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least expensive way to purchase the TB

What is the least expensive way to purchase the Thunderbolt? I've heard someone mention "phatwallet"? Is that the least expensive route that anyone has found? If so, I'll be ordering tonight.

Its fatwallet.com which you can use to get $25 off wirefly.com to bring it to $175. I did that

do you think best buy will price match the wirefly price?

currently fatwallet then wirefly is the best way.
another way would be talking to a verizon employee, they can impose almost any amount of discount. I was just at the store and even though they are still oblivious to any information regarding the tbolt and if he does have any info, it is most likely wrong, he gave me this discount because he quote unquote couldn't wave this other fee i had prior. so take it as you will, but imma try to squeeze more out of him since I was unable to get the phone form wirefly since i can't renew my contract until june, and i may lose out on the unlimited 4g.
onelegofthestool said:
do you think best buy will price match the wirefly price?
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hell no. they wont even price match their original price they showed on the ad.

I've gotten tv's price matched to online sites for more than a 100$ difference...idk i'll try it out on Thursday cause i pre-ordered it and if it doesnt work i'll end up keeping the gift card to use on something else and get it from wirefly...they are usually pretty good about it tho in my experience

I may end up doing this, but I'm going to add a line, wait 30 days and pay the ETF of $350. Ill pay $600, but not $750

It may also be worth to wait and see what Amazon does. Sometimes their phones are cheaper than wirefly.

looks like i was wrong about best buy. they posted up their price online at 250. looks like they were forced too since verizon themselves are selling at 250. I hate you california tax!!!!

i did the wirefly $200 w/ fatwallet $25 cashback preorder last night
you also get a 4GB micro sd card with fatwallet's cashback link, note thats in addition to the 32gb one thatll come with the phone

Cheapest way to buy the HTC Thunderbolt
Wait 4 days and the buy it for $475 cash without a contact on EBay.

Just found it on AmazonWireless
Phone 1: HTC ThunderBolt 4G Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)$ 749.99List Price: Remove $ 179.99Price:
In Stock. Usually ships in 24 hours
http://wireless.amazon.com/HTC-ThunderBolt-Android-Verizon-Wireless/dp/B004M5HB6U/ref=sh_br_ph_1

wirefly is still cheaper. 199-25 for the fatwallet cashback. 175 total
plus using the coupon code you get a free 4gb card

The amazon link is great as I have gift certificates. However, is anyone else having issues choosing a text plan greater than the 500 message plan?
update: sorry for being quick on the trigger. I overlooked the $59 text and talk plan.

I have the Xoom and for some reason its eligible for an upgrade which I can transfer to another line. I am going to transfer the upgrade to my fascinate and then call to cancel the month to month dataplan on my Xoom. Hopefully then I will be able to upgrade to the Thunderbolt for $250.

amazon?
How does Amazon Wireless work? Do they ship the phone unactivated and then we contact verizon to activate and extend contract?They mention the instant carrier discount or something. Seems like a great deal as we have no sales tax on Amazon in NC.

I looked up the $25 coupon code on fat wallet, and clicked through the link to place my order. I also punched in the coupon code they listed for the 4th card, but nowhere on the order screen did it actually show a $25 cash back. Am I missing something?
Edit: Turns out they don't actually discount the order. You receive a rebate check from fatwallet directly.

Is the damn thing showing up on Verizon's site for anyone on the east coast yet? Or any coast for that matter? They said midnight EST. Argh!

thwilsonjr said:
How does Amazon Wireless work? Do they ship the phone unactivated and then we contact verizon to activate and extend contract?They mention the instant carrier discount or something. Seems like a great deal as we have no sales tax on Amazon in NC.
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I am trying to add lines to a family plan and that is something that does not work> I called them this morning and they said no go. Too bad. Next I'll call Verizon and see what they say.

anyone's wirefly order ship yet?

I went to my local best buy and they price matched Amazonwireless.com's $180 price. Which works perfectly cause Amazon is on back order.

Xoom wifi drops $10 after one day release?

