So the prices online & in the stores are different?

[marissa088]

Is this true? That's kind of annoying because I don't want to have to run around to different stores just to check the prices. Is there a way to do this via the internet? Also, what do you think about the Blackberry Curve 8350? I can get this one for free, I've found out. Do you like it?

Thanks!

[hotpinkx3]

Here is the deal. Lets say you buy the blackberry storm 2 at a store, and you HATE it, and within your 30 day exchange/return policy you buy a Blackberry tour. That storm you bought originally gets repacked, CANNOT be re-sold, gets sent back to corporate, and sold online. They can put the pretty little plastic stickers on the phone but it is not a guarenteed NEW phone. UNDER 30 DAYS THE FCC REGULATES THEY DONT HAVE TO SAY A SINGLE THING ABOUT THIS. Over 90 days it is called "certified pre-owned". My advice, upgrade at a store. Picture/contact transfer is free. Activation of the new phone is Free, and stores usually have amazing accessory deals (which makes the accessories close to nothing). Also, if you buy at a store, you have the support of the store. Meaning, if you have a problem, that store will take the time out to help you. If you dont like your phone, and you buy in a store, you can go back to that store and exchange it with no problem or hassles. Online, its a different story. If you buy online, there is a $20 charge to transfer services. You have to pay shipping, you have to wait for the phone to come in the mail, you do NOT get accessory deals, if you have a problem, the store associates most likely CANNOT help you, and if you do not like that new phone you got sent by verizonwireless.com, thats tough. you have to send it back, and wait yet again for a new phone. my honest advice, upgrading in a store is the way to go.

[marissa088]

Wow, thanks for the advice. I didn't know half of that stuff.

[marissa088]

How do you like your enV touch? I'm considering this one as well.

[SydneyK]

Don't believe everything you read here.

I've purchased online several times. The phones are new, shipping is free, you simply dial *228 to activate, and you get an instant rebate instead of having to mail it in and wait. Also, each shipment includes a return label -- if you don't like the phone, you simply box it up and return it at no charge to you.

In answer to your questions, you'd have to visit a store to find out its price. And, yes, I think the device you're considering is a  nice one. The trackpad is really smooth. There were two things, however, I didn't like when I tried it in a store: The camera has no flash, and I didn't think the browser was much faster than my old 8330.

Good luck with your purchase!

[nmchileman]

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marissa088 wrote:

Wow, thanks for the advice. I didn't know half of that stuff.

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You didn't know half that stuff because it isn't true.

Returned phones are not repackaged and sold as new. This may be a practice with nefarious indirect agents, but never at a direct retail store or direct VZW fulfillment location. Returned phones are usually kept to be shipped as warranty replacements or sold to Asurion for insurance replacements.

Depending on what part of the country you're in Contact/Picture transfer may actually be a $20 fee. However, this is easily accomplished using applications that VZW provides for you to use: Backup Assistant and VCast Media Manager.

Purchase online or instore and there is no charge to activate your new phone. You can do it yourself over-the-air, no need to go to a store. Returns or exchanges are also the same in-store or online. Return and get a full refund either way, no additional charge. Exchanging the phone will cost you a $35 restocking fee in-store or online.

VerizonWireless.com always offers free overnight shipping. They also have pretty good accessory bundles if you're interested.

If you go to a direct retail location whether you purchased the device in-store or online won't affect how you're handled in the store.

The only huge difference between purchasing in-store and online is the how the rebate is handled. Online the price starts at $129.99 then has a $100 instant rebate making the final price $29.99 (Not including your specific upgrade discount). But if you order it in the store you have to pay $129.99 upfront, then mail in for the $100 rebate and wait 6 weeks to get it back. So even if you end up getting the phone for free, if you purchase in store you'll still have to pay $100 upfront for the Mail-in rebate. So it's much better to just order it online.

[bstorm2b]

Yes that is a good choice to upgrade to if it is your first smartphone.It is very easy to navigate and use the phone. Plus it is a great price for a new blackberry. Also the upgrade from the trackball to the thumb pad is very nice. As for the difference in price there isn't much. It is more of how much you want to pay out of pocket for the phone. The internet price usually gives you an instant discount and the retail store just has you pay full price with a 2yr agreement,but then you get the mail in rebate. Most phones bought over the internet you can get free overnight shipping. If you go to the store you will get one that day and have a sales rep assist you if you have any questions about operating the phone.The only difference you are going to find if you goto a verizon "authorized retailer" they might have cheaper deals but you have to watch out for the service agreement because the plans could differ like not having the IN network included.

[hotpinkx3]

lol so i just sat here and made the whole thing up? i dont have time for that. i know this for a fact. we have about 100 returned phones getting shipped back to corporate today. you do what you want but i know the back end details of verizon wireless stores. so unless your in my shoes. please dont say "Half of the stuff is not true" when im only trying to help a loyal verizon customer out

[woyala]

Agree with nmchileman here.  VZW will not risk getting a lawsuit for selling phones that were returned during the 30 days trial.  They advertise the phones as new and all phones are new.  Only some indirect agents might do that but if they order phones from VZW warehouse then they're able to return them back instead of selling it as new.

Just keep something in mind OP, sometimes corporate locations and indirect locations can not match online free activation and BOGO's promos.  Plus you have to wait for the mail in rebate.