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Like many out there, I tried to purchase a Captivate from Walmart/Letstalk when they were advertising the ridiculously low off-contract price. Of course they did not honor it and that was expected. More than anything I was kind of annoyed that they told me I had to have an ATT contract in order to buy the phone there (so much for "Off Contract").
So I complained to the BBB on the basis that they changed their price up then back down then back up (skip to the last paragraph to skip any explanation of what I said). I mentioned that I understand if it was a pricing error then that's that, but the fact that it was posted twice (once after it was "fixed") combined with not finding wording stating that you must have a current ATT contract in addition to being told the first time that it was just an address issue, that I would like them to resolve the issue. My ideal resolution would be honoring the price (never expected) or at the very least fixing the wording on their site to make it clear that you needed an ATT account.
I sent the complaint to Walmart since if you navigate to their site from there, there is very little telling you that you are on a new site (letstalk.com) and also because it was the only way I could see to bring the issue to the attention of Walmart (short of sending a letter via snail mail).
Anyway, the resolution they offered was to give me 100 dollars off the purchase price (still need an ATT account though). I'm just posting this in case anybody else wants to give it a shot. I personally did not accept their offer (I can't anyway) and offered a middleground solution of them posting on their site that you need an ATT contract in order to purchase off contract.
100 bucks off? maybe they'll just give u a gift card and ask u to pay the retail price on the phone.
never mind
pezx44 said:
Like many out there, I tried to purchase a Captivate from Walmart/Letstalk when they were advertising the ridiculously low off-contract price. Of course they did not honor it and that was expected. More than anything I was kind of annoyed that they told me I had to have an ATT contract in order to buy the phone there (so much for "Off Contract").
So I complained to the BBB on the basis that they changed their price up then back down then back up (skip to the last paragraph to skip any explanation of what I said). I mentioned that I understand if it was a pricing error then that's that, but the fact that it was posted twice (once after it was "fixed") combined with not finding wording stating that you must have a current ATT contract in addition to being told the first time that it was just an address issue, that I would like them to resolve the issue. My ideal resolution would be honoring the price (never expected) or at the very least fixing the wording on their site to make it clear that you needed an ATT account.
I sent the complaint to Walmart since if you navigate to their site from there, there is very little telling you that you are on a new site (letstalk.com) and also because it was the only way I could see to bring the issue to the attention of Walmart (short of sending a letter via snail mail).
Anyway, the resolution they offered was to give me 100 dollars off the purchase price (still need an ATT account though). I'm just posting this in case anybody else wants to give it a shot. I personally did not accept their offer (I can't anyway) and offered a middleground solution of them posting on their site that you need an ATT contract in order to purchase off contract.
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They offered $100 off for all those who ordered but didn't call in to cancel. But that's still $399.
I ended up paying $275 for an early upgrade in AT&T store.
As for AT&T account requirement, that's normal practice and since you can't get any unlock code anyway for Captivate (see other threads). So what's good to buy a Captivate without AT&T account.
turbo sim seems interesting though
foxbat121 said:
They offered $100 off for all those who ordered but didn't call in to cancel. But that's still $399.
I ended up paying $275 for an early upgrade in AT&T store.
As for AT&T account requirement, that's normal practice and since you can't get any unlock code anyway for Captivate (see other threads). So what's good to buy a Captivate without AT&T account.
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I would assume so you dont have to extend your contract two years with att ,
If I can buy new phones every year (with $75 early upgrading fee), I have no problem extending my contract. It's not like I can't get any new phone until 2 years later.
FYI, my last upgrade was @ 10/2009 with 2-year contract. So, nine months for a new phone isn't too bad for me.
Verizon simply isn't an option for me (I need GSM phones for international travel). So, it's not like I have another carrier to sign on to.
I went the first day they released the phone and bought on contract at best buy, where they matched the price of the walmart website which free! The guy I bought from also told me they would match the off contract price. So I ended up just paying the tax for two phones. I honestly don't know what best buy's policy is on price matching, but the best buy mobile guy and his manager approved the price match.
kkeo said:
I went the first day they released the phone and bought on contract at best buy, where they matched the price of the walmart website which free! The guy I bought from also told me they would match the off contract price. So I ended up just paying the tax for two phones. I honestly don't know what best buy's policy is on price matching, but the best buy mobile guy and his manager approved the price match.
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Just got mine last night. I showed a picture of the walmart price and best buy did a price match, no questions asked. Saved me $130
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jwkicklighter said:
Just got mine last night. I showed a picture of the walmart price and best buy did a price match, no questions asked. Saved me $130
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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What price was that? $149?
I see it in Wirefly for $99. Wonder if they would match that.Although I'd be willing to pay a bit more to get it locally.
To my surprise, BB has it in their store for $229. Anyone paying that has done zero research. I suppose there are poor souls that fit in that category.
ewingr said:
What price was that? $149?
I see it in Wirefly for $99. Wonder if they would match that.Although I'd be willing to pay a bit more to get it locally.
To my surprise, BB has it in their store for $229. Anyone paying that has done zero research. I suppose there are poor souls that fit in that category.
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I paid 199 for my phone at Best Buy the second day it was out. They price matched the AT&T advertised price. I wasn't really concerned at the price because I had gift cards for best buy from a rebate offer I wasn't expecting so I ended up getting the phone for free.
Friend just emailed me....the Captivate is now just 1 cent. Not a bad deal, eh?
http://tinyurl.com/2a9d8az
This is Amazon, much like WireFly,LetsTak and any other reseller they can price the phone at whatever price theyd like since they make comission off the monthly plans more so than the actual hardware. Theyll take a big hit ($200-$300) on the phone in order to make it back up with the plan.
BTW this is for new contracts only via Amazon, renewals are still $99 and Family is $149.
I just ordered one from Amazon for a penny. So long Sprint and so long samsung moment (blech)
I ordered mine from Amazon along with 3 other phones on a new family plan with 1400 minutes. Total cost after shipping: $.04.
makes me feel I made a mistake getting the phone in the first place. Good thing I like the phone.
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iamamp3pimp said:
makes me feel I made a mistake getting the phone in the first place. Good thing I like the phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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Why would you feel like you made a mistake getting the phone if you like it just b/c the price went down? Hell, I paid $175 for mine (Family plan upgrade-secondary line) and I'm still happy with my purchase. I agree that it is annoying to see them offer such good deals for new users and screw over "loyal" customers though...
AT&T charged me $100, they gave me the $100 discount for being a loyal customer. Funny thing is i joined when the iPhone 3G came out.
I tried to get my wife to get it for 1 cent but she insists on getting the EVO, loyal yo sprint.
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logicrulez said:
AT&T charged me $100, they gave me the $100 discount for being a loyal customer. Funny thing is i joined when the iPhone 3G came out.
I tried to get my wife to get it for 1 cent but she insists on getting the EVO, loyal yo sprint.
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Loyal enough to pay 240 dollars more over the length of her contract? I've been with Sprint for 5 years and I'm not THAT loyal to them
wildkarrde21 said:
Why would you feel like you made a mistake getting the phone if you like it just b/c the price went down? Hell, I paid $175 for mine (Family plan upgrade-secondary line) and I'm still happy with my purchase. I agree that it is annoying to see them offer such good deals for new users and screw over "loyal" customers though...
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To be fair Amazon's a dealer like Wirefly. They make nothing on the sale of phones but get paid on selling the contracts. The Captivate is 99 dollars if you are renewing or adding a line on Amazon. Still a better deal than anywhere else. As a NEW AT&T customer I would have spent $199 on the phone at the AT&T store. I was all about to buy a Vibrant yesterday for 70 bucks on Amazon when I found the penny deal on the Captivate. So here I am.
Difference is, when you buy it from the AT&T store, they cover your warranty for the year - and their warranty is great.
If you buy it anywhere else, you have to deal with Samsung directly unless you get lucky and AT&T ships you a replacement regardless.
wildkarrde21 said:
Why would you feel like you made a mistake getting the phone if you like it just b/c the price went down? Hell, I paid $175 for mine (Family plan upgrade-secondary line) and I'm still happy with my purchase. I agree that it is annoying to see them offer such good deals for new users and screw over "loyal" customers though...
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Not so much a mistake, I am happy with my purchase. It's just the price that we pay to get the best in tech before everyone else.
I've never done that before, and used to tout that my motorola karma was pretty much the same thing as a smartphone.
Obviously I had no clue what I was talking about.
qwertyaas said:
Difference is, when you buy it from the AT&T store, they cover your warranty for the year - and their warranty is great.
If you buy it anywhere else, you have to deal with Samsung directly unless you get lucky and AT&T ships you a replacement regardless.
