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Trying to figure out how I can upgrade.

Benrx

Well-Known Member
Dec 13, 2009
173
23
My dad's phone was due for upgrade this past Monday. He has a flip phone, and wouldn't be able to handle a smart phone. The phone he has has big buttons and a screen that displays big numbers and that kind of thing. He needs to stay with it.

I was trying however to figure out if I could upgrade him to a Fascinate, but put my number on it, and give him back his flip. I have an Eris,and my contract with it is due for upgrade 11-1-10. I don't think this would work because I'm still obligated to one more month of data plan on my Eris. I'm desperate to get rid of this thing though.

Any ideas?
Thanks
 
Easy! Go to a Verizon store and tell them you would like to do an alternate upgrade using your dads line. They will process the upgrade based on his lines eligibility, but activate the ESN on your line :)

It is a very normal process and they will be glad to do it!

Also, if you're not on the account, make sure your dad adds you as an authorized user so you wont run into problems there.

And, the great thing about this whole process, is that your dads phone is never affected. And, you can turn around and sell your Eris :)
 
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Your dads upgrade date would be 2 years from the day you do this. Just like a standard upgrade.

Your date will NOT change. So, you can then offer your upgrade to your dad later if needed (or be selfish and keep it hehehehe).

This is a standard process at Verizon.

Dont hope....just go to the store and get it done!
 
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My dad's phone was due for upgrade this past Monday. He has a flip phone, and wouldn't be able to handle a smart phone. The phone he has has big buttons and a screen that displays big numbers and that kind of thing. He needs to stay with it.

I was trying however to figure out if I could upgrade him to a Fascinate, but put my number on it, and give him back his flip. I have an Eris,and my contract with it is due for upgrade 11-1-10. I don't think this would work because I'm still obligated to one more month of data plan on my Eris. I'm desperate to get rid of this thing though.

Any ideas?
Thanks

I would've told you the same thing...
How to get an early upgrade with Verizon Wireless | eHow.com


3g-smartphone-upgrade-verizon.jpg


I predict you'll have no problem upgrading as soon as you want. The Verizon CS reps over the phone are cool. They're sympathetic so just be courteous and develop a rapport with him or her and explain the situation. Your phone is buggin' out. You will either upgrade now or be forced to leave Verizon or go somewhere else.


This.
Dont hope....just go to the store and get it done!
 
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I would've told you the same thing...
How to get an early upgrade with Verizon Wireless | eHow.com


3g-smartphone-upgrade-verizon.jpg


I predict you'll have no problem upgrading as soon as you want. The Verizon CS reps over the phone are cool. They're sympathetic so just be courteous and develop a rapport with him or her and explain the situation. Your phone is buggin' out. You will either upgrade now or be forced to leave Verizon or go somewhere else.


This.


Well. Yes, and no. First of all the image you posted has nothing to do with Corporate Verizon or customer service. It is for the indirect field (local agents, best buy, walmart).

And the last paragraph you said about explaining to customer service. No explaination needed.

The OP has a line that is eligible, therefore they have the right to upgrade. The rep will get commission and the customer will get a new phone. Everyone wins.

Again, this is not a promotion. This is a standard process with Verizon.
 
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Yep - we just did this! My husband needed a new phone and chose the Fascinate - he saw it was buy one get one free and wanted to get me one too. I wasn't eligible til January but my mom was so I used her update and she can get a new phone in January now (if she wants one). So I have a shiny new Fascinate now - kind of missing my Eris since I had it just where I wanted finally (and really missing Froyo), but loving how fast this phone is.
 
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^^ yes, and that's certainly true. Benrx, do you know for certain whether or not you signed contracts at a Corporate Verizon store or a "Premium Retailer"?

and besides, his upgrade is just literally around the corner. You ought to be able to upgrade tomorrow without a fuss. You just gotta "talk" to 'em... and you're not able to answer half your calls on your current phone... etc.
 
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^^ yes, and that's certainly true. Benrx, do you know for certain whether or not you signed contracts at a Corporate Verizon store or a "Premium Retailer"?

and besides, his upgrade is just literally around the corner. You ought to be able to upgrade tomorrow without a fuss. You just gotta "talk" to 'em... and you're not able to answer half your calls on your current phone... etc.

Doesn't matter where he actually "signed the contracts" As long as he visits a store, he'll be eligible.

Also, Premium Retailers are not obligated to follow the alternate upgrade policy. That is why i recommended the OP to a corporate store or call Customer Service.

And he could do an alternate ugprade today, then save his line for November for his dad.
 
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haha.. my dad isn't really interested in upgrading. He likes his phone. That's the beauty.

One unrelated question. People compare the Fascinate to other phones and have things they like or don't like, but overall it seems there are few problems being reported with this phone. I'm thinking I need to take it out and make sure the GPS works and make sure the text isn't blue, but otherwise, there isn't much else to check before I take it home. Anything I'm missing?

I kept my last phone for 3 years. I would still have it if smart phones hadn't come out. I normally wouldn't be as into this, but this Eris has been awful the last few months. I want something that responds.
 
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Doesn't matter where he actually "signed the contracts" As long as he visits a store, he'll be eligible.

Also, Premium Retailers are not obligated to follow the alternate upgrade policy. That is why i recommended the OP to a corporate store or call Customer Service.

