I have been a happy Verizon Wireless customer since 1995 when we had a
Bell Atlantic 3 watt bag phone. I don't want to leave them.
Yesterday I got an email flier from Amazon that I *think* said that if I
renew my contract with them instead with Verizon directly, I can get an
HTC Incredible 2 for a penny.
If I switched to Amazon, would I have to pay the contract-breaking fee
to VZW?
Would there be any advantage (other than the free phone) to switching?
Would I lose my teacher discount that we now have with VZW?
--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.
> Yesterday I got an email flier from Amazon that I *think* said
> that if I renew my contract with them instead with Verizon
> directly, I can get an HTC Incredible 2 for a penny.
>
> If I switched to Amazon, would I have to pay the contract-breaking
> fee to VZW?
Yes, how much of the original contract remains?
> Would there be any advantage (other than the free phone) to
> switching?
No, and one drawback, you'll need to agree with Amazon's ETF as well as
VZWs. It's not hidden nor is it unreasonable but it's a reason to read
all the fine print!
> Would I lose my teacher discount that we now have with VZW?
On 11/9/2011 3:59 PM, XS11E wrote:
> Janet Wilder<kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> Yesterday I got an email flier from Amazon that I *think* said
>> that if I renew my contract with them instead with Verizon
>> directly, I can get an HTC Incredible 2 for a penny.
>>
>> If I switched to Amazon, would I have to pay the contract-breaking
>> fee to VZW?
>
> Yes, how much of the original contract remains?
>
>> Would there be any advantage (other than the free phone) to
>> switching?
>
> No, and one drawback, you'll need to agree with Amazon's ETF as well as
> VZWs. It's not hidden nor is it unreasonable but it's a reason to read
> all the fine print!
>
>> Would I lose my teacher discount that we now have with VZW?
>
> Maybe, you'll need to ask VZW.
>
Thanks. I think I'll stick with VZW. At least I know what I have with
them and their service has been exemplary. By the time I can get a new
phone, it will be cheaper with VZW.
On 09/11/11 12:10 PM, Janet Wilder wrote:
> I have been a happy Verizon Wireless customer since 1995 when we had a
> Bell Atlantic 3 watt bag phone. I don't want to leave them.
>
> Yesterday I got an email flier from Amazon that I *think* said that if I
> renew my contract with them instead with Verizon directly, I can get an
> HTC Incredible 2 for a penny.
>
> If I switched to Amazon, would I have to pay the contract-breaking fee
> to VZW?
>
> Would there be any advantage (other than the free phone) to switching?
>
> Would I lose my teacher discount that we now have with VZW?
You don't lose anything. Of course if you're still under contract with
VZW you can' just break it without a fee. Renewing with Amazon is no
different than renewing at any Verizon Authorized Retailer like Radio
Shack or the Costco kiosk. However authorized retailers usually have
additional penalties for early termination in addition to the ones
imposed by Verizon, to protect them from losses since they are giving
you a much better deal on the phone than Verizon's company operated
stores (or Verizon's web store) will offer.
You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an authorized
retailer.
> It's all about money. If you can get a better deal from one vendor than
> another, great. VZW doesn't really care.
Verizon would prefer that subscribers use Verizon's own stores or even
better do everything online with Verizon since then they don't pay the
reseller the hefty commission (the commission that the reseller is using
part of to defray the cost of selling the phone for much less).
On 11/10/2011 11:02 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
> In article<4ebbe79d$0$1709$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
> SMS<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>
>> You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an authorized
>> retailer.
>
> Janet has little to no clue, heavy on the "no," as to how the world
> works.
>
> Oh--but don't try to TELL her how the world works. Ask her, and she'll
> insist that she KNOWS how it all work, and that you must be full of ****
> if you're trying to tell her otherwise.
>
> This isn't her first rodeo...and, sadly, won't be her last.
Isn't it rather lonely on top of that pedestal? Does your halo give you
headaches?
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-5BEFD0.12451610112011@news.eternal-september.org...