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Now THAT I dodn't know. Guess I'll be adding insurance.
gunnyman said:
Now THAT I dodn't know. Guess I'll be adding insurance.
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It's what I was told from AT&T and when I spoke to Letstalk, Wifefly and so on. But FWIW, people have stated that they just called AT&T and they sent them a replacement - but that could just be a YMMV. I would try to verify as well before you add insurance in case you don't need to.
But for $.01, I'm jealous!
Amazon has such a great rep that I doubt they'd have entered the Wireless sales business without some assurances from carriers. Wirefly has a shady rep from what I was able to google.
i paid full retail cause i wasnt up for upgrade... and thats for two phones too.. -_-. bye 1000
The thing many of you guys are not realizing is that this price and other similar deals are for completely new accounts only. Upgrades or even new family plan lines will bump up the price to $100-150. Under the circumstances most of the people I know who paid for Captivates, they wouldn't have saved any more money if they had waited, as everyone I know who has a Captivate was already an AT&T customer.
And quite frankly, while the Captivate is a great phone, it's not worth putting up with AT&T over if you're on a good carrier, especially since there is/will be a Galaxy S for all major carriers.
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JPS81 said:
The thing many of you guys are not realizing is that this price and other similar deals are for completely new accounts only. Upgrades or even new family plan lines will bump up the price to $100-150. Under the circumstances most of the people I know who paid for Captivates, they wouldn't have saved any more money if they had waited, as everyone I know who has a Captivate was already an AT&T customer.
And quite frankly, while the Captivate is a great phone, it's not worth putting up with AT&T over if you're on a good carrier, especially since there is/will be a Galaxy S for all major carriers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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This man speaks the truth. Listen to his words. And get him a beer!
gunnyman said:
Amazon has such a great rep that I doubt they'd have entered the Wireless sales business without some assurances from carriers. Wirefly has a shady rep from what I was able to google.
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True, but reading through Amazons policy, they only support the phone for 30 days - as do all online retailers besides AT&T itself (they have a full year). Other online retailers pass the warranty to Samsung. But for the period Amazon does cover it - they have great customer service.
I'm not saying that's bad as I never dealt with Samsung for warranty purposes. I just know that AT&T deals with warranty issues very well. But regardless, $.01 for this phone is an amazing deal. The chance of needing a replacement post-30 days might not even occur for you - and if it does - you can always try AT&T for replacement.
So I have been wondering for a while how we here on XDA like to buy our phones.
I hope to catch most everyone with the following categories. And please leave a comment on why you buy the way you do.
Please help me figure this out!
I always have to buy them outside from my country because immediate availability and better price
I trade my Phones on XDA, good deals lol
Sell my old phone on eBay and buy the new one I want at full retail.
--
Sent from my HTC Supersonic.
I shop around for the best place to cash in my subsidization upgrade. Got my Focus for -$22 on contract!
online
I will look for online stores that can provide me handsets at discounted rates with complete reliability.
got my used T-Mob HD2 on ebay.. not available in my country, so the only possibility is to buy it from there..
I like buying my phones online since I get a better selection to choose from and no dealing with pushy salespersons....
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
I normally buy phones from Craigslist since people in my area don't really seem to know the worth of phones. I got my MyTouch4g the week after it was released for 300. Then I sell the older phones on eBay.
I prefer eBay or something like that. Contracts try to hold you down.lol
I shop for mine online. Best deals hands down.
Sent from my shoe, I mean....Epic shoe... I mean Samsung Epic! http://mobilehighway.blogspot.com/
Prefer prepaid full retail, or second hand.
I won my current phone though Huawei IDEOS for free
Almost always off contract, but I try to buy used or refurbished.
I will buy it on Contract. I can get any phone of my choice at cheaper price and it doesnt matter that after contract gets end I will have to gave my phone back.
Most of the time I pay the upgraded price of the phone. Ie. Whatever it cost with a 2 year extension.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
AT&T wont sell me phone off contract.. At HB store, are most of you upgrading?...
Order online. Tax is a lot if you're paying the full price.
I'd imagine most are upgrading. Getting an unsubsidized phone in the US is a waste of money.
AT&T sold me mine off contract they didnt even hesitate. I have been told that some stores cannot sell phones outright. I would try another store.
