking up an SGS2 soon. I was wondering, since my folks never use their upgrades (in a family account of 4), is it possible to upgrade their line, but never use the new sim card and instead use the phone for myself? Has anyone tried this that could possibly share their experience, and give a quick how-to?
Thanks.
If you go into the att store and just say you want to use their upgrade on your line they will do it no problem. As long as you are the primary account holder.
If you are doing it third party, or online you can upgrade their line with the new phone (activate required data plan if applicable) then put your sim card in the phone. You can deactivate the data plan on the other line whenever you want. You will need to call att to have them change your data from 3G to Faux G, but you will keep the same plan (cost and limit, even unlimited), it you won't get data on the GS II with the "3G" data provision.
I just went through this recently.
P.S. Do yourself a favor and get the original Galaxy S II (i777) instead of the skyrocket ... you'll thank me later.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
I believe number is attached to sim. Just pop your sim in and good to go. Just ask ATT, its not illegal to switch phones
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
quarlow said:
If you go into the att store and just say you want to use their upgrade on your line they will do it no problem. As long as you are the primary account holder.
If you are doing it third party, or online you can upgrade their line with the new phone (activate required data plan if applicable) then put your sim card in the phone. You can deactivate the data plan on the other line whenever you want. You will need to call att to have them change your data from 3G to Faux G, but you will keep the same plan (cost and limit, even unlimited), it you won't get data on the GS II with the "3G" data provision.
I just went through this recently.
P.S. Do yourself a favor and get the original Galaxy S II (i777) instead of the skyrocket ... you'll thank me later.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much! And I was definitely going for the i777; dev support is flourishing there.
"You will need to call att to have them change your data from 3G to Faux G, but you will keep the same plan (cost and limit, even unlimited), it you won't get data on the GS II with the "3G" data provision."
I'm not sure what you mean here. So when I put MY sim into the SGS 2, I should call att about my line, and have them change whatever you said?
I have an unlimited data plan - I was planning on just taking the newly bought SGS2 to the ATT store and have them transfer my unlimited plan to it. Would this work? What other options do I have to keep my unlimited plan?
Yeah they can do it in store, or call. Just tell them you got a sgs II and the data doesn't work, because it won't. They have to "provision" your line for 4G/HSPA+ data instead of 3G. You can still keep unlimited for $30. It shows up on your bill differently, you will see two pro-rated data plans with different names, but it will still total $30.
It will be easiest in store, as you can verify it works before you leave, but the phone reps can do it too.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Just tell them you want to cross-upgrade. They will set it all up for you. If you do it from a retailer (Costco, Bestbuy...), they will set up the upgraded line and then you will call AT&T after to cancel the data plan associated with the upgrade and switch the IMEI to your line - since they need to change the data plan to the 4g variant.
When you put your current sim in the SGSII, network will work but data won't. That's because the data plan on the Captivate isn't compatible with the SGSII. I found that out last week
Careful though as some places like Amazon require you to sign a contract with them as well stating that if you cancel any part of the plan or use the phone on another line, they hit you with early term fees (I think it's just Amazon actually).
Oh yeah, and the SGSII is an awesome phone!
qwertyaas said:
Just tell them you want to cross-upgrade. They will set it all up for you. If you do it from a retailer (Costco, Bestbuy...), they will set up the upgraded line and then you will call AT&T after to cancel the data plan associated with the upgrade and switch the IMEI to your line - since they need to change the data plan to the 4g variant.
When you put your current sim in the SGSII, network will work but data won't. That's because the data plan on the Captivate isn't compatible with the SGSII. I found that out last week
Careful though as some places like Amazon require you to sign a contract with them as well stating that if you cancel any part of the plan or use the phone on another line, they hit you with early term fees (I think it's just Amazon actually).
Oh yeah, and the SGSII is an awesome phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I figure Amazon and Wirefly are off limits for this. They require the line to stay with the data plan for 3-6 months, depending on the retailer.
Thanks for your help!
Grea thread ! Some more explanation..please
Ok. I am not fully understanding this great switcheroo.
Wont you still have the other non-SGSII still active and paying for it in the family plan.
Can someone please explain how this goes step-by-step? I mean what if I am not yet eligible for an upgrade, can I just add a SGSII line this way, and turn off the other phone>>>??
Step-by-step.......puhlesaseeeeee!
EDIT: Hmmmmmmmmmm......after re-reading it looks it means you have to be eligible for an upgrade to do this? So since I do not have an upgrade option I am just getting excited for nothing ????
You can add a line for a new phone, such as SGS II, and then use that phone for your line. But, you cannot cancel your existing line until the contract ends, which would be ~3 months after you are eligible for an upgrade. You can cancel the dataplan you are forced to add if you add another line, but you are stuck paying $9.99 + taxes and fees, a month for that line for 24 months. So it adds up costing $250+ over the next 2 years.
You can call and try to talk your way into a early upgrade. If you are nice, and mention considering ending your service they may let you upgrade early for new price plus $30. Several others have said that worked for them. But, it may depend on how close you are to an upgrade. If you got a new phone 6 months ago you may be stuck for a while.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
You can add a line for a new phone, such as SGS II, and then use that phone for your line. But, you cannot cancel your existing line until the contract ends, which would be ~3 months after you are eligible for an upgrade. You can cancel the dataplan you are forced to add if you add another line, but you are stuck paying $9.99 + taxes and fees, a month for that line for 24 months. So it adds up costing $250+ over the next 2 years.
You can call and try to talk your way into a early upgrade. If you are nice, and mention considering ending your service they may let you upgrade early for new price plus $30. Several others have said that worked for them. But, it may depend on how close you are to an upgrade. If you got a new phone 6 months ago you may be stuck for a while.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks quarlow..........I hit the button !
chappatti said:
Thanks quarlow..........I hit the button !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YW
I hope you find a way to get your new phone.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
I did this with an iPhone 4S (my upgrade's not up until this spring, the contract outlasted my patience with the Samsuck Craptivate). If you go to a CORPORATE AT&T store, it's no big deal to do. The lady there handled the whole thing for me and I was up and running in no time...
Alright, so I went ahead and got the SGS 2 from Radioshack because they had a 50 dollar deal for Black Friday. I looked at the receipt though, and it says that "If the Device and its wireless service agreement are not continuously in service for 90 days after the original purchase date and the Device is not returned to the Retailer, I agree that the Retailer may charge my credit card an unreturned merchandise fee equal to the Device's Non Activated Price minus the activated price I paid".
I bought it with no sim card for my mom's line. I have the primary line, and I was wondering if it's still okay for my to just insert my sim in the phone to use (would I be charged the above stated fee?). The phone hasn't had any sim card put it in yet at all. Is there any way to get around this? Does anyone have any experience with upgrading like this through Radioshack?
EDIT: Just talked to an ATT rep and he told me that I would not incur any fees/charges for switching equipment, and proceeded to do so for me. I'm still sort of anxious though, don't want to be charged a ridiculous amount for doing this. I saved the chat as a PDF (talked to an online rep) just in case. Anyone want to chime in with an opinion of what I should do?
ri3tn said:
Alright, so I went ahead and got the SGS 2 from Radioshack because they had a 50 dollar deal for Black Friday. I looked at the receipt though, and it says that "If the Device and its wireless service agreement are not continuously in service for 90 days after the original purchase date and the Device is not returned to the Retailer, I agree that the Retailer may charge my credit card an unreturned merchandise fee equal to the Device's Non Activated Price minus the activated price I paid".
I bought it with no sim card for my mom's line. I have the primary line, and I was wondering if it's still okay for my to just insert my sim in the phone to use (would I be charged the above stated fee?). The phone hasn't had any sim card put it in yet at all. Is there any way to get around this? Does anyone have any experience with upgrading like this through Radioshack?
EDIT: Just talked to an ATT rep and he told me that I would not incur any fees/charges for switching equipment, and proceeded to do so for me. I'm still sort of anxious though, don't want to be charged a ridiculous amount for doing this. I saved the chat as a PDF (talked to an online rep) just in case. Anyone want to chime in with an opinion of what I should do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are just trying to prevent you from using your upgrade to get a new phone, then immediately terminating the contract and selling the phone. As long as you are actually using it on your plan, you're all good.
apbthe3 said:
They are just trying to prevent you from using your upgrade to get a new phone, then immediately terminating the contract and selling the phone. As long as you are actually using it on your plan, you're all good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful, some stores (Amazon) will charge you an early term fee if you move the phone to another line within 6 months.

Question about wirefly

OK I went to the Verizon store and got a LG spectrum. Out the door for 219. I ported my number from sprint. Just saw the phone on wirefly for free. How can I play this to get phone for free. Also I just got this phone Tuesday. Is there any othercphones I should look at besides this? I'm coming from a galaxy s2 on sprint so I'm a bit let down.......