> In article <b4mdnQlq6uJXnyHTnZ2dnUVZ_tKdnZ2d@giganews.com>,
> "Richard B. Gilbert" <rgilbert88@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> On 11/10/2011 11:02 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
>> > In article<4ebbe79d$0$1709$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
>> > SMS<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>> >
>> >> You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an
>> >> authorized
>> >> retailer.
>> >
>> > Janet has little to no clue, heavy on the "no," as to how the world
>> > works.
>> >
>> > Oh--but don't try to TELL her how the world works. Ask her, and she'll
>> > insist that she KNOWS how it all work, and that you must be full of
>> > ****
>> > if you're trying to tell her otherwise.
>> >
>> > This isn't her first rodeo...and, sadly, won't be her last.
>>
>>
>> Isn't it rather lonely on top of that pedestal? Does your halo give you
>> headaches?
>
> Ah. You've never had the pleasure of watching Ms. Wilder in action on
> the Usenet, have you.
>
> Nor have you even bothered to see what I'm talking about.
>
> Is it comfortable for you in that pit of ignorance?
Two unnecessary and uncalled-for posts, given the thread. Haven't had to do
this for a while but...
On 11/10/2011 7:49 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
> In article<4ebbc8f7$0$24706$c3e8da3$88b277c5@news.ast raweb.com>,
> Janet Wilder<kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> On 11/9/2011 3:59 PM, XS11E wrote:
>>> Janet Wilder<kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Yesterday I got an email flier from Amazon that I *think* said
>>>> that if I renew my contract with them instead with Verizon
>>>> directly, I can get an HTC Incredible 2 for a penny.
>>>>
>>>> If I switched to Amazon, would I have to pay the contract-breaking
>>>> fee to VZW?
>>>
>>> Yes, how much of the original contract remains?
>>>
>>>> Would there be any advantage (other than the free phone) to
>>>> switching?
>>>
>>> No, and one drawback, you'll need to agree with Amazon's ETF as well as
>>> VZWs. It's not hidden nor is it unreasonable but it's a reason to read
>>> all the fine print!
>>>
>>>> Would I lose my teacher discount that we now have with VZW?
>>>
>>> Maybe, you'll need to ask VZW.
>>>
>>
>> Thanks. I think I'll stick with VZW. At least I know what I have with
>> them and their service has been exemplary. By the time I can get a new
>> phone, it will be cheaper with VZW.
>
> I think you're confused. Amazon is simply another VZW reseller--just
> like the little store in the mall. It's not like "Amazon is my phone
> service". Amazon is the reseller, and VZW is your phone service.
>
> It's all about money. If you can get a better deal from one vendor than
> another, great. VZW doesn't really care. It's THEIR service once the
> sales process is done.
On 11/10/2011 10:02 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
> In article<4ebbe79d$0$1709$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
> SMS<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>
>> You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an authorized
>> retailer.
>
> Janet has little to no clue, heavy on the "no," as to how the world
> works.
>
> Oh--but don't try to TELL her how the world works. Ask her, and she'll
> insist that she KNOWS how it all work, and that you must be full of ****
> if you're trying to tell her otherwise.
>
> This isn't her first rodeo...and, sadly, won't be her last.
You should change your name to Elmo Gratuitous-nasty.
On 11/10/2011 1:15 PM, Janet Wilder wrote:
> On 11/10/2011 10:02 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
>> In article<4ebbe79d$0$1709$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
>> SMS<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an authorized
>>> retailer.
>>
>> Janet has little to no clue, heavy on the "no," as to how the world
>> works.
>>
>> Oh--but don't try to TELL her how the world works. Ask her, and she'll
>> insist that she KNOWS how it all work, and that you must be full of ****
>> if you're trying to tell her otherwise.
>>
>> This isn't her first rodeo...and, sadly, won't be her last.
>
> You should change your name to Elmo Gratuitous-nasty.
>
> BIOYA
>
On 11/10/2011 12:56 PM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
> In article<4ebc14d0$0$2289$c3e8da3$460562f1@news.astr aweb.com>,
> Janet Wilder<kelliepoodle@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> On 11/10/2011 10:02 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
>>> In article<4ebbe79d$0$1709$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>,
>>> SMS<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> You aren't "switching to Amazon" you're simply renewing at an authorized
>>>> retailer.