Yeah. So debating... Rogers on ebay which is sim unlocked and unlock bootloader for about $700. While AT&T is around $600 locked to AT&T and locked bootloader... Until the petition ..... Then maybe they will do it later.. So For for an extra $100 bucks... You get sim unlock and bootloader.....
Many non-corporate stores won't sell them off contract.
These vendors only make money from contracts. Even at AT&T they won't make money selling you the device off contract, but thankfully they allow it.
Maroon Mushroom said:
Many non-corporate stores won't sell them off contract.
These vendors only make money from contracts. Even at AT&T they won't make money selling you the device off contract, but thankfully they allow it.
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most likely this is the case, its all about profit and non corporate stores are known to do that
(or pretend to be out of stock for people upgrading)
call a corporate store and talk to a manger and complain (and you may get a discount)
a friend of mine did and he got $100 off
or buy it online and prob wont have to pay sales tax
The_Zodiac said:
most likely this is the case, its all about profit and non corporate stores are known to do that
(or pretend to be out of stock for people upgrading)
call a corporate store and talk to a manger and complain (and you may get a discount)
a friend of mine did and he got $100 off
or buy it online and prob wont have to pay sales tax
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a corporate store won't give you a discount because a non-corporate store wouldn't sell you the phone out right.
the non-corp ones have every right to structure their sales like that.
I'd buy the Rogers version since then you can get unlimited data for $10/15 so you will get your $100 back that way. Plus you can unlock the bootloader and don't have an ugly att logo on the top... But if you don't want to do that I'll sell you my One X that I just got today from Amazon Wireless for $550 + Shipping via Amazon Payments then I'll go buy a Rogers version... ;-)
Maroon Mushroom said:
a corporate store won't give you a discount because a non-corporate store wouldn't sell you the phone out right.
the non-corp ones have every right to structure their sales like that.
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it mayof been two corporate stores not really sure.
And id say it depends on which type (authorized reseller vs almost corporate but not)
I worked at the second type (tmobile though) and although we would refuse to sell phones out of contract at times we could of gotten into trouble if it had been reported through corporate.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
We always just figured most people weretoo dumb to complain through the correct channels
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Maroon Mushroom said:
Many non-corporate stores won't sell them off contract.
These vendors only make money from contracts. Even at AT&T they won't make money selling you the device off contract, but thankfully they allow it.
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I own a non-corp att store and I sell the one x outright all day long!
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
If you're buying off contract, go to WalMart... they are the cheapest, and they pricematch. I hate Walmart for the people it attracts, buy they do have the lowest prices.
Red5 said:
If you're buying off contract, go to WalMart... they are the cheapest, and they pricematch. I hate Walmart for the people it attracts, buy they do have the lowest prices.
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haha exactly. they dont usually have the sexiest or brightest employees ever
Red5 said:
If you're buying off contract, go to WalMart... they are the cheapest, and they pricematch. I hate Walmart for the people it attracts, buy they do have the lowest prices.
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Just out of curiosity how much is the One X at Wal-Mart? I bought a Galaxy Note off contract a little bit ago for $650 no prob at att while BB was $750. I believe the One X is $550 at At&t.
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
I've decided its time to move on from my trusty inspire but would like some feedback as it relates to purchasing a One X.
Currently, both walmart and amazon have the phone at $119.98. If I walk into an ATT Corp store, I'm looking at $250+.
I know many people purchased from amazon back when they had that great deal before the phones release, and I would appreciate feedback from both amazon customers and walmart.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA
I heard Amazon has excellent service when it comes to their mobile department, but I haven't dealt with them personally
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium
Walmart only carries the black one in store, other than that it is really no different than going to an AT&T store.
If you don't have the unlimited data to keep, you can buy from anywhere. They are the same. Otherwise, it is a hassle to call AT&T to get your unlimited data back because 3rd party online retailers can't let you keep them. I had one experience with Walmart store. Let's put this way, the guy behind the counter has no idea what is a SIM card and why there is a need for SIM card for my AT&T phone. The activation process asked him to get a new SIM card and he had no idea how it looks. Then when he found it and activated my phone, he promptly threw the SIM card into the trash bin. Walmart online runs through a different outlet (wirefly or something).
Got my HOX yesterday from Best Buy. Called ahead and they pricematched amazon for me. Called 2 att stores before and neither could match. just a heads up if anyone reading is interested.
Amazon is excellent. 30 days no questions asked return policy and at least where I live no Sales Tax.