Sent from my VS920 4G using xda premium
Help
Sent from my VS920 4G using xda premium
You can always return the phone and cancel your contract then order your the device from wirefly. You'd have to do that really quick here to avoid getting socked with the $35 activation fee thats usually not refundable after the 3rd day. You will lose your ported number though. I'm not an LG fan and I think the Spectrum is a very plain looking device with subpar quality hardware. The Galaxy Nexus would be a much better choice. I am a bit bias though. The device is going for $300 at Verizon or roughly half that on letstalk or wirefly with a new account.
Sent from CDMA V6 SC GNexus w/Liquid & Franco.kernel
OR: Order the phone you want from wirefly by adding a line to your account. Once you receive it, call VZ customer care and request the ported number from your first line be transferred to the second line. After they do that, return the VZ Spectrum and cancel that first line. If everything goes well, you will have your phone from wirefly with your original ported phone number. (Carriers can only move active lines over to new devices. Thats why the first line must not be cancelled before you transfer the number). Unfortunately, you would probably get a couple fees in the process. Like these:
$35 activation charge (original line)
$25 restocking charge (original device)
$15 phone number change
Basically, $75 in fees. But if you stick with the Spectrum, you save $144 when all is said and done by purchasing it from wirefly with these fees applied.
If this is the route you want to go, make sure everything is finished by the 14th day from the original account setup day. Otherwise you cannot cancel that original contract. You can also call VZ customer care and have them confirm certain details in this route to make sure it works perfectly for you. Not sure if you should explain everything though.....you may want to give a few calls in order not to give the whole picture to one person.
*****Also, do not set up a family plan with the second line from wirefly thinking you'd just change it when you cancel the original line. They will probably push it. Just set up the same plan you picked from the first device. These 2nd party retailers tend to charge massive amounts of money if your plan changes in the first 6 months of contract. (Their commission structure is based off of the plan you choose)
Good luck which ever way you go!
*[whispering] galaxy nexus galaxy nexus
Sent from CDMA V6 SC GNexus w/Liquid & Franco.kernel
Closed, use right section

[Q]Best Way to Upgrade to GS3 While Keeping Unlimited?

I thought of a few ways to upgrade while keeping unlimited data.
There was..
Add a new line, with the GS3, give that phone to the unlimited data, and then put a basic phone on that line so it doesn't require the data fees...
There's buy a used cracked screen on eBay, replace the cracked screen with a replacement on eBay..
Any ideas anyone?
I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.
Martakia said:
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I get the GS3 on the extra line and I switch a basic phone onto it, wouldn't it be just 10 dollars a month?
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much a month is it for that line? 10 dollars?
Well I have 2 lines that had an upgrade on the same day. Mine had unlimited data, and the other one was my moms who had no data at all. So what we did was use my upgrade to upgrade her line to a sgs3 with 2gb of data a month , then put that phone on my line and put the basic phone back on her line. Then she upgraded with her updrage to a sgs3 for herself
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S3
weblexa said:
That's basically what I did to keep my unlimited data. Added a line for the GS3, switched it to my line with unlimited data and activated a basic phone I had lying around onto the new line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I did as well. Added $10/month to my bill.
Martakia said:
I would suggest against buying any used phone, especially for verizon phones, only because of the risk that if the person selling it has any remaining balance on that account that the phone was tied to, it would be useless for you and by law Verizon will be unable to add it to your phone line. If you can confirm that it in fact has no left over balance, then this is probably the best way to go.
Better off going with the plan of adding a line with a basic phone and switching the two numbers, but that will cost you another 40$ every bill and verizon will probably still make you pay an arm and a leg for the SGS III essentially at full retail price if you really want to keep that unlimited data plan. So you might as well just pay full price for the phone and then just switch your number to it in order to keep the unlimited data plan.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?
All I did was order online. I originally went into the store to upgrade, but they told me I had to get a new data plan. I went home and ordered the GS3 online that night and it let me keep my unlimited plan. They probably fixed that glitch by now though.
pcdisme said:
I have a question about this. Does the new use of a SIM card change what you're saying about left over fees owed to Verizon? If a person were to buy a phone from Ebay and put their own SIM in would that be Ok even if the original owner owed money on their SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.