And he could do an alternate ugprade today, then save his line for November for his dad.
It actually mattered in my case. The "Premium Retail" people are... different. The Sales idiot actually did everything he could to keep me from upgrading and kept trying to convince me that I wasn't eligible. I had to call CS over the phone, in store, explain the situation to the rep over loudspeaker and he still wouldn't budge, saying he had to call his district manager. After listening to this *hole's bs I just decided to return the phone and get my money back. Oh no... "Policy". They don't give cash back regardless if that's how you paid. "Check will be in the mail, 6 to 8 weeks". Long story short; I've dealt with these "humans" for 13 years now. Policy is just that; 'policy'. Too many of these people are so ignorant/arrogant that anyone of these individuals will let their ego stand in the front of any policy or plain ole'good business practices.

You can shout and explain their policy into some of these Sales reps faces all day long and just waste your breath. Their ego is heavy and won't budge.
I've had every rep from all three Verizon corporate stores here tell me, with a f'd up attitude no less, that the way it was going to be was that I was going to end up paying restocking fees for replacing the SF. Well, most of you know how that went. If I wanted, I could've taken the SF back, ordered a DX without paying a single nickel in fees.

The point is and the angle I'm trying to help him out in is that it isn't just "policy" you're going to deal with when you want to get something done. You're always going to have to go through and deal with the person behind the counter or on the other end of the line. Just trying to help him prepare for a possible eventuality that what one store or rep does or says might not be what another one will say or do. He can get his way despite idiots who don't even know policy and try to give him a hard time or the runaround.

Source: Too much experience with Murphy's Law.
 
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but overall it seems there are few problems being reported with this phone. I'm thinking I need to take it out and make sure the GPS works and make sure the text isn't blue, but otherwise, there isn't much else to check before I take it home. Anything I'm missing?
As far as how the GPS performs, it's been a smorgasbord of experiences. Mine has been damn near perfect.

About the "blue tint", evidently it's not so much a hardware problem according whoever is coming up with this ---> http://androidforums.com/fascinate-tips-tricks/188094-bookmark.html#post1675101

Something to consider if it's a deal-breaker.
EDIT: Here's a direct link to the "blue tint" issue being addressed. http://project-voodoo.org/color
 
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It actually mattered in my case. The "Premium Retail" people are... different. The Sales idiot actually did everything he could to keep me from upgrading and kept trying to convince me that I wasn't eligible. I had to call CS over the phone, in store, explain the situation to the rep over loudspeaker and he still wouldn't budge, saying he had to call his district manager. After listening to this *hole's bs I just decided to return the phone and get my money back. Oh no... "Policy". They don't give cash back regardless if that's how you paid. "Check will be in the mail, 6 to 8 weeks". Long story short; I've dealt with these "humans" for 13 years now. Policy is just that; 'policy'. Too many of these people are so ignorant/arrogant that anyone of these individuals will let their ego stand in the front of any policy or plain ole'good business practices.

You can shout and explain their policy into some of these Sales reps faces all day long and just waste your breath. Their ego is heavy and won't budge.
I've had every rep from all three Verizon corporate stores here tell me, with a f'd up attitude no less, that the way it was going to be was that I was going to end up paying restocking fees for replacing the SF. Well, most of you know how that went. If I wanted, I could've taken the SF back, ordered a DX without paying a single nickel in fees.

The point is and the angle I'm trying to help him out in is that it isn't just "policy" you're going to deal with when you want to get something done. You're always going to have to go through and deal with the person behind the counter or on the other end of the line. Just trying to help him prepare for a possible eventuality that what one store or rep does or says might not be what another one will say or do. He can get his way despite idiots who don't even know policy and try to give him a hard time or the runaround.

Source: Too much experience with Murphy's Law.

Well. Normally i don't post back to comments like this, but with this one i will.

I honestly don't know where to start. It is too bad that you've had this many problems trying to upgrade, but it all just sounds a bit harsh.

You said that 3 stores told you you were going to have to pay a restocking fee. What does this have to do with the OP? He simply asked if there was a way to do an alternate upgrade. I provided that solution for him. Then you post this long message on how the reps are idiots with large egos?

And the "policy" you keep referring to is what i called a "process". It is just a standard upgrade. Not some sort of special policy you are making it out to be.

Again, im sorry you have apparently had nothing but horrible experiences with Verizon employees, but that is just your experience (and yes, im aware that others have had problems, but some others have had nothing but great luck). But it is in fact just your experience. What i provided the OP with was a solid solution, in the alternate upgrade process.

And again about your "ego" and "humans" comment. They MAKE commission (money, food on the table, etc..) by doing an upgrade. So why they would give you such a hard time baffles me.
 
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Just a reminder that personal experiences are not always the same as the collective experiences.

After being treated really well for 7 years, I left my last cell phone carrier over a $10 charge. It was a principal thing and I felt the people I dealt with didn't care. Doesn't mean that everyone will have a bad experience and leave right?

Just don't wanna see a feud start here about the big V.

UBR's thought of the day...Don't forget that customer service is usually better when you approach the person you are dealing with as a person ;) Definitely NOT saying that is the case here...I'm just amazed at how nasty some people are...
 
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oh, about that, lol... I somehow jumped the gun and mistook it as a potential conflict he might have had to deal with as far as upgrading his own line before it was officially due. But any way he can get it done easily and with no fuss is just as good.

Basically, I (incorrectly) read the OP looking through the lens of someone who had just been in 'fight-mode' continuously for the past month dealing with them and still had those goggles on... and I also selfishly took an unwarranted opportunity to rant.

OK, 'googles' are off :) and yes, how and with what attitude and demeanor you approach CS can make or break, I know full well, I've worked CS and commissioned sales for years.

I think I just needed to vent. All apologies.
 
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oh, about that, lol... I somehow jumped the gun