DROID Bionic And Accessory Bundle Costco Discussion Thread (Including Q&A from YankeeDudeL)

[rossman26]

I'm not free until noon on Thursday. I'm really hoping the local store in east Phoenix will have plenty available. Now, here's the thing. I'm not a Costco member; I'd join for this deal, however. Should I just wait until Thursday afternoon to go into the Costco, get a membership and then hope they have the Bionic and accessories pack? Can I call to verify or preorder ahead of time?

If you are nice and just indicate that you'd like to go in and check on the availability of a phone before you purchase your membership they'll let you in. There have been days when I didn't have my card and needed to hop in to look for something for my wife and they have always been more than gracious. It also helps that even if they let you in, you can't buy anything without a card so there's really no harm in allowing you entry.

Edited to add that you can indeed call ahead to verify they have them in stock which is what I'll do just to be safe since I live 30 minutes away.

I'd suggest you talk to them at the door, walk in, check availability and if they have one, ask them to hold it for five minutes while you walk over to the Customer Service area and purchase your membership. Easy as pie and then you don't buy a membership without being able to get a phone.

 

[AurJohn]

I'm not free until noon on Thursday. I'm really hoping the local store in east Phoenix will have plenty available. Now, here's the thing. I'm not a Costco member; I'd join for this deal, however. Should I just wait until Thursday afternoon to go into the Costco, get a membership and then hope they have the Bionic and accessories pack? Can I call to verify or preorder ahead of time?

You can get a refund on your membership at any time if you are not satisfied, for example if you hope they have the Bionic and accessories pack but they're out, then you can refund your membership.

Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Costco Membership

 

[messenger13]

Stopped by Costco on my way home from work today (30 minutes outta the way ).

Two guys standing behind the VzW counter.

Clueless Rep: "Can I help you?"
Me: "Yes. Will you be selling the Bionic this Thursday?"
Clueless Rep: "We won't have the Bionic by Thursday."

Clueless Rep looks at Less Clueless Rep.

Less Clueless Rep: "Oh, we'll have it. I'm just not sure we'll be selling it on Thursday."
Me: "Are you sure?"
Less Clueless Rep: "Yep. You'll have to call us on Thursday."
Me: "I guess so."

Me: Turns and walks away in total disappointment...

 

[marine one]

First, a big thanks to YankeeDudeL for taking the time to thoroughly (and patiently) answer all of our many questions here.

It seems to me that between the discounted price, the accessory bundle, and the extension of the return policy from 30 to 90 days, Costco is going to offer the best value for purchasing this phone.

My problem is this (flame suit on): I really wanted to compare the Bionic to the Nexus Prime before making my final decision. I figure that I've waited this long (I was due an upgrade in July) that I'd like to explore both LTE phones before plunking down my money. It wold be great to be able to both read the initial reviews and do a hands on comparison of both items. I jumped in and got the Droid 1 about a week after they were introduced. I should have waited as I knew when I bought it that I would never use the slide out keyboard. It was replacing an LG phone that was on its deathbed, so I had little recourse at the time. I don't want to jump the gun again.

From what YankeeDudeL has posted here it sounds like the Costco accessory kit will be gone before the projected October debut of the Nexus Prime, so such a comparison is out of the question if I want the extra goodies that Costco is offering. I guess it's always something.

 

[marine one]

Time for some good news/bad news. I dont have a lot of time beiing at work now, but I can only quickly say that, yes, we will have the Bionic on Thursday, but each Costco in the Southeast will have just 6 of them in. When I can add more, I will.

Sounds like if that is the case that those of us who don't get there on Sept 8 won't have to worry about the accessory bundles disappearing on the first day.

 

[thatguy188]

Ok so I've just called my local Costco here in Charleston, SC. The gorgeous sounding lady on the other end informed me that "yepp, we'll have it on thursday" (the Bionic), and when I asked about a special accessory bundle coming with it she said she can't say for sure, but she has heard a couple of people talking about it, but she didn't want to tell me yes and then them not have it. They will however include all normal accessories like car charger, carrying case & headphones even if this accessory deal is out to be a fake.

