• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

T-Mobile Corp Store or Best Buy?

Don't.

Read my experience here.

Buy it online from Tmo. You will get your phone unopened. They open your phone at the store.
 
I'd go with the T-Mobile store so you don't have a contract. My understanding is that retailers still sell T-Mobile phones on contract (so that they get properly reimbursed for the sale), whereas if you buy directly from T-Mobile you go on the no-contract plan.

It isn't a huge difference, as you will likely buy the phone on a zero interest loan, with the contract stating that you must maintain service until the phone is paid off. The difference, though (as I understand it), is that you only have to pay off the balance on the phone, if you are "no contract", as opposed to an early termination fee if you buy from Best Buy and want to change carriers.
 
I'm sorry... I should have made one other statement. I only do pre-paid. I have never done a contract and never plan to. I've always only used pre-paid for the 10 years I've had a cell phone.

So for Pre-Paid... would that change anyone's response? Or for Pre-Paid would it make a difference? I know Best Buy beats Tmo corp pricing but would that be their only advantage?

So again which would be better... for pre-paid? And again sorry for not including that in the original post.
 
I suppose it partially depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking to buy a T-Mobile pre-paid phone or an unlocked phone, choose the retailer that will give you the lowest price.

As for activating the SIM card (or buying the SIM card), some of it depends on what plan you are wanting. The $30/month (100 min./5 GB data) can only be done online or at Walmart. For the other plans, I'm not sure that it matters. The only issue is what you will pay for the SIM kit (if not buying a T-Mobile prepaid phone that comes with the SIM). Currently, you can buy the SIM kit online for 99 cents from the website, which is likely as cheap as you will find it.
 
This would be my first "smartphone" so... could I expect much in the way of "support" from either a corp store or a reseller like Best Buy? I would guess support for prepaid might be less than for contracts but I don't know that.

With the pay as you go with Tmo up to now there really has not been a need for support. The old nokia phone just worked for all these years and refilling with cards or online never gave me any issue but what if I have issues with a smartphone... is there local in store support for prepaid?

Thanks all... this is very helpful to me.
 
Go with one of the following

*Best buy
They offer special things sometimes .
*Lets talk .com
They are cheap and back when i got a device from them hell with 14day return they offer a full 30 and more day return.and they have quick deals as 50.00 off if they have your email address.
*Walmart online or store .
 
I always prefer to go to an actual store myself. Best Buy and the like sell so many products they may not know a single thing about it. Sure, you might save a few bucks up front but what if in the long run you might of saved more? Branded stores are more likely to know about promotions such as the 2.5 GB tethering instead of 500MB that I got signed up for recently. Also, I go to one specific store so I can build a respectful relationship with them. This allows me to know about specials/promotions..... sometimes even before they've actually began!

Thought I work in a cell phone store myself, so I am biased! =]
 
I have all sorts of stores near me, corporate stores, resellers, they are on every corner where I'm at. Lots of choices.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom