Can't understand!

Just got off the phone with Verizon specialist. Tried to upgrade one of our lines. Online Verizon wants 100 bucks. Can get the same phone at Walmart for 50 bucks. I asked why that is and I got the different promotions answer and was told they understood if I went to Walmart. I can't understand why that is, I have always done business with Corporate Verizon and never ever was told just to go to Walmart! Is that crazy or am I just out there thinking Verizon would want to keep their customers happy?

Accepted answers

Xyvis

Hi Dotdoo,

Every retailer has sales. The same goes for the cell phone industry. Walmart in this case, is selling the same phone you can purchase online from Verizon, but for less either because that is what they choose to charge, or they are having a promotion. Walmart has a direct purchasing agreement with the manufacturer of cellular equipment exclusive to them based on their ability to sell / distribute their products in mass. Verizon and Walmart are in a service agreement only, but not an equipment agreement the two are mutually distinct.

If you want the phone for Walmart's price, then you will have to go to Walmart, just like if you see BestBuy selling a TV for a really low price for example, you have to go to BestBuy, for the price you want.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new phone.

All comments

Xyvis

Hi Dotdoo,

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new phone.

DOTDOO

So customer loyalty is no longer wanted or needed by Verizon? I guess I still don't understand it. May just let contracts run out and become one of those customers who switch every two years to a different carrier. Doesn't seem like years of being a customer amounts to much anymore!

Xyvis

My entitlement sense is tingling!

jokes aside; loyalty is not in the cards for this situation. You are wanting a new device, and you are getting a new device at a heavily discounted price with the agreement of a 2-year contract.

That being said, if you shop around and see that Walmart is offering the same phone with the same agreement for less, then by all means, purchase it at Walmart. In many cases if you can get a better deal at a local retailer, then why not? You'll get the phone the same day, instead of having to wait for the warehouse to ship the Verizon online orders.

Loyalty is not another word for, extra discounts.

Keep in mind, should you choose to jump ship many carriers charge an activation fee of $36.

Altruistic_1

Though VzW sells different devices at a specific price, they have third party retailers that purchase devices from them and sell them at whatever cost they wish along with VzW service. VzW does not have to price match with them. It's the equivalent of comparing the cost of a flatscreen television from Sony to how much the same television costs at Wal-Mart. The cost is almost always going to be lower at Wal-Mart as they are able to charge what they want for the television but Sony does not have to match that pricing.

Verizon_Support

We certainly do care about customer loyalty and appreciate you being with our family DOTDOO. We do our best to offer great pricing and different options so that you know your business is appreciated. There are third party retailers that sell our equipment but offer their own pricing. Since they are not affiliated with us we can not match their pricing and the same for them but will definitely allow you opportunity to purchase your phone from them to use on your account as long as its verizon wireless compatible. I'm sorry if the pricing is different but I know you will enjoy your new phone no matter what channel you choose to purchase it from. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

KinquanaH_Vzw

Follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport