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buying phones?

Where is the best place to buy unlocked overseas phones from, especially the sgs2, A lot of the sites do not seem very safe

Ebay
Use ebay. Because if you go through paypal you can dispute a claim if it ends up being a bad sale.

Expansys-Usa or Negri or New Egg. If you shop around and wait and look up coupon codes, you can find great deals. For instance you can get a new unlocked canadian nexus off of negri right now for $565 shipped. Overseas customers make Ebay ridiculously expensive. Unlocked Iphones sell for more on Ebay than they do directly from Apple...I don't see how that makes any sense...

Buying a Note in the US

Hi all
I'm from Ireland and I'm going to be in the US in september and I'm hoping to buy a note 10.1 as it's much cheaper there than it is in Ireland (in the order of $150 cheaper).
What is the best brick and mortar store?
Best buy seems to be the only place I can find that (on the net atleast) would have in stock, also is there anything I'm not thinking about? taxes or the charges which may affect me I'm going to california by the way.

Office Max is a good brick n mortar store, that sells the G-Note 10.1 All you have to pay extra is California's state sales tax.

cyb3r5c4r said:
Hi all
I'm from Ireland and I'm going to be in the US in september and I'm hoping to buy a note 10.1 as it's much cheaper there than it is in Ireland (in the order of $150 cheaper).
What is the best brick and mortar store?
Best buy seems to be the only place I can find that (on the net atleast) would have in stock, also is there anything I'm not thinking about? taxes or the charges which may affect me I'm going to california by the way.
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I bought mine from newegg.com for $499 with free shipping (ups 3days) and without tax
while I was in a hotel in Texas for a business trip.
But I think you'll end up paying tax in California if you order from newegg.
Goto www.nowinstock.net and check out other online stores as well.
Good luck.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm now thinking to avoid sales tax(and wasting my time finding stores) to buy the note 10.1 and Tab2 7.0(for my gf) on Amazon and have it shipped to my gf dad who lives in cali

cyb3r5c4r said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm now thinking to avoid sales tax(and wasting my time finding stores) to buy the note 10.1 and Tab2 7.0(for my gf) on Amazon and have it shipped to my gf dad who lives in cali
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I may be mistaking something, but how are you avoiding tax by purchasing online? Does it depend on the state you ship it to? I live in Canada, so I'm not used to this tax exemption concept.

well my understanding(recent research from google) is that most states have sales tax which is charged on top of the price of good at point of sale. I'm not exactly sure how online retailers avoid having to pay sales tax but I believe it has to do with selling good from outside the state where the customer is.

In the US, you usually don't pay sales tax online UNLESS the store has a physical presence in your state. That has it's exceptions though, like Amazon, here in CA you currently don't pay tax to sales fulfilled directly by them (sales fulfilled by 3rd parties on Amazon still carry tax IF they are in your state) because they have no physical presence in CA, however, through a deal made last year between CA and Amazon, we will have to start paying sales tax on ALL Amazon purchases, regardless of whether it's coming directly from them or from a 3rd party. If you want sales tax free online stuff in CA after September, you'll have to go with somebody like B&H, JR or Adorama, who are all located in New York City.

Bestbuy Preorders for Verizon

Hey so I was thinking about preordering from bestbuy but i noticed on their website, they have the unlocked s6 for 750, while verizon has it for 600. What prices have people around here been getting the verizon one for from bestbuy?

NoFanboy said:
Hey so I was thinking about preordering from bestbuy but i noticed on their website, they have the unlocked s6 for 750, while verizon has it for 600. What prices have people around here been getting the verizon one for from bestbuy?
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They usually can price match Verizon corporate price.

