Where to buy Incredible?

[theblackabbot]

First up - yes, I know there is no stock on this device and I'll be waiting a few weeks.

Besides that, where you guys recommend I buy this phone?  From Verizon themselves (online or in a store) or from a place like Walmart or Bestbuy?  Some of the prices on VZ phones at Walmart are quite low, but the Incredible is still $199.  Also, Bestbuy has it for $199.  The thing is these two places don't make you do a rebate - you just get the $199 price (unless I am mistaken).

So what do you think - go with VZ or buy at Walmart or Bestbuy?

[AZSALUKI]

check best buy and sams club or costco (and wal mart). i'd call around because a few peeps have actually walked out of a best buy WITH the phone. some of them actually still have 1 or 2. i ordered mine in store. this is because i like to have a name and face to go back to if there are problems. i ddn't need the $100 of immediately and i got the rebate in about 2 1/2 weeks. if none of the retailers in your area actually have them in stock, then i'd order from a store....but that's just me. i've had much more success in the past (when i've had problems) when i had an actual person that i could go to and get something resolved. it's my belief that humans can be indifferent to a problem much easier than when you are a voice on the line as opposed to when you are standing in front them. but like i said.....check your local retailers because you never know. i've seen three guys on here in the past 2 weeks that found one in a best buy (and another that found one on walmart.com for immidiate shipping).

[theblackabbot]

Thanks for the advice.

What are the replacement options for buying phone at places like Walmart or Bestbuy?  Say the phone has a problem within 30 days, can you take it back to that place and get a new device like VW does?  That is my only concern about buying a phone at a 3rd party place.

[#4]

I bought my Droid on-line from Verizon.  The $199 price is immedate so you don't have to wait for a rebate.

[AZSALUKI]

that i don't know. i'm guessing you would have to go through the warranty and htc. it might be much more inconvenient than buying from vzn (although all they do for you is ship it back and you have to wait for the replacement to ship to you....so it may only save you the inconvenience of shipping it back yourself). i know in the past i could've avoided messin with rebates, or even got the phone slightly cheaper somewhere else, but i've always been more comfortable ordering in the store...where i can go back and deal with the same person, if i have problems. but i'm not sure....maybe you could just take it back to best buy and get a replacement?

[TheGreatOne]

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theblackabbot wrote:

Thanks for the advice.

What are the replacement options for buying phone at places like Walmart or Bestbuy?  Say the phone has a problem within 30 days, can you take it back to that place and get a new device like VW does?  That is my only concern about buying a phone at a 3rd party place.

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I bought one phone from Walmart before and landed up exchanging it. I did have 30 days to try out the phone yes. If you are within 30 days all you do is return the phone. Bring back all the phone equipment, original box and receipt too. You have the option to choose another phone that Walmart offers or just completely returning it and not getting anything in exchange. I returned my phone completey and got my money back.

I am sure Best Buy has the same policy. Although you may want to check the return policy on the company's web site.

[AZSALUKI]

but if you buy from a retailer, using your upgrade price, then return it for a refund.....can you still go get a new/different phone from verizon at the upgrade price....or does it cost you your upgrade?

[TheGreatOne]

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AZSALUKI wrote:

but if you buy from a retailer, using your upgrade price, then return it for a refund.....can you still go get a new/different phone from verizon at the upgrade price....or does it cost you your upgrade?

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I am pretty sure this stands for the same policy for Verizon. Here is what happened to me...

I got a new phone at my local Walmart store, but landed up not liking the sidekick. They did not have the G1 like I wanted so the lady told me I could go to a T-mobile store to get the G1. I would then have to just return the sidekick there and go get the G1 at the store.  The G1 was more expensive then the sidekick so I had to pay more for the G1 when I did get it from the T-mobile store.

[fezzik]

Best Buy has a great protection plan.  $9.99 a month no deductible.  They replace the phone as long as their is a carcass.  There is no lost or stolen protection.  I went with Verizon's protection plan because I feel I might lose it or have it stolen and then I would just be out a phone because I can't buy one out of pocket.  My luck would be it would be stolen or left in another city and I would have to go back to hoping I could activate my old feature phone and I would be sad.  Oh so very sad.  I can't imagine going back to a feature phone now.  Though the day may come. 

My wife has the Best Buy protection plan.  She decided to baptise her blackberry curve.  It soon gave up the ghost.  She went to Best Buy and walked out with a new blackberry no out of pocket.  It was a beautiful thing.  Verizon's will do the same thing but I believe it is $89 deductible.  But as I said it is worth it for me because I could very well leave it sitting somewhere like a **bleep** and have to get it replaced. 

[AZSALUKI]

the plans are nice, but i am more of a "self insurance" type of guy. i've only ever lost one phone (in 12 years) and luckily for me it was when i was eligible for an upgrade. so i always pass on the insurance and just accept the fact that if i lose it or "i" ruin it (as i have had a bad phone before, but it was under warranty so i got a replacement) then i'll be stuck gettin a refurb from verizon or buying on ebay. they come with one year warranties and i use my wife's and my upgrades so i typically get a new phone every year. i know at some point i'll be stuck paying $ to replace one, but i figure i have saved way more over time by not getting the protection. refurbed moto droids go for $290 (vzn) and are what they use for replacement phones and on ebay you can pick one up for $200-$250. the downside is if "i" ruin a phone that is so new that they don't sell many used on ebay or refurbs through vzn. then i'd be stuck downgrading (although i don't think going from my incredible to a moto droid would be much of a downgrade).

[Snarl99]

I always prefer an actual store, if you have any problems just take it back and they take care of it.  In the past I have taken several phones in for service, and they ask if I purchased  at a Verizon store, or authorized retailer before they helped me.

 also if you are with the new every 2 you will get the phone cheaper. I actually go the incredible on release day from a Verizon store for $99.00. 199.00 plus $100 rebate for new every 2.