What exactly is an equipment purchase charge?

JNeal20
Enthusiast - Level 1

GM!! Was able to finally get my cellphone bill reduced from $387 monthly to $225 monthly but attempted to add an iPad toy account today and was told my next bill would be $420 due to a $35 activation fee and an additional fee for $34.50 for equipment charge… which is weird because I’m doing monthly installments of $17.42. Could someone explain to me what an equipment charge fee is? I’ve been with Verizon faithfully since 1995, and having them is slowly turning into a month car note that I can no longer afford. 

11 Replies
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We can go over the details on your bill. We will be sending a private message. ~Peter

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We're here to look over your bill. Let us know when you're available. ~Peter

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SB75
Enthusiast - Level 1

Why not answer this question publicly, because I have the same one? I’m a long-term customer. I want to add an Apple Watch to my account with a new line. I understand paying the $35 activation fee, but why are you charging an additional $70+ “equipment fee” on the first bill when I’m already going to make monthly installments to buy the watch? Honestly, it’s so off-putting I’m thinking of switching carriers. 

vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

 

We never want to see you leave usa. We are here to help. Were you purchasing this in a store? Where are you seeing this fee? Was this taxes? -Joe

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Kmedin
Enthusiast - Level 1

I was going to add another phone line and Verizon wants to charge a $35 activation fee on first bill, $48 in taxes now and another $70 for equipment fee on first bill, on top of the monthly cost for the phone and plan. They also have a promo for the phone but it is for 36 months, what the heck is going on here? Why the equipment fee when all you are doing is shipping out a phone for me to set up myself. Looking for new carriers at this point. 

Philup25
Enthusiast - Level 1

I am being charged $89 for equipment purchase! Just for the right to buy the phone? Outrageous. I would never have bought it from verizon had i known

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We can certainly help review your account and device payment agreements. We have sent you a private note so we can discuss in more detail.

-Bryan

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Melatienza
Newbie

Hi - I have the same question. I was looking to add a new line with an iPhone; the one time charges listed were the $35 activation fee, a $73 partial month charge and a $72 “equipment purchase” fee. Can you tell me what that last thing is? I tried going through the chat and the chat person kept telling me I was wrong or had added something to my cart.

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Hi there! We'll be happy to review any additional charges with you in regards to your order that you're putting together. To do so, I'll need to collect a few additional details from you. Please be on the lookout for a Private Message from us shortly. 

-Necia

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vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

Melatienza, We're just checking in to let you know we're here to help with your service concerns. Please let us know if you still need assistance.

-Art

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Cmchosen
Newbie

The service fees and equipment fees are ridiculous. I was going to switch because my grandson told me how much he was paying for 2 lines. I pay over $200 for 2 lines while he pays less than $100 for two lines. I went to get the Samsung s25 ultra, watch, and tablet for him. Because he needs a new phone and with the deal we thought we would just add him to our service plan. They want $105 now and over $800 in action and service fees. The $105 I was expecting the rest took me by surprise. They even want to charge me equipment fees and service charges on phones I already own. In what world should I have to reactivate services I currently have active to add another line. It's been so long I believe the phones I have on the plan is fully paid off. It's going to charge me almost $1000 then over $310 a month for 3 lines. 

 

Don't tell me I need to pay a $35 activation fee for each device then hope I hit continue without seeing no it's actually almost $1000. I have been with verizon for years They were the first internet and cellphone company I have used. I have probably been with them over 20 years. This is it my grandson offered to put me on his own service plan and guess what for unlimited everything and Hotspot it's going to cost him only $20 more a month for 2 lines. At this point I'll just buy him those devices out of pocket I'm not saving any money with verizon and have that be his gift for paying for my phone service. Unless I find out somehow the system messed up and it's not going to be that much I'm done with verizon. I could get a brand new car for what they charge me for 2 phone lines and I would probably pay less for the car each month than I do for 2 phones I rarely use. 

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