What are the big difference between corporate store and dealer store?
How many corporate stores and dealer stores exist in USA?
VZW operates both as entities that offer their services. Their are many differences, mainly with policies. While all of the corporate stores in America share the same policies, fees, and corporate employees, the retailers, do not. They operate under guidelines set by a department called "indirect", which manages their operations. Since VZW uses these retailers, they share the costs differently and thus, can either benefit or not benefit you. When you visit an indirect retailer, just ask a lot of questions pertaining to time lines on returns, whether the phone is ABSOLUTELY NEW (like in NEVER EVER activated on another line - even for a minute - it happens!). and the like. While I think most operate fair to good, they are their own businesses and as such are looking to make money too. Since they might not have the same volume as a corporate store, integrity may be an issue. Not saying it will be, but it has happened in the past. Just like with anything else, ask around and see if anyone likes or dislikes the retailer close to you. My understanding of a few years ago (when I worked there) was that the indirect channel was growing and that the company wanted it to eventually downsize the corporate cost stores... Good luck.
