Avoiding ETF's

[91Firebirder]

Ok, so I'm tired of VZW not getting good phones, getting phones months later than everyone else, and not being able to use some phones so I'm thinking about leaving (and I'd save $25 a month). Anyone know a way around Early Termination Fees (ETF)? Or a way to reduce them. Never paid attention before but the fees are pretty outrageous.

 

[Frisco]

Ok, so I'm tired of VZW not getting good phones, getting phones months later than everyone else, and not being able to use some phones so I'm thinking about leaving (and I'd save $25 a month). Anyone know a way around Early Termination Fees (ETF)? Or a way to reduce them. Never paid attention before but the fees are pretty outrageous.

Well, the fee is for breaking your contract with the company. We agree to a certain length of service, often for a special price or other deal, not always of course , so when we back out we are taking away the business we as customers promised them in the contract. So they charge us on a reverse graduating scale in most cases (the etf begins at a certain high amount and reduces a bit per month of remaining on the contract).

Some users report success by begging. Most often, if a user threatens to leave and is presented with the etf in person at the store, the floor monkeys will try to make a deal of some sort.. usually a new device at a lower price, etc.

I feel your pain.

 

[nomarsgirl]

About the only thing I have found that has been successful for anyone is if they relocate to an area where they do not get service -- such as out of the US. Verizon will at least claim to be able to provide service anywhere within the US.

If your new provider really wants you as a customer, they may offer to pay your ETF for you in exchange for signing a contract with them. You won't get that if you want to go with a prepaid plan though.

 

[cnotes2019]

Do an assumption of liability transfer to someone who wants your line. If it has unlimited data a lot of people will want it

 

[jhawkkw]

The only true way to avoid the ETF is if Verizon makes a materially adverse change to your contract without your consent. This happens rarely though, and you only get 30 or 60 days(can't remember which) to call them out on it.

 

[NYankee]

The only true way to avoid the ETF is if Verizon makes a materially adverse change to your contract without your consent. This happens rarely though, and you only get 30 or 60 days(can't remember which) to call them out on it.

Very rare. Reps will just credit back to the customer the difference of charge between that point and the end of their contract term if the customer is materially adverse affected by an increase to their existing plan.