Best buy now selling Xoom wifi at 589

Yep, WiFi only $589.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Motorol...1218305633252&skuId=1946197&st=xoom&cp=1&lp=1
3G version also dropped to $789.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Motorol...1218305636450&skuId=1946179&st=xoom&cp=1&lp=2
Let's see the Costco response to $579!!

arika44 said:
Best buy now selling Xoom wifi at 589
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Doesn't surprise me at all. I expect prices to go down much further in the coming months. From my one month experience with the Xoom, most people ask me if I am using an iPad. And when I say it is a Xoom Android tablet, I get a look of confusion. That is the problem coming late to the party. Maybe the iPad 2 shortages will help make people more aware that there are other options like Xoom. I just wish Google would get all of the missing features fixed (microSD card) along with better stability with apps. The frustration with force closures of existing apps on the Xoom will frustrate clueless consumers. The compatibility checks being done on Google Market and Amazon appstore are a joke right now. Getting the market apps to not allow download if it is going to force close is a huge first step to a better user experience.

Who care if it drops $10.00. I've already used it and enjoy it since Friday. Over 3 days of playing with it. Would I return it and buy it for $10.00 lower. Heck no.
Would they ever drop another $50.00? Not any time soon. Keep in mind that the sweet spot price range has already been established by Apple to be the norm. That is $599.99 for 32GB WIFI device. So no matter if it is Motorola, Samsung, or LG. As long as the spec is comparable, if not better and has 32GB. They will try to price it close if not exact.
Everyone want a piece of the pie Apple baked. Late or not, there are plenty of pie for everyone. We live in the world of over 3 billions people. You think there is a PERFECT device for everyone. Nope.

I think what'll happen is that Moto will come out with a different SKU with less "stuff," say 16GB storage and no GPS, and price it at the $499 level. This both justifies the current Xoom pricing, at the same time allow the Xoom to be price-competitive.

I think the price drop has more to do with trying to compete with Costco and Sams clubs competitive pricing from the beginning, don't think too much should be read into this.
Amazon was also offering the wifi version for $589 during the pre order period long before it was released.

You should be able to just take the receipt in and they adjust the price...I did mine yesterday.

OH NO A PRICE DROP AFTER ONE DAY! THEY MUST BE DISCONTINUING OUR DEVICE! WHAT WILL WE EVER DO! DAMN THAT PRICE COMPETITION AND MULTIPLE VENDORS!!!!
There, am I doing it right?

guess what, costo is now selling it for 589

arika44 said:
guess what, costo is now selling it for 589
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Costco has been selling the wifi xoom for $589 from day 1. It is actually the other retailers like amazon and best buy that are trying to match costco's price point.

ericdabbs said:
Costco has been selling the wifi xoom for $589 from day 1. It is actually the other retailers like amazon and best buy that are trying to match costco's price point.
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Yep. The difference is the required costco membership if u don't already have it. And from my experience buying one yesterday they're getting extremely tight on people buying them with friends and even families member cards.

martonikaj said:
Yep. The difference is the required costco membership if u don't already have it. And from my experience buying one yesterday they're getting extremely tight on people buying them with friends and even families member cards.
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Seems like you could go in there with cash and they wouldn't bat an eye at it

Bauxite said:
Seems like you could go in there with cash and they wouldn't bat an eye at it
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It still has to be your membership card matching your ID. They checked when I bought mine.

Went in to Best Buy today to pick up a WiFi XOOM for the $589 price, and was amazed that they had none at all in stock. Very disappointing.
In fact all my local Best Buy stores list the XOOM WiFi as "ship to store" rather than in stock.
In additon, they had a big sign under the XOOM display for the Verizon subsidized pricing: $600 price is only with a 10 GB/month contract for $80/month! That floored me.
To add insult to injury, if you opt for a 5GB/month contract the XOOM is $650!
and that contract is $50 per month. They didn't even mention the $20 1GB contract.
Its almost like the retailers want the XOOM to fail. Of course the salesman had no trouble producing a 64GB wifi version of the iPad2, which he actually had in stock. I ended up walking out.
Guess I'm going to try Staples next.

Digital Man said:
Went in to Best Buy today to pick up a WiFi XOOM for the $589 price, and was amazed that they had none at all in stock. Very disappointing.
In additon, they had a big sign under the XOOM display for the Verizon subsidized pricing: $600 price is only with a 10 GB/month contract for $80/month! That floored me.
To add insult to injury, if you opt for a 5GB/month contract the XOOM is $650!
and that contract is $50 per month. They didn't even mention the $20 1GB contract.
Its almost like the retailers want the XOOM to fail. Of course the salesman had no trouble producing a 64GB wifi version of the iPad2, which he actually had in stock. I ended up walking out.
Guess I'm going to try Staples next.
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This thread is pertaining to the WiFi version, not the 3G version, btw. But either way...
The plan deals for the 3G version are the same from every store, on account that its contracted through Verizon for data. Verizon charges that much for every data device (laptops, USB sticks, and tablets). Costco even rebates back your activation fee after 3 months of service. Be mad at Verizon for their data prices, not Costco for advertising them.
I'm surprised they had iPad 2s available. They're sold out most places.

martonikaj said:
This thread is pertaining to the WiFi version, not the 3G version, btw. But either way...
The plan deals for the 3G version are the same from every store, on account that its contracted through Verizon for data. Verizon charges that much for every data device (laptops, USB sticks, and tablets). Costco even rebates back your activation fee after 3 months of service. Be mad at Verizon for their data prices, not Costco for advertising them.
I'm surprised they had iPad 2s available. They're sold out most places.
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I know, not blaming Best Buy for that, just added it as an aside, because I hadn't realized that they try to push you into the $80 plan for the $600 price and then scalp you for an extra $50 when they get you on the $50 plan - Verizon is just unreal with their pricing.
I do blame Best Buy for not having any WiFi XOOMs available though. I mean, come on, Best Buy is a major electronics chain. Even staples lists them in stock by now.
And the "ship to store" on their website isn't very encouraging. Makes me wonder if they will only be ordering them on request.
The iPad 2 thing took me by surprise too. I just asked, expecting them to say no, but the salesman said he had 2, and even went in back and brought out one box to show me.
Have to admint, I was tempted there for a moment. Even if I had decided to go the iPad 2 route, both of them were white, and I never really liked the white one anyway...

Digital Man said:
I know, not blaming Best Buy for that, just added it as an aside, because I hadn't realized that they try to push you into the $80 plan for the $600 price and then scalp you for an extra $50 when they get you on the $50 plan - Verizon is just unreal with their pricing.
I do blame Best Buy for not having any WiFi XOOMs available though. I mean, come on, Best Buy is a major electronics chain. Even staples lists them in stock by now.
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Well again that's Verizons plan pricing. Best Buy has to advertise the exact way that Verizon advertises for the 3G version.
Best Buy has been this way forever as far as only having a limited number of units. For many major launches they honestly only have 4-5 units per store. Best Buy has to spread out their stock to all the different stores. Again, blame Motorola for not shipping enough units, not Best Buy for only having a few at launch lol.
Personally my local Costco had a rack full of these things in 2 different displays on the floor. It really depends which store you're in and how many people were interested in the product.

ericdabbs said:
Costco has been selling the wifi xoom for $589 from day 1. It is actually the other retailers like amazon and best buy that are trying to match costco's price point.
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Yes.
Too bad they can't match a 90 day open box return policy and free extended warranty. Not to mention a free gel case as well.
Sent from my Xoom

[Q] Current lowest off contract availble?

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
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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.
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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?
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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..

Authorized Retailer Pricing?

Ok so I always get my phone from Bestbuy or directly from Verizon based on online deals or specials going on when contract is up. Since when was Bestbuy pricing 700$ out of contract compared to $569 of VZ? They always when I checked with is every few months very similar in price. Now I have $300 buyback from previous upgrade done few months ago but considering locking in a second line to 4g Unlimited plan before it is too late.
So just curious did the Retail price 3rd party can sell agreement with Verizon change I was under impression to be Authorized reseller unless you were running a valid promotion, special you had to be in similar price range to Verizon?
I wouldn't be complaining normally but to have to cough up $700 for a retail price over Verizon cost of already high $569 seems way out of wack. I know the phones are 4g and high end but man didn't realize 3rd party places that were once better options now don't even try to compete with Big Reds pricing.
Forgive me if there was some post detailing Bestbuy cost going up or possible changes to why Verizon offers lower cost then retailers selling same phones on their behalf.

If you raise enough hell, best buy will match the VZW price. You just have to prove that the corporate store is charging 569 outright.

BBY will price match VZW... Best buy inflates their retail pricing to negate customers from buying it wo a contract(that's where they make their $$)

They will price match the online price or CS price cause they are not the same not a huge difference I just want to know which price to fight for? Is this generally something they are going to be pricks about I mean I have bought the phone I am going to bring back for the Buy Back Credit and purchased Black Tie Protection I can't imagine they would be to stuborn. I just want equal price and have no problem paying 569-599 at all obviously would be minus 300 GC I would get from the Buyback program.

If you were to come into my store and ask for a price match (I work at best buy), and you planned on getting blacktie and buyback, we would match without question. Other stores may be different, but the margin would be made up with those two components.

Sorry I should of been more clear on the phone I am going to trade in I had Blacktie and Buyback. This phone is to lock in 4g plan before July 7th so I would get Blacktie but no Buyback this time and previous phone is 3ish month old Fascinate. I have 2 Pc's, 2 HDTV and like 5 previous phones and everything has been with Blacktie.
I just want to know if I would be better of having proof cause I have no idea what a storefront of Verizons here has for anything showing retail price, but if I have to go out of my way to prove it. Due to BB not matching "online" prices I will cause I sure am not paying extra 125$ for same phone lol.
Really thank you all for advice so far I usually get great people when I work with Best Buy and after all Zagg shields the mobile department has put on my rounds of bad Thunderbolts they know my acount before they even pull me up as to what I have for phones ect. I just know it was like pulling teeth to get them to replace my non-fuctional Incredible after 2 seperate repairs to get a new device and had to talk to store manager before I got it done without a 3rd repair shipment.

Just bring it in the retail pricing from the online (I work at BBY Mobile PT as well) and Id match it

find the kid who hates his job at best buy and he'll price match it without talking to a manager. i work at best buy and do it all the time.

hackabusa said:
If you were to come into my store and ask for a price match (I work at best buy), and you planned on getting blacktie and buyback, we would match without question. Other stores may be different, but the margin would be made up with those two components.
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Word to the wise. Don't anyone ever get black tie. Its a scam.

I would generally agree to that last post but in my case because Best Buy has the lemon policy on repairing or attempting to fix issues. I went from Incredible that went 2.2 update came out dropped a packet and caused horrible call quality an hardware / software issues. Got me a $600 equal retail value Giftcard that put me into my Thunderbolt. Generally speaking insurance is never needed but I get it to be safe on my high end phones.
Also had to speak with a manager but the Buyback process and getting into the Charge was a painless experience and they gave it to me for $599 cause they know how much business I do there. Thanks for all the help.

Do any stores sell this phone?

I want to buy the Nexus 5, but because of a long and complex story the money to buy this phone is half in cash and half on a debit card. Because of this, I can't buy the phone online, so I'm trying to find out if any brick and mortar stores sell this phone?
I called best buy but they said they it's 650-700$ at their store (instead of 350$ for the 16GB google play version) due to the fact that they're tied to either ATT or Sprint carriers. Can you not buy the phone anywhere? Even looking at craigslist the cheapest I can find it for is 450. Whats up with this?

buy it from tmobile. its going to be abotu $450 if i remember right tho.
why not take the cash and your debit card and get a prepaid one for the total amount?

Best buy price matches the play stores price if u show proof of the price. Plus u don't have to pay shipping and handling only taxes
Team Nexus 5 sucks

dicecuber said:
Best buy price matches the play stores price if u show proof of the price. Plus u don't have to pay shipping and handling only taxes
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What he said.

dicecuber said:
Best buy price matches the play stores price if u show proof of the price. Plus u don't have to pay shipping and handling only taxes
Team Nexus 5 sucks
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It's weird they gave me such a ridiculously high quote. Even their website says 'replacement phone' selling for 450, which is still under ther 650-700 quote they gave me over the phone. Maybe I just need to go drive to the store and talk to them in person. Thanks for the info guys, greatly appreciated

If you are looking for a used one take a look at Swappa as well. They have a lot listed there and new ones are added frequently. The ones that are listed cheaper sell quickly.

I remember when I bought my chromecast at best buy they were charging like 450 for a 16gb model I about crapped my pants its like who would pay this? Especially since I consider the nexus line a "niche" the customer base is well educated.
Sent from my Nexus 5