Wher eto purchase Evo Sprint or Best Buy?

[ceabbott2]

Is there a reason to purchase the Evo from the sprint store as opposed to BB? I mean if I buy four Evo's the up front out of pocket cost at the Sprint store is $1200 whereas BB it's only $800. I heard the mail in rebates end on July 10 so will they not offer the rebate at the Sprint Store? Surley there is some reason to buy from the Sprint store. BB said the sprint rep will waive activation fees. Like I said four Evo's and a phone for my dad (he is 85) so he needs more of an easy to use phone...nothing complicated. Any thoughts from the Sprint/HTC gurus?

Any recommendations on the current phones offered by Sprint? We will have an Everything Family Plan

Thanks for your time.

Charles Abbott

 

[ScorpDX]

I've bought phones from both. No real major difference other than not having to mess with the mail in rebate.

As for it expiring, that's what someone read on their own form. They always have an expiration date on them. Usually 45 days or so. They print up new forms with a new date all the time! They just do that so you can't hold on to it for 6 months and then try to send it in!

 

[niloroth]

Is there a reason to purchase the Evo from the sprint store as opposed to BB?...

I am also wondering this as well, since my current phone is quickly dieing. I would also like to add Radio Shack to this list, since I have a sprint store, BB, and Radio Shack all within walking distance. Is there any reason to go with one over the other, beyond the fact that the sprint store will want me to go for the whole rebate thing? What about warrenties and replacement plans and such?

Any insight would be great. Thank you.

 

[danwlee]

Aside from the instant rebate, I think BB currently also throws in a free BT headset if you buy it from them.

Activation fee is waived at Sprint if you order online only (That's what my sprint rep said).

 

[PuRock]

I am also wondering this as well, since my current phone is quickly dieing. I would also like to add Radio Shack to this list, since I have a sprint store, BB, and Radio Shack all within walking distance. Is there any reason to go with one over the other, beyond the fact that the sprint store will want me to go for the whole rebate thing? What about warrenties and replacement plans and such?

Any insight would be great. Thank you.

Another difference is the protection plans. BB offers a complete protection plan for $10 a month. No deductible if phone is damaged/lost etc. They do need to send it out for service if there is a claim. Sprint has a protection plan it's $7 a month and if you break your phone, I think the deductible is $50.

Unless there is someother kickback that you can get, i.e discount on sprint bills, etc. There really isn't much difference.

I bought mine at Best Buy and I've always been impressed by their return and repair services.

 

[ScorpDX]

Aside from the instant rebate, I think BB currently also throws in a free BT headset if you buy it from them.

The BT was for pre-orders.

 

[sagedil]

I am also wondering this as well, since my current phone is quickly dieing. I would also like to add Radio Shack to this list, since I have a sprint

Another difference is the protection plans. BB offers a complete protection plan for $10 a month. No deductible if phone is damaged/lost etc.

I think this is incorrect. I thought BB did not cover lost/stolen phones, that only Sprint covered that.

 

[edlex]

I think this is incorrect. I thought BB did not cover lost/stolen phones, that only Sprint covered that.

You right, sprint is the only one who does lost or stolen. I use squaretrade for all this stuff because they guarantee brand new or cash. Not that there's anything wrong with refurbs, I just hate to play the odds.

 

[jdegraff57z]

Another thing to think about is customer service. Yes, having to do the mail-in rebate at the store is a PITA, but my local Sprint store manager took my name and number when I was originally talking to them middle of the week last week. They didn't have stock, but had a small shipment coming in on Friday. He then actually followed up and called me as soon as the FedEx guy came and I was there 10 minutes later. And I wasn't the only one he did this for. As we were wrapping up, another customer came in that he'd held one for (and he was switching from Apple ). I REALLY cannot see that happening at BB. As well, the manager said he get's BB customers in all the time asking for help on getting started with the phone, that WERE REFERRED THERE BY BB!

Don't get me wrong, I use BB for other things, like my TV, and have had to use their repair and replacement services. But for phones, I'm sticking with the Sprint store. Just my $.02

Jesse

 

[hotfire]

I too was told by a Sprint store manager he would write my name down and give me a call when a small shipment came in. He also told me to come in today, as in the last day of June where they are more able to bend over backwards to get last minute sales for the month. Just wondering if I should to go here or to a BB?

 

[Nabraham]

Is there a reason to purchase the Evo from the sprint store as opposed to BB? I mean if I buy four Evo's the up front out of pocket cost at the Sprint store is $1200 whereas BB it's only $800. I heard the mail in rebates end on July 10 so will they not offer the rebate at the Sprint Store? Surley there is some reason to buy from the Sprint store. BB said the sprint rep will waive activation fees. Like I said four Evo's and a phone for my dad (he is 85) so he needs more of an easy to use phone...nothing complicated. Any thoughts from the Sprint/HTC gurus?

Any recommendations on the current phones offered by Sprint? We will have an Everything Family Plan

Thanks for your time.

Charles Abbott

If your going to save that much money upfront why would you even want to go into a sprint store? Imagine all the paperwork and pain in the ass box cutting you will have to do to get the UPC.

 

[J03]

If it was one phone I would call it a toss up. 4 phones and now you are paying big money up front. Some people also hold a balance on their credit cards. If you are one of those people its clearly smarter to buy from BB or RS instead of sprint as you would probably pay at least 2 months worth of interest on the phones before receiving your rebates.

Personally I just can't see myself dealing with them. My gf has been with sprint forever and she has had nothing but trouble actually getting her rebate back. If she can avoid it she will and go with BB. The competence of the employees are a toss up too. I know at my local best buy the manager was great and on launch day they held an evo for themselves to play with and get familiar with so really you never know what you are going to get when it comes to employees at either of these places.

 

[JoshUng]

Personally, I don't see any reason to buy from Sprint versus BB or Radio Shack. On launch day and for pre-orders, they all had some sort of deal (BB had Blue tooth, RS gave $20 free towards accessories plus 50% at mine at least).

People said that Sprint stores would take names and call back when stock was out, I imagine that is a YMMV type of thing, near me Best Buy (well Best Buy Mobile) and Radio Shack has had better service. I'm not a big Best Buy fan, but I do think Best Buy Mobile does a good job.

As far as the rebate, besides the obvious benefit of not having to worry about it at all, I just don't like the idea of a rebate form. The whole thing is to try to make sure you never get that money. I don't know about Sprint, but Verizon isn't even sending checks, just pre-paid cards. Not only are they less convienent, but they expire! On principle, I won't buy a phone on rebate from a carrier directly. Hopefully Best Buy and Radio Shack take away enough sales that carrier stores decides to do away with the rebate altogether.

 

[RoboMonkey]

Sprint Store is crap, you have to have an appointment. If not you always end up waiting to be seen. BB service is better. Having said that I just ordered my last EVO from Sprint.

 

[jdegraff57z]

Sprint Store is crap, you have to have an appointment. If not you always end up waiting to be seen. BB service is better. Having said that I just ordered my last EVO from Sprint.

Wow, totally different experience than me. Then again, the store I went to was a small store in a grocery store & pharmacy anchored shopping center. I also went in the early afternoon during a weekday Of course, when I bought my Mogul up in San Jose two years ago, that was more of a mad-house, but it was three times as big as my local store here in San Diego. I'm quite happy with their service at this store.

As with anything in life, YMMV

 

[ovrrdrive]

Another difference is the protection plans. BB offers a complete protection plan for $10 a month. No deductible if phone is damaged/lost etc. They do need to send it out for service if there is a claim. Sprint has a protection plan it's $7 a month and if you break your phone, I think the deductible is $50.

Deductible went to $100 on pda's about 6 months ago if I recall correctly.

 

[bvbull200]

The BT was for pre-orders.

I'm pretty sure you are correct, but I went in on launch day and was the first person to try and buy one of the 10 that they didn't make available for pre-order (showed up at 9:00 a.m. when they opened, no line) and they set me up for a 4:00 p.m. appointment. No worries, I have stuff to do anyways. I go back at 4:00 p.m. and they ring me out with the free Bluetooth. I had no expectation of one at all, so it was a welcome gift.

 

[jonwlewis]

I get all my phones at BB. I had a Blackberry that screwed up. They gave me a free Hero. I had 2 Hero's screw up And they gave me a free EVO. I have geek squad protection. Whenever they sent out my first Hero they gave a Moment for a loaner. Whenever the second one screwed up, they gave me an EVO on the spot for free. I will always used BB over a Sprint store.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk Pro.

 

[ceabbott2]

Best Buy just called they are holding four Evos for me. I will go down on Tuesday and pick them up. Ok just curious let's say that I buy them from BB but I want to carry the insurance for the phones through Sprint on my contract. Is that possible or can I only get the Sprint insurance if I purchase it from Sprint only? The reason I want the Sprint insurance is that they offer lost/stolen or damage protection... am I correct with my assumption that BB will not cover lost/stolen or accidental damage? I just want them protected and serviced through Sprint but I hate dealing with those STUPID (Rin & Stimpy) mail in rebates! Thanks for any help. Charles.

 

[MsRandall]

The BT was for pre-orders.

Bought my 3rd family evo and it still came with a bluetooth headset...not a pre order.

 

[Crescendo]

Bought my 3rd family evo and it still came with a bluetooth headset...not a pre order.

Yeah, the free Plantronics 230 with the purchase of an Evo was not a pre-order thing. The deal packaged out as long as the 2 items were on the same transaction. Unfortunately, the deal isn't going on anymore.

...Is that possible or can I only get the Sprint insurance if I purchase it from Sprint only? The reason I want the Sprint insurance is that they offer lost/stolen or damage protection... am I correct with my assumption that BB will not cover lost/stolen or accidental damage? I just want them protected and serviced through Sprint but I hate dealing with those STUPID (Rin & Stimpy) mail in rebates! Thanks for any help. Charles.

Yeah, you can add the sprint insurance even if you purchase the phones from Best Buy. Just make sure you tell them to add it instead of the GSBTP. If they forget you should be able to add it online via your account, or simply buy calling into Sprint Customer Care.

Originally Posted by RoboMonkey
Sprint Store is crap, you have to have an appointment. If not you always end up waiting to be seen. BB service is better. Having said that I just ordered my last EVO from Sprint.

Wow, totally different experience than me. Then again, the store I went to was a small store in a grocery store & pharmacy anchored shopping center. I also went in the early afternoon during a weekday Of course, when I bought my Mogul up in San Jose two years ago, that was more of a mad-house, but it was three times as big as my local store here in San Diego. I'm quite happy with their service at this store.

As with anything in life, YMMV

I've found out its not the store or company you buy it from, its the associates that work in the store that determine the experience. Where I stay, the customer service at the sprint stores are horrible. I've actually had people come to me at work and say the Sprint store sent them over to us! (Work at Best Buy Mobile) I've also heard the exact opposite. So go wherever you have the best experience.

 

[Caloy]

*** Please erase. Another's poster already have posted the same post.***

Sent using my HTC Evo 4G.

 

[Caloy]

I've found out its not the store or company you buy it from, its the associates that work in the store that determine the experience. Where I stay, the customer service at the sprint stores are horrible. I've actually had people come to me at work and say the Sprint store sent them over to us! (Work at Best Buy Mobile) I've also heard the exact opposite. So go wherever you have the best experience.

I agree with you. It's not the store it's the people that make-up your buying experience. We'll that and the store's incentives that will make or break your buying experience.

Sent using my HTC Evo 4G.

 

[Jonhern]

Is there a reason to purchase the Evo from the sprint store as opposed to BB? I mean if I buy four Evo's the up front out of pocket cost at the Sprint store is $1200 whereas BB it's only $800. I heard the mail in rebates end on July 10 so will they not offer the rebate at the Sprint Store? Surley there is some reason to buy from the Sprint store. BB said the sprint rep will waive activation fees. Like I said four Evo's and a phone for my dad (he is 85) so he needs more of an easy to use phone...nothing complicated. Any thoughts from the Sprint/HTC gurus?

Any recommendations on the current phones offered by Sprint? We will have an Everything Family Plan

Thanks for your time.

Charles Abbott

Looks like you will be using BB anyway, but just wanted to post this in case people don't know that with sprint you might also pay more because of local taxes on utilities. Had a Gross Receipts surcharge, about $15 for my evo. I actually went to BB first the day after launch since i had a 500 bonus points coupon, but they were out and said it would be a few weeks before they got more, and last i checked they are still out of stock. Just went across the street to sprint store and they had them there, they had several actually the day after launch as a couple other people came in while mine was getting setup to get one, and i could actually charge the purchase to the account which was nice, so there will not be much difference from the time i get the rebate and when i pay for the phone since the bill is due July 20th. But if BB had it I would have used them because of that extra tax that i do not think they charge, i think only the actual telco company has to pay it, and therefore charge it. However I also had the $18 upgrade charge rebated, not sure if you get that at BB, which pretty much negates the tax if other stores don't offer that. I am in RI by the way.

 

[htmlcssguru]

Looks like you will be using BB anyway, but just wanted to post this in case people don't know that with sprint you might also pay more because of local taxes on utilities. Had a Gross Receipts surcharge, about $15 for my evo. I actually went to BB first the day after launch since i had a 500 bonus points coupon, but they were out and said it would be a few weeks before they got more, and last i checked they are still out of stock. Just went across the street to sprint store and they had them there, they had several actually the day after launch as a couple other people came in while mine was getting setup to get one, and i could actually charge the purchase to the account which was nice, so there will not be much difference from the time i get the rebate and when i pay for the phone since the bill is due July 20th. But if BB had it I would have used them because of that extra tax that i do not think they charge, i think only the actual telco company has to pay it, and therefore charge it. However I also had the $18 upgrade charge rebated, not sure if you get that at BB, which pretty much negates the tax if other stores don't offer that. I am in RI by the way.

You can buy the phone via WireFly.com and get it for a net of $109.95 with NO TAX if you open a Bing Cashback account (which is FREE). Wirefly is offering $80 Bing Cashback on the purchase of ANY cell phone (and, for each one you buy!). I purchased 2 EVO's at 12:30 AM Saturday and they SHIPPED at 12:33PM the SAME DAY! Got my $80 Bing cashback confirmation today.

My total NET out of pocket will be $219.90. NO REBATES to mail in.

THIS OFFER ENDS TODAY! If you wish to buy at the cheapest price i've seen then this is it. You DO need to follow some strict rules on getting the cashback.

1) Open the Bing account (cashback)
2) Once opened, search for 'wirefly'
3) Click the Bing Cashback link next to the top result for Wirefly
4) Find the EVO 4G at wirely
5) Select how many and what plan, follow the prompts through checkout
6) AFTER paying and confirmation you will see a link on the receipt/confirmation page YOU MUST CLICK to get the Bing cashback.