Best Buy on Elston in Chicago was selling pre-orders with included charging dock, but unfortunately, had no 128GB SKUS whatsoever. By the way, does anyone know where we can pre-order off-contract S6 Edge's?

eyc said:
Best Buy on Elston in Chicago was selling pre-orders with included charging dock, but unfortunately, had no 128GB SKUS whatsoever. By the way, does anyone know where we can pre-order off-contract S6 Edge's?
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You should be able to pre-order off-contract S6's and S6 Edge's anywhere (carrier stores, carrier website, best buy website, best buy stores)

Juliann826 said:
You should be able to pre-order off-contract S6's and S6 Edge's anywhere (carrier stores, carrier website, best buy website, best buy stores)
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People are saying that the off-contract prices at Best Buy are $150 more than at VZW, but that certainly wasn't the case for me. See http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/31391i/free_wireless_charger_at_best_buy_for_pre_order/

eyc said:
People are saying that the off-contract prices at Best Buy are $150 more than at VZW, but that certainly wasn't the case for me. See http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/31391i/free_wireless_charger_at_best_buy_for_pre_order/
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Yes Best Buy's prices are $150 more than Verizon, however I've heard they're price matching. Seems silly to me, plus you're more likely to get it in your hand sooner if you pre order from verizon

Juliann826 said:
Yes Best Buy's prices are $150 more than Verizon, however I've heard they're price matching. Seems silly to me, plus you're more likely to get it in your hand sooner if you pre order from verizon
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Right. But, if they are price matching (which they were at my location), then I'd rather go with Best Buy and get the free wireless charger, which is $60.

So i did my research and talked to a few bb employee friends and they do not price match off contract pricing. Anyone that says they will is probably just saying that, and they'll most likely give you a hard time when you go on the 10th to pay full price. Of course, you can be an exception though.
Anyways, submit my preorder with vzw and ordered a 20$ wireless charger from amazon.

I questioned a Best Buy employee yesterday to verify my full retail price and questioned the price being $150 more. He assured me they would price match the Verizon "Edge" price which in my case was $699 for the 64GB. He offered to give me a written price quote to avoid any confusion on release day and I took him up on it.
Now obviously there is no guarantee that any of that will prevent them from trying to over charge me when it's released but I feel okay about it.
I also questioned him about the Verizon release date and if they'd have it ON that date. He told me they were planning on an April 10th release date unless they get a "push back" date from a Verizon. He said if that's the case it'll be the same for everyone including Verizon. He said the only thing that would prevent someone from getting a pre-order ON that release date would be a lack of supply. He said this was an issue with the Note 4 but he wasn't sure if it was something they'd have an issue with for the S6.
Again none of this really means anything and it's no guarantee but hopefully it'll provide some comfort for those of us who have already preordered from Best Buy.

Hi Verizon users, does the S6 work for T-Mobile's LTE frequencies? I really want to ditch my Note 4, but I honestly cannot tell because I feel like the bands are lower, but I hear the S6 is unlocked though Verizon. Is this true?

Just letting everyone know that if your getting the 2051 error code that they "VZW/bb" know about lol but don't about"know anything " about. At the last step your billing pass is not you acct login pass. It's the last 4 of you ss. Even though you put your ssss above.

Also beware, do not pay off your edge plan over the phone in order to edge up. You will be in limbo for a month. I was in best buy last Wednesday night to pre order and what I wanted to do was keep my Droid Turbo so I was paying it off completely. At the advice of the person at best buy he told me to call 611 and do the transaction, so I did. The Customer service rep took my payment knowing what I was trying to do and he told me I was good to start a new edge plan. Well no the only way you can pay off your edge plan is to go to a Corp store but no one told me this and now I can't get any phone unless I buy it out right for 30 days.

They could price match verizon corporate price.

This morning I got an email saying my order was delayed until May 7th, then 4 hours later got an email saying my order had shipped. Glad I didn't cancel.

they shippped the wireless charger not the phone......atleast for me.

Carl Kast said:
They could price match verizon corporate price.
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I went in to pay full price and they told me they could not match Verizon's price. I was told that it was less than their cost. I call B.S. on that but either way, I had then refund my gift card and went and bought it at Verizon.
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

Said it shipped phone just now, 6 hours after the charger shipped. Looks like Monday or Tuesday for delivery.

IMMORTALKING69 said:
they shippped the wireless charger not the phone......atleast for me.
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I finally got around to logging into Best Buy, it looks like I'm only getting the wireless charger on Monday too. Unlike your later post, my phone still hasn't shipped.

Anyone know when BB will get the gold in? I picked up on 4/10, but 32 white. Really want the gold. Hoping it comes in within the next two weeks.

Bestbuy Sucks
I pre-ordered from bUstbuy. I got an email stating i can pick up my pre-order on 4/10/15. I went by the store to pick up my phone and they said. Verizon is not selling that phone until 4/17.
i argued with the guy for a few minutes and asked why i got the email from their company saying my order was ready for pickup.
He started getting kinda irate about me questioning him. he about yelled at me that Verizon stores are not selling the phone until 4/17......
So i left bUstbuy and went across the street to verizon and picked up my new 64gb white S6.
F- Bustbuy... they'll never get my business again.

S6 on eBay?

I'm thinking of buying a Galaxy S6 on eBay to save some money from the T-Mobile pricing. I'd root the phone, fwiw. Is there any reason not to buy a phone from a highly rated seller on eBay? For use in the US, would getting the dual sim version bring potential risks with compatibility of ROMs, including the stock Samsung one?
I see that Amazon has the same international unlocked phones for similar prices. Same situation as those on eBay?
Ultimately, I have no interest in Touch Wiz. I prefer to run a more vanilla Android interface with whatever launcher.

Buy from legit sources. There is a predominance of fake S6 being sold online. Its not worth the few pennies you will save.

Also, beware it is now the 'peak season' for S6 returns. So you're chances of getting a brand new phone are lower. I don't know if the Samsung US site has refurbs but that might be a good choice for a cheap S6. Buying from a carrier has advantages -- easy returns, warranty, etc. If you buy from T-Mobile you opt out of your plan after 2 mos. and they'll unlock the phone in case you didn't know.

Thanks for the input. Sound thinking. I won't go down the needlessly risky road. T-Mobile tells me that they'll unlock the phone after 40 days.

Pre-order Samsung Trade in Value?

I thought all the reviews said up to $600 trade in but when I log in to do the pre-order the most I see is $450 for an S10+, and only offering $300 for my Note 9. What gives?

And the UK the opposite, banner says £350 max trade in but I was offered £400 for my Note 9!

jrapps said:
I thought all the reviews said up to $600 trade in but when I log in to do the pre-order the most I see is $450 for an S10+, and only offering $300 for my Note 9. What gives?
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I think it has to do with what carrier version you order. I ordered the Unlocked and got $600 for my Note 9.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
I think it has to do with what carrier version you order. I ordered the Unlocked and got $600 for my Note 9.
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Used $150 toward new Galaxy Watch down to $200 from $350 so, it will cost me $150 after the $50 bonus later on.
Traded in S10e for $600.

FUC$ING citibank keep blocking my charge! for fraud protection!
should have used a different credit card instead !

Mr. Orange 645 said:
I think it has to do with what carrier version you order. I ordered the Unlocked and got $600 for my Note 9.
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Best Buy gives you $600 for an S10+ - but the difference is, Samsung will also give you a $200 credit for accessories - so it is the same deal - just presented differently. I went with Best Buy. I don't need the accessories.

Geekser said:
Best Buy gives you $600 for an S10+ - but the difference is, Samsung will also give you a $200 credit for accessories - so it is the same deal - just presented differently. I went with Best Buy. I don't need the accessories.
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how is it the same deal?
bestbuy give you 600$ for S10+
samsung give you 600$ for s10+ **PLUS** 200$ credits for accessories. i getting wireless galaxy bud (already have one from s10+ but it' free, why not), plus LED back cover for free.
UPDATE: i really like the wireless galaxy bud, it stays in my ears. the WIRED included ear buds always falling off my left ears. and those headset over your head makes my head hurts.

netnerd said:
how is it the same deal?
bestbuy give you 600$ for S10+
samsung give you 600$ for s10+ **PLUS** 200$ credits for accessories. i getting wireless galaxy bud (already have one from s10+ but it' free, why not), plus LED back cover for free.
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Samsung didn't offer me $600 - they offered $450. I got the branded ATT varient because it is more compatible with ATT enhanced services.
So for me - it was about the same as Samsung;s Deal - Plus you can only get that cool blue color from Best Buy - another plus for me - but maybe not for everyone.
If you like the Samsung deal better that's cool -

mzsquared said:
Used $150 toward new Galaxy Watch down to $200 from $350 so, it will cost me $150 after the $50 bonus later on.
Traded in S10e for $600.
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Well crap. I didn't see that. That means the Galaxy Watch wouldve been basically free for me. Oh well.