>>>
>>> Janet has little to no clue, heavy on the "no," as to how the world
>>> works.
>>>
>>> Oh--but don't try to TELL her how the world works. Ask her, and she'll
>>> insist that she KNOWS how it all work, and that you must be full of ****
>>> if you're trying to tell her otherwise.
>>>
>>> This isn't her first rodeo...and, sadly, won't be her last.
>>
>> You should change your name to Elmo Gratuitous-nasty.
>
> Do you dispute a single thing I've said?
I think you are confusing me with someone else.
Now go find another sandbox. I don't play with bullies.
At 10 Nov 2011 08:18:27 -0800 SMS wrote:
> On 11/10/2011 5:49 AM, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:
>
> > It's all about money. If you can get a better deal from one vendor
than
> > another, great. VZW doesn't really care.
>
> Verizon would prefer that subscribers use Verizon's own stores or even
> better do everything online with Verizon since then they don't pay the
> reseller the hefty commission (the commission that the reseller is
> using part of to defray the cost of selling the phone for much less).
Instead, that commission goes to support the infrastructure of their
retail stores; rent, utilities, employee commissions and salaries,
inventory, etc., it's not like it goes straight into Verizon's coffers.
I doubt Verizon (or any carrier) cares much either way how they land new
activations as long as they land them.
> Instead, that commission goes to support the infrastructure of their
> retail stores; rent, utilities, employee commissions and salaries,
> inventory, etc., it's not like it goes straight into Verizon's coffers.
That's true, but that's a fairly fixed cost for the stores or phone
ordering (and a very fixed cost for web ordering). The cost of Verizon
Wireless hiring extra salespeople, either in-store or on the phone, to
support more customers is less than what they lose in incentives paid to
authorized resellers. Of course if they have to open more stores to
support a higher volume of customers then it's a different story.
> I doubt Verizon (or any carrier) cares much either way how they land new
> activations as long as they land them.
I think they care, but you're right that they don't care all that much,
at least for new activations. But to have to pay out hefty incentives to
authorized dealers, in addition to the subsidized phones, for contract
renewals, they might care a bit more.
At 10 Nov 2011 20:25:57 -0800 SMS wrote:
> On 11/10/2011 5:59 PM, Todd Allcock wrote:
>
> > Instead, that commission goes to support the infrastructure of their
> > retail stores; rent, utilities, employee commissions and salaries,
> > inventory, etc., it's not like it goes straight into Verizon's coffers.
>
> That's true, but that's a fairly fixed cost for the stores or phone
ordering (and a very fixed cost for web ordering). The cost of Verizon
Wireless hiring extra salespeople, either in-store or on the phone, to
support more customers is less than what they lose in incentives paid to
authorized resellers. Of course if they have to open more stores to
support a higher volume of customers then it's a different story.
>
> > I doubt Verizon (or any carrier) cares much either way how they land
new
> > activations as long as they land them.
>
> I think they care, but you're right that they don't care all that much,
> at least for new activations. But to have to pay out hefty incentives
> to authorized dealers, in addition to the subsidized phones, for
> contract renewals, they might care a bit more.
It's an either/or. Dealers don't get subsidized phones, they just get
incentive payments. Back when I used to be an indy Cingular dealer (in
the late 90s), we were paid $250-400 for every activation (amount
depended on the rate plan) but we paid full wholesale price for phones,
with "free" phones costing us $200 or so.
Someone with Amazon's volume buying power can buy cheaper than "Joe's
Cellular Shack" can, so it's easy for large volume sellers to undercut
carrier store pricing, since the carriers sell at subsidized "MSRP" to
avoid alienating their dealers.
> It's an either/or. Dealers don't get subsidized phones, they just get
> incentive payments. Back when I used to be an indy Cingular dealer (in
> the late 90s), we were paid $250-400 for every activation (amount
> depended on the rate plan) but we paid full wholesale price for phones,
> with "free" phones costing us $200 or so.
Did you get paid the same for contract renewals?
The carriers have created a system where for many subscribers it would
be bad to port out to a prepaid carrier then port back to get the
incentives that a new customer receives. The subscriber would lose their
grandfathered plan, which would be terrible if they had unlimited data.
At 10 Nov 2011 23:33:58 -0800 SMS wrote:
> On 11/10/2011 9:43 PM, Todd Allcock wrote:
>
> > It's an either/or. Dealers don't get subsidized phones, they just get
> > incentive payments. Back when I used to be an indy Cingular dealer
(in
> > the late 90s), we were paid $250-400 for every activation (amount
> > depended on the rate plan) but we paid full wholesale price for phones,
> > with "free" phones costing us $200 or so.
>
> Did you get paid the same for contract renewals?
Not even close. As cellular became more popular and the number of
renewals started beating the number of new activations, I made a hasty
exit from that business.
> The carriers have created a system where for many subscribers it would
> be bad to port out to a prepaid carrier then port back to get the
> incentives that a new customer receives. The subscriber would lose
> their grandfathered plan, which would be terrible if they had unlimited
> data.
Most carriers were smarter than that anyway even then. Cingular still
treated you as a renewal if you reactivated service within 120 days of
terminating it, making you ineligible for the better new subscriber
deals.
> Most carriers were smarter than that anyway even then. Cingular still
> treated you as a renewal if you reactivated service within 120 days of
> terminating it, making you ineligible for the better new subscriber
> deals.
Ah, so you'd need to port out to a prepaid carrier for 120 days, then
become a new customer again.
On 11/11/2011 8:28 AM, Todd Allcock wrote:
> At 10 Nov 2011 23:33:58 -0800 SMS wrote:
>> On 11/10/2011 9:43 PM, Todd Allcock wrote:
>>
>>> It's an either/or. Dealers don't get subsidized phones, they just get
>>> incentive payments. Back when I used to be an indy Cingular dealer
> (in
>>> the late 90s), we were paid $250-400 for every activation (amount
>>> depended on the rate plan) but we paid full wholesale price for phones,
>
>>> with "free" phones costing us $200 or so.
>>
>> Did you get paid the same for contract renewals?
>
>
> Not even close. As cellular became more popular and the number of
> renewals started beating the number of new activations, I made a hasty
> exit from that business.
That's why most resellers give better deals to customers activating new
lines as opposed to those renewing (you can check by changing the
options when looking at phones at Amazon and other sites). In fact,
Wirefly gives better prices for the first 2 lines renewing on a family
plan as compared to lines 3-5, so clearly the commission is different
for those as well.
Best Buy is unusual that they typically give the same prices for new
activations and renewals. I wonder if they have a different deal with
Verizon?
On Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:28:40 -0700, Todd Allcock wrote:
> At 10 Nov 2011 23:33:58 -0800 SMS wrote:
>> On 11/10/2011 9:43 PM, Todd Allcock wrote:
>>
>>> It's an either/or. Dealers don't get subsidized phones, they just get
>>> incentive payments. Back when I used to be an indy Cingular dealer
> (in
>>> the late 90s), we were paid $250-400 for every activation (amount
>>> depended on the rate plan) but we paid full wholesale price for phones,
>
>>> with "free" phones costing us $200 or so.
>>
>> Did you get paid the same for contract renewals?
>
>
> Not even close. As cellular became more popular and the number of
> renewals started beating the number of new activations, I made a hasty
> exit from that business.
>
>> The carriers have created a system where for many subscribers it would
>> be bad to port out to a prepaid carrier then port back to get the
>> incentives that a new customer receives. The subscriber would lose
>> their grandfathered plan, which would be terrible if they had unlimited
>> data.
>
>
> Most carriers were smarter than that anyway even then. Cingular still
> treated you as a renewal if you reactivated service within 120 days of
> terminating it, making you ineligible for the better new subscriber
> deals.
Hard to understand. Isn't it true that it's a whole lot costlier
to lure in a new customer than to retain an old customer? If so,
why isn't retaining old customers more of a priority than adding
new ones? Why shouldn't an old customer be offered a deal at least
as good as that offered a new customer? Don't the celcos think
loyalty deserves to be rewarded?
Cheers, -- tlvp
--
Avant de repondre, jeter la poubelle, SVP.
? Amazon as a phone service ? 
Linear Mode
