I've always wanted to know this...

[heyjoojoo]

For years, I have always upgraded my phone from the carrier from which I was receiving my service. But I have often seen where I could pickup a phone from another source be it another local store or a place online. Is this possible? Can I buy a phone from another place and keep my current service provider? I always find where I can get the phone I like for much cheaper like on ebay or phonescoop or wherever...


Any insight?

 

[willdogs]

Yes, you can use any phone as long as it is compatible with your carriers service.

To Activate the phone you buy, simply call Customer Service or Active the phone from your online account page.

You will need the IMEI number on the back of the phone, usually under the battery.

Feel free to buy from ebay, Craigslist, Etc...

The only reason to buy from Verzion directly is for warranty and a discount on a brand new phone with a contract extension.

 

[heyjoojoo]

I just couldn't see spending at least $350 for a new smartphone. So, will Verizon activate a new perhaps Droid Incredible I bought from let's say Ebay?

 

[willdogs]

I just couldn't see spending at least $350 for a new smartphone. So, will Verizon activate a new perhaps Droid Incredible I bought from let's say Ebay?

Yes, I thought that I made that clear.

Again, you can buy a Verizon compatible phone from ANYWHERE and activate it on verizon so long as the phone was never reported stolen previously or blacklisted from being activated on Verizons network for any reason.

You have to be sure that the phone has a clean ESN# before purchasing from the seller.

 

[heyjoojoo]

Yes, I thought that I made that clear.

Again, you can buy a Verizon compatible phone from ANYWHERE and activate it on verizon so long as the phone was never reported stolen previously or blacklisted from being activated on Verizons network for any reason.

You have to be sure that the phone has a clean ESN# before purchasing from the seller.

Oh wow, you were clear sir. It just seemed like many people rarely went this route when upgrading their phone, hence my skepticism. Are there reputable dealers or vendors out there who have really good prices but clean stock?

 

[nearzealot]

I have been curious about this too (phones not from Verizon ). Like Best Buy, Veizon-in-name-only stores,etc. I have been advised to stay away from these ( b/c of warranty issues maybe) but Best Buy does offer instant rebates which is pretty attractive...

 

[heyjoojoo]

I have been curious about this too (phones not from Verizon ). Like Best Buy, Veizon-in-name-only stores,etc. I have been advised to stay away from these ( b/c of warranty issues maybe) but Best Buy does offer instant rebates which is pretty attractive...

Well, yeah, because Bestbuy has a Droid Incredible for $0.00 with new 2 year contract. This sounds sweet but I'm a current Verizon customer and so I would like to know what that means for me. I went to the Bestbuy website and followed their instructions as if I was going to buy that phone and it continued all the way to the 'checkout' point but still had no balance due ($0.00). It did ask if I was a new customer or current one. I selected current but it still showed $0.00. I wonder what would happen if I were to continue to checkout.... no number or keep my current one?

 

[willdogs]

Guys.

If you buy thru best buy its all legit. They have direct access to Verizon systems.

You can be a CURRENT Verizon customer and extend your contract thru best buy. It's all the same.

Go for the Free Incredible and Enjoy!

Same goes for Buying from Amazon.com or any other authorized Verizon Dealer.

Actually, buying from best buy, you can buy an extended warranty through if you'd like.

 

[heyjoojoo]

Guys.

If you buy thru best buy its all legit. They have direct access to Verizon systems.

You can be a CURRENT Verizon customer and extend your contract thru best buy. It's all the same.

Go for the Free Incredible and Enjoy!

Same goes for Buying from Amazon.com or any other authorized Verizon Dealer.

Actually, buying from best buy, you can buy an extended warranty through if you'd like.

What sucks is that I'm not eligible to upgrade until NEXT SEPTEMBER! That sucks. Especially since the Eris is sooooooo slow no matter what ROMS i flash it with... I think that's so crappie that customers are stuck. Is there a way?

 

[VanDums]

I feel you man. I just upgraded my Eris to a Droid 2 to take advantage of the buy one get one they were having and it is blazing fast. However I know a few months into my 2 year contract this phone will be on the slow end of what will be coming out. At the same time I really don't want to pay the ridiculous prices for LTE right now so at least when my contract is up prices will probably have come down.