@messenger13 -- Very clueless indeed. lol.

 

[tehsusenoh]

I was just at Costco, talking to the wonderful rep who will be there when the Bionic is first launched. Here's a recap of what I learned.

Apparently, the deal is real, as they have their shipment in. I asked him the exact details, and he listed off the desk dock, navigation dock, and the extra battery w/ charger. That made me very happy.

He also confirmed the pricing: $299.

He also said that he had many, many calls just today about the Bionic. We got his direct phone line in so that, if something happens, we can call and see how the stock is doing.

He said that they would probably be sold out by noon or 1 o'clock, based on how interested people seems to be (who knew people know that the Bionic exists?).

He also told me that my dad could get there early, buy the phone at the $299 price, change the plans to the correct, but just not activate the phone in-store. He said that was completely normal. My dad is going to get one too, but will activate his right away, as he has no idea what he is doing.

Another fun thing to note:

They got their LG Thrill shipment in Friday, and put them out on the floor right when they got them. They've sold many since then.

It's funny, as the Thrill came out Monday, I believe.

Hopefully this helps some people here.

<3 Wireless Advocates, such nice, knowledgeable people.

 

[Jeffery]

Where is the Costco you are speaking of located?

I was just at Costco, talking to the wonderful rep who will be there when the Bionic is first launched. Here's a recap of what I learned.

Apparently, the deal is real, as they have their shipment in. I asked him the exact details, and he listed off the desk dock, navigation dock, and the extra battery w/ charger. That made me very happy.

He also confirmed the pricing: $299.

He also said that he had many, many calls just today about the Bionic. We got his direct phone line in so that, if something happens, we can call and see how the stock is doing.

He said that they would probably be sold out by noon or 1 o'clock, based on how interested people seems to be (who knew people know that the Bionic exists?).

He also told me that my dad could get there early, buy the phone at the $299 price, change the plans to the correct, but just not activate the phone in-store. He said that was completely normal. My dad is going to get one too, but will activate his right away, as he has no idea what he is doing.

Another fun thing to note:

They got their LG Thrill shipment in Friday, and put them out on the floor right when they got them. They've sold many since then.

It's funny, as the Thrill came out Monday, I believe.

Hopefully this helps some people here.

<3 Wireless Advocates, such nice, knowledgeable people.

 

[tehsusenoh]

Where is the Costco you are speaking of located?

Depends what you plan to do this information. I'll tell you, just don't be reporting them for releasing the Thrill too early.

St. Charles, IL.

 

[Jeffery]

Nope, just trying to decide if I should miss work in the AM to get the phone or wait until after work. My Costco is in Naples, FL.

Thanks!

Depends what you plan to do this information. I'll tell you, just don't be reporting them for releasing the Thrill too early.

St. Charles, IL.

 

[MtnbikerChk]

Time for some good news/bad news. I dont have a lot of time beiing at work now, but I can only quickly say that, yes, we will have the Bionic on Thursday, but each Costco in the Southeast will have just 6 of them in. When I can add more, I will.

This is extremely disturbing......

 

[biker128pedal]

Thursday is getting close. I may be able to take off for a few hours to go get a phone. I was due for a new phone 5 YEARS ago. For a Samsung Charge or that other phone which must not be named I get $100 off online with Verizonwireless. Can I do this at Costco. Then can I get the $100 rebate and can I turn in an old phone. I want to keep mine as a spare.

Bionicle Spike

 

[Jeffery]

Thursday is getting close. I may be able to take off for a few hours to go get a phone. I was due for a new phone 5 YEARS ago. For a Samsung Charge or that other phone which must not be named I get $100 off online with Verizonwireless. Can I do this at Costco. Then can I get the $100 rebate and can I turn in an old phone. I want to keep mine as a spare.

Bionicle Spike

I would think that if you already have a data plan that Verizon will not honor the $100 rebate for turning in a "non-smart" phone, but I could be wrong.

