vB Easy Archive - Buying phones from carriers

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Buying phones from carriers
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Posted by: Montusama

I was at the mall today and one of the T-Mobile guys offered a friend a 400 dollar phone for FREE (believe he said it was the Tmobile Shadow) I know at the end of the month is best, because the sales associates have to meet their quota.

I'm not sure if this included rebates or certain features on a plan, but more than likely they did. What my real question is?

Is it ever just easier or even cheaper just to buy the phone straight from the carrier? Or can it be even cheaper if you buy with a contract, and then cancel, and simply pay the ETF ?

This isn't just for Tmobile, but other carrier's around the world that subsidy their phones.

Posted by: Cingulair

Not to sound crazy but, if you're going to stay with that carrier anyway. Why would you buy the phone on contract and, then opt out and pay the ETF?

Posted by: Montusama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cingulair

Not to sound crazy but, if you're going to stay with that carrier anyway. Why would you buy the phone on contract and, then opt out and pay the ETF?

Uh....I'm not going to TMO, it's more of a generalized question towards carrier's if you can't stand contracts or want to actually own the phone is it cheaper to do it this way.

Posted by: Steve.G

If it works out better for you to buy a phone on contract, and then buy out the contract by paying the ETF.. then do so. Remember that subsidized phones are also locked to the carrier, so you'll have to get it unlocked somewhere.

Just remember that you can get some phones cheaper on eBay.. for example a Shadow might retail for $400, but you can get a new one with accessories for less than $200 shipped.

Posted by: adam917

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve.G

If it works out better for you to buy a phone on contract, and then buy out the contract by paying the ETF.. then do so. Remember that subsidized phones are also locked to the carrier, so you'll have to get it unlocked somewhere.

Just remember that you can get some phones cheaper on eBay.. for example a Shadow might retail for $400, but you can get a new one with accessories for less than $200 shipped.

True but how reliable is eBay with these things? It seems most new/sealed stuff on there sell for higher than the operator's & manufacturer's own price. Also, it's so easy to end up receiving a counterfeit device, especially with more popular models.

Posted by: Steve.G

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam917

The only time you have new stuff selling for higher than the carrier's price is when the item is in high demand. Case in point, the storm around Christmas was going as high as $700, since they were back ordered. Now they go for around $375 or so.

As far as counterfeit devices, while it is possible, it's much less likely if you buy from trusted sellers with good feedback. I've never had any problems with devices purchased off eBay, but of course there are con artists out there. Usually cheapo knockoffs happen with BT headsets and accessories.. I would think it would be a bit harder to make a functioning knockoff of a smartphone.

Just remember, with eBay, you can get a good deal.. but if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Posted by: Montusama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve.G

I did originally buy a phone off ebay, it was a counterfeit the dispute is still on going and speaking of which I gotta go call paypal....it's been almost 6 weeks.

Posted by: Steve.G

Ouch, sorry to hear that. In my experience, that's more the exception than the rule.