vB Easy Archive - Would U pay ETF w/current carrier to get free phone w/new carrier?

Pages: 1

Would U pay ETF w/current carrier to get free phone w/new carrier?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: CRCinOklnd

Currently w/T-Mobile under contract for another year and a half. Family and friends mostly on Verizon now. Was with Verizon 3-4 years ago...so I walked into the VZW store recently and asked as a former VZW customer who's still under contract with another carrier, could they help me out a bit with the purchase of a new phone since I have to pay a $200 ETF with T-Mobile. Verizon offered me a free Blackberry Pearl, Palm Centro, or Blitz to come back. Good deal? Just wondering cost wise if you think it balances out.

Main reason for this is 81 year old Aunt currently on VZW (no landline) and Cousin (who helps take care of her, also VZW customer, no landline)...I would like to keep in more contact with them during the day due to Aunt's health, but they are always concerned about their peak minute usage since I'm calling them from a T-Mobile phone. While I have them on "My Faves", that doesn't help them. Always feel calls are cut short due to them worrying about going over. Used to call Aunt after 9pm on weekday's, but now she goes to bed earlier. Yes, they could up their monthly minutes, but that would be at a cost to my Aunt. So for that, thinking of switching back to Verizon...added with more friends and family recently jumping on to VZW.

So, would you do it? Basically happy with T-Mobile and their customer service. Had some customer service issues prior with Verizon...but that was 3-4 years ago. Hope I'm not making a mistake by going back.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

I would do it, and have done it in the past. Sell your phone to help with the cost of the ETF. Since you can get a free phone, that will definitely help you out.

It sounds like you want to stay in touch with your family, and you really cannot put a price on that.

Verizons customer service has been excellent for me so far.

Posted by: CRCinOklnd

Thanks for the advise. Not sure if my current phone would sell...I have a Moto Rizr. Notice you have the Blackberry Pearl. How do you like it? Was debating between that and the Palm Centro.

Thanks again!
Chris

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

I absolutely love it. Wife had a Centro, and to me, it was just too cramped. I liked the partial touchscreen of it though. If I couldn't have a BB, I would consider the Centro.

I would imagine that you would have no problem selling that RIZR. If you can, get the unlock code from T-Mobile before you cancel. I think that you will have an easier time selling it if it is already unlocked.

Posted by: CRCinOklnd

...because I'm hooked!!

Got the BlackBerry Pearl. I really like this thing! It has one of the best calendar set up and reminders that I've had on a phone, which is important to me. Plus I like the e-mail push.

I'm going to try it for 3-weeks and put my contract & T-Mobile phone (which I'll give someone for free if they'll take over the contract) on Craigslist to see if someone will take over the remaining year and a half. If not, then I'll either give the BlackBerry back to Verizon, cancel the contract and go back to T-Mobile...or bite the bullet and pay the ETF with T-Mobile. Even if I go back to T-Mobile, I'll have to get another BlackBerry! Or maybe that "Google" Android phone?

The only thing my roommate was reminding me of is that I would lose my "world roaming", but then I only go to Europe once a year.

OH WELL...what to do!

Posted by: Heavy Fluid

I love my Pearl. And I was like you, completely addicted. I couldn't put it down when I got it. It will wear off slowly if you keep it, but you will find yourself using it more.

You could easily sell that RIZR on CL if you get the unlock code. That will help with some of the ETF. The other part, well, if you like it enough, suck it up and just pay, and never look back.