The only caveat is if you're on an unlimited data plan you'll have to add a tiered plan instead then call AT&T and get them to switch you back.
Amazon was very good to me as well.
I've also heard that Walmart isn't bad either.
Still, I would go with Amazon.
I would love to use amazon and or Walmart/bestbuy etc but they don't deal with business accounts, which sucks...
neonsector said:
I would love to use amazon and or Walmart/bestbuy etc but they don't deal with business accounts, which sucks...
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I have a business account and I added a line just fine through amazon.
FYI to anyone attempting to get this deal. It only applies to people who are new customers to att. If you are already in the system the price of the phone would be 179.99 to add a line. Also if you try to cheat the system and get the line in your girlfriends name and then take over responsibility with your account, they will charge you a fee. It has to be a totally new line of service and kept for 6 months to qualify for the $119 price.
seh6183 said:
I have a business account and I added a line just fine through amazon.
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not sure how is that possible, I called 3 times, talked to 2 sales people and one supervisor, all three said they dont deal with business accounts.
I ll give them another call I guess.
neonsector said:
not sure how is that possible, I called 3 times, talked to 2 sales people and one supervisor, all three said they dont deal with business accounts.
I ll give them another call I guess.
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I added a line through their website if that helps.
I'm not seeing anything that says it has to be new customer @ Amazon. They even have an upgrade check tab on the site of the phone, though I am not happy with having to change the plan to try to get the lower price. I went to AT&T store before I knew about this deal and asked them to PM Radio Shack's 179.00 price and they wouldn't so I bolted. Only probem is that RS only offers in white. Need the Gray one for myself. I should try to call AT&T and biotch about the plan thing but only in advance not after buying and then hoping they revert the plan. I don't currently go above 3GB in a month but I'm on a WM6.5 and who knows where the Data usage will go on a new phone.
Manicmechanic said:
I'm not seeing anything that says it has to be new customer @ Amazon. They even have an upgrade check tab on the site of the phone, though I am not happy with having to change the plan to try to get the lower price. I went to AT&T store before I knew about this deal and asked them to PM Radio Shack's 179.00 price and they wouldn't so I bolted. Only probem is that RS only offers in white. Need the Gray one for myself. I should try to call AT&T and biotch about the plan thing but only in advance not after buying and then hoping they revert the plan. I don't currently go above 3GB in a month but I'm on a WM6.5 currently and who knows where the Data usage will go on a new phone.
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Yes there is a button for add a line. When you click it the price changes to 179.
I would NEVER buy another phone from Walmart. I don't care how low the price is. Their employees don't know ****.
SkizzMcNizz said:
I would NEVER buy another phone from Walmart. I don't care how low the price is. Their employees don't know ****.
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You actually ask salespeople for advice? Stopped doing that years ago..
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I would love to buy from Amazon, but I don't want to give up my 2GB data plan which I pay $20.50 for and my 1000 texts. If I buy from Amazon I won't have an option but to choose 3GB for $30 and either no texts or Unlimited for $20. So it is either pay $200 for the phone at AT&T and pay $30.50 for what I need or pay $120 and add $20 to my monthly bill. I would buy from Amazon if I knew I could get back my data and text plans. I just don't trust I will be able to. Anyone with experience in this matter? Have you been successful in getting back your features/services after buying from a third party?
I price matched at Best Buy. Total came out to be around $160 with tax. However, they allowed me to keep unlimited data, which is more than worth it IMO.
RJEvans said:
I would love to buy from Amazon, but I don't want to give up my 2GB data plan which I pay $20.50 for and my 1000 texts. If I buy from Amazon I won't have an option but to choose 3GB for $30 and either no texts or Unlimited for $20. So it is either pay $200 for the phone at AT&T and pay $30.50 for what I need or pay $120 and add $20 to my monthly bill. I would buy from Amazon if I knew I could get back my data and text plans. I just don't trust I will be able to. Anyone with experience in this matter? Have you been successful in getting back your features/services after buying from a third party?
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I got mine from amazon and kept my 2GB plan. You can just ask AT&T to change the plan back when you call them to activate your new phone. They'll do it.
ECEXCURSION said:
You actually ask salespeople for advice? Stopped doing that years ago..
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
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No. I'm usually telling them how to do their job because they're clueless.
I got mine at Sam's club. They were on sale for $98
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