 

[johnlgalt]

Time for some good news/bad news. I dont have a lot of time beiing at work now, but I can only quickly say that, yes, we will have the Bionic on Thursday, but each Costco in the Southeast will have just 6 of them in. When I can add more, I will.

This is extremely disturbing......

Zactly. I have a Chiropracter's appt in the AM - I might have to reschedule it so I can be at the store at 10 AM!!!

 

[MtnbikerChk]

Zactly. I have a Chiropracter's appt in the AM - I might have to reschedule it so I can be at the store at 10 AM!!!

my husband already said to me "you're not going to sleep at all wednesday night."

tee hee! Yep, I'M giddy.

 

[Brewtus37]

I called up my local (well my parent's local) Costco today and spoke with the cell phone kiosk. He told me that they most likely would not get the Bionic out on Thursday but probably Friday. I asked if it was possible to be put on a preorder/hold list. He told me no problem, and that I was the first one on the list. He's going to call me as soon as they are available. Thought I'd share as it's worth a shot for everyone else. I'm at least happy about it!

 

[biker128pedal]

I would think that if you already have a data plan that Verizon will not honor the $100 rebate for turning in a "non-smart" phone, but I could be wrong.

I may be in luck. My phone is an old LG plain phone with no camera but a huge speaker.

 

[Vehtemas]

I called up my local (well my parent's local) Costco today and spoke with the cell phone kiosk. He told me that they most likely would not get the Bionic out on Thursday but probably Friday. I asked if it was possible to be put on a preorder/hold list. He told me no problem, and that I was the first one on the list. He's going to call me as soon as they are available. Thought I'd share as it's worth a shot for everyone else. I'm at least happy about it!

Eh, i get a $50 credit for accessories, I won't be waiting a day to get it =P

 

[rocket97]

Went and talked to my the people at the wireless kiosk in Costco this evening. The girl at the kiosk said that they are getting the Bionic, but she is not sure when. She told me to call on Thursday at 9:15AM to see if they have it.

 

[odiej34]

Costco's in Tucson open at 9:00 A.M for executive and business members on Tues and Thursdays. Check your local Costco to see if you can get in one hour early.

 

[tehsusenoh]

Costco's in Tucson open at 9:00 A.M for executive and business members on Tues and Thursdays. Check your local Costco to see if you can get in one hour early.

Wait, executive? That's what I am! Hopefully my Costco does this as well.

EDIT:

Nope, my Costco doesn't have the early hours. Sams does though, but they suck.

 

[johnlgalt]

Went and talked to my the people at the wireless kiosk in Costco this evening. The girl at the kiosk said that they are getting the Bionic, but she is not sure when. She told me to call on Thursday at 9:15AM to see if they have it.

Costco's in Tucson open at 9:00 A.M for executive and business members on Tues and Thursdays. Check your local Costco to see if you can get in one hour early.

So glad you guys posted that info - the Atlanta area stores all open at 10 AM, but the closest one to me (which, incidentally, shows that it offers a lot more things than the other stores as far as 'amenities' are concerned) has an opening time of 8 AM....

Looks like I get to go spend the night in ATL....

 

[BringItSon]

Hey yankee,



I live in NJ and called like 3 costcos already. They said they are not sure when they are getting it and they are hoping for Thursday shipment. They didnt say how many they are getting, but i am guessing not much since there has been posts saying some location is only getting 5 devices

so, can i ask you how many Bionic your location is getting? and when you are getting it?

 

[thatguy188]

Time for some good news/bad news. I dont have a lot of time beiing at work now, but I can only quickly say that, yes, we will have the Bionic on Thursday, but each Costco in the Southeast will have just 6 of them in. When I can add more, I will.

Hey yankee,



I live in NJ and called like 3 costcos already. They said they are not sure when they are getting it and they are hoping for Thursday shipment. They didnt say how many they are getting, but i am guessing not much since there has been posts saying some location is only getting 5 devices

so, can i ask you how many Bionic your location is getting? and when you are getting it?

Your answer in bold above! Well, at least part of it.

 

[tehsusenoh]

Your answer in bold above! Well, at least part of it.

New Jersey isn't in the southeast, silly!