About 4 weeks ago my impulsive buying habit got me into quite the financial problem using the EDGE program. I had a 928 and just couldn't resist getting the new ICON. I went to my local corporate store to make the buy. I was fully prepared to buy off contract because I did not have an update available.
The sales person advised me since I was a 19 year Verizon customer, I could take advantage of the early entrance to the EDGE program and get the ICON for just under $25 per month. I jumped at it and took the ICON home. My 928 was taken in on trade and all was well.
During the next few days a pang of guilt about being tied to the EDGE program took over and within my 14 day return window, I took back the ICON. I was given a 928 and thought the matter was over.
My wife, who pays the bill, asked why I was being charged again for the monthly EDGE program. I thought it was a mistake and called *611 and was connected to very helpful young man in Nebraska call center. Explained the problem and he said it was no problem and he could take care of it.
When he looked into the situation, he found that since I agreed to enter the EDGE program as an early qualifier, he could not do anything about it. He suggested I go to the local Corp Store I dealt with.
I did and found a brick wall. No longer having the ICON, I was now paying for a 928 that was given to me when I returned the ICON. I was told that the rules under early EDGE program, I could not cancel the EDGE but had to pay for the 928, a phone I traded in to begin with.
I was upset, mad and disgusted that a 19 year customer was being treated this way. I paid the ETF for the EDGE program, over $400, to get out of the obligation. Now, I have a $400 928 and still ho ICON.
I expressed my displeasure to one of the Store Managers but hit the brick wall again.
All of this said, it was my fault. The original sales person did not explain the early EDGE entry meant with respect to returning within the 14 day return policy. I did not read the fine print. I'm now out quite a sum of money for someone on a fixed retirement income.
I would caution everyone to ask questions about the details of the EDGE program. I didn't and now feel violated; even though it's my fault in the end.
I think it's a good way for people to get new phones and to keep up with new things every year. Just remember, ask questions and read, read, read the fine print.