You guys are lucky.... 200$+ a value for your "old" phone...... Just simulated my "return", 100% NEW (from warranty) Note8 and they will refund me 310€ (347,42$) and NO acessories .......
The new Note 10+ (256GB) prices are around 1130€ (1266,69$) unlocked..... Carrier wise is the same price..... Definitly NOT worth it!!!!! Even with the possibility paying it in 24 months (for a phone!!!)....... Almost forgot that the wages here in PT are very, very,very low so its possible that more then 75% is sold on credit........
So if i want to upgrade i will have to wait untill xmas and hope that this will take a dive in price at that time, for now its just reading reviews and opinions.....
Beco

netnerd said:
FUC$ING citibank keep blocking my charge! for fraud protection!
should have used a different credit card instead !
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Try ordering with different browser, I couldn't complete my order on Firefox, was going back and forth and the "submit" button didn't work, kind of 'greyed out', I think I had that problem before(also Citibank), so I used Chrome and it went right through. Firefox may not have the right https security certification.

Geekser said:
Samsung didn't offer me $600 - they offered $450. I got the branded ATT varient because it is more compatible with ATT enhanced services.
So for me - it was about the same as Samsung;s Deal - Plus you can only get that cool blue color from Best Buy - another plus for me - but maybe not for everyone.
If you like the Samsung deal better that's cool -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you.
I was really disappointed that Samsung had the $450 offer for my AT&T S10+, and had $200 to buy more stuff, and I REALLY tried to find something they had listed but I just couldn't find anything. So I cancelled my order with Samsung and went the Best Buy route, thanks for the great tip! It makes a super expensive phone a little easier to get.

Awww, nothing for my Galaxy Note 3

I am being offered 280 eur for my Note 9 128MB. That is downright ****ty offer.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

I got $600 plus $150 accessory voucher.
My question is will it matter if I have an international snapdragon variant to trade and does anybody know how and when I will have to trade it?
Edit - I'm in the US btw. I ordered the unlocked note 10 plus.

Airtioteclint said:
I got $600 plus $150 accessory voucher.
My question is will it matter if I have an international snapdragon variant to trade and does anybody know how and when I will have to trade it?
Edit - I'm in the US btw. I ordered the unlocked note 10 plus.
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I don't think it matters to them, they only specify the model in general and talk about condition of the device. Am gonna take care of documenting the condition of my return with lots of pics, record Serial # etc. Someone said that Samsung outsourced the returns to 3rd party people, who knows where the returned stuff goes, but I am sure it's all for profit and they might try to 'stiff' us a little here and there to knock some bucks from the promised $600.
I found the details on trade in email from Samsung, we have to wait for now 'til we get the phones:
Quote: " For a limited time only, on Samsung.com/Shop Samsung App, pre-order or purchase a new qualifying Galaxy NOTE10 or NOTE10+ device ("Qualifying Purchase"), send in your qualifying trade-in device to Samsung through the Samsung Trade-In Program, and if Samsung determines your trade-in device meets all eligibility requirements, you will receive a trade-in credit specific to your qualifying trade-in device to apply toward your Qualifying Purchase. Device models that currently qualify for trade-in and trade-in credit amounts associated with those models are available on Samsung.com and the Shop Samsung App; eligible models and amounts may change at Samsung's sole discretion. To be eligible for trade-in, your qualifying device must meet all Trade-In Program eligibility requirements, which include, but are not limited to, that the device powers on, holds a charge, and does not power off unexpectedly; has a functioning display; has no breaks or cracks in the screen (unless a cracked screen offer applies); has no breaks or cracks in the case; has no liquid damage (whether visible or not); has no other defects that go beyond normal wear and tear; is not on a black list; has a verified FCC ID; has been reset to factory settings; has all personal information removed; has all software locks disabled; and is owned by you (leased devices are not eligible). Anticipated trade-in value will be applied as a credit at time of purchase, but, if you do not send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase, or if you send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase but Samsung determines your device does not meet all eligibility requirements, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase minus $25. Participation in this program does not excuse you from contracts with your carrier or retailer (or any related payments or fees) for the device that was traded in. Limit 1 trade-in per Qualifying Purchase. Samsung reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time. The Trade-In Program cannot be combined with any other Samsung, carrier or retailer promotions, discounts, or offers unless specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of such offers. Additional terms, including terms that govern the resolution of disputes, apply."