MrSmith317 said:
I got my SGS3 from someone that had left over fees and it didn't effect me at all. I think the SIM card system has made this a thing of the past.
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Awesome , then i guess the op is good to go and buy the one off ebay and replace the screen.
Thanks for all the input guys! Much appreciated.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
quattr0 said:
Dude, all u have to do is calling Verizon & give them the imei or serial, they will tell u if the fone legit. Bought mine used but looks like new.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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yep or you can use one of the following online service to check the IMEI/MEID, Verizon's is the more accurate one, if it says call customer service then the IMEI is bad:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/estore/certifieddevice/cd
http://www.checkesnfree.com/
I upgraded a flip phone line on my plan to the SG3 and gave it 2gb data temporarily. I then had them switch the SG3 to my number, re-enable the flip phone on the upgraded line, and then cancel the 2gb data plan, reverting it back to $10 nondata plan. Verizon will not charge for a data plan that is changed within 24 hours. Worked for me anyhow, but did have to pay the $30 upgrade fee.
Martakia said:
With the new SIM card system that Verizon has started to use, I am not quite sure about that, but when reading past experiences, and one that my cousin had to go through, they all bought used phones from online sites like ebay and amazon, but ended up being unable to apply them to their own plans because of a check that was done on the phone's background. (I know there is a way to do this yourself, but you pretty much have to have the phone in your possession in order to do so.)
When my family had to add a new line to our family plan for my little brother, a basic phone, verizon wanted to charge us $40, and instead we got him a smartphone which was only $30. Verizon is really pushing smartphones, primarily android devices and especially the SGS3. Essentially what they tried to sell us, but we told them no lol.
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Yeah.....
I don't think so.
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[Q] Anyone work for T-Mobile or have in depth understanding of their policies?

I have what I think may be a complicated question which I can't seem to find the answer to regarding T-Mobile's promo with paying your previous carrier's Early Termination Fee. I'm thinking of switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and currently have a Galaxy S4. I understand in order to qualify for the promotional phone prices you need to trade-in your old device.
Here's the Question of the day...
Before switching over to T-Mobile, can I just swap/activate my (Verizon) Samsung Galaxy S4 with my old (Verizon) Samsung Stratosphere, so THAT'S the phone they take from me? Because I would love to keep my Galaxy S4 to sell or even for just play!
So, in other words...
Does the phone you trade in to T-Mobile NEED to be the exact same model that you had when starting/renewing your most recent 2 year contract with Verizon you think?
calebcabob said:
IDoes the phone you trade in to T-Mobile NEED to be the exact same model that you had when starting/renewing your most recent 2 year contract with Verizon you think?
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I recently made the switch from Verizon to T-Mobile (best decision I've made in my life). I didn't do the ETF promotion, since I made the switch the day after my contract was over and was bringing my own device. I don't remember exactly what was involved, but I remember that they needed access to my Verizon account info (not just my phone number). I remember having to go to VZW's website on my phone, looking for a previous bill that had my full account number on it, so they could put it in their computer and port everything over to their service.
Seeing as how the Stratosphere is 4 years old, and they'll have at least some access to your account information, I really doubt that they'll take your old phone instead of your S4. I can't say for certain, obviously, but I really, really doubt it. I would venture to guess that when you grant them at least some access to your account, they can also see what phone you're on contract with. While the way to "sway/activate" your device is simply swap which phone your SIM card is in, I think they'll still know that you're on contract for the S4, and not the 4 year old Stratosphere.
FWIW, paying the ETF fees for Verizon might be better than simply turning over your S4, but that depends on how much you have left on your contract. If it costs, say, $250 to break your contract, and your phone is in good condition, it might be prudent to pay the ETF and sell the phone after making the switch. But I don't think you'll be able to pull one over on T-Mobile and give them your dinosaur phone. Either you'll have to finish your contract or pay the ETF to keep your phone, or you'll have to turn in in to T-Mobile to have them pay the ETF.
I happily stuck it to "Big Red" when I switched. I needed a warranty replacement on my Droid Razr Maxx (the battery was about to explode). So I went to the store, but the entire country was out, so they had to send me a Razr Maxx HD instead. The day I received the replacement was the day my contract was up, so I switched to T-Mobile, sent back my Razr Maxx, and sold the Maxx HD on eBay for $275. Speeds and coverage in Tucson with T-Mo is better than Verizon, it's cheaper, and I have UNLIMITED EVERYTYING. Best decision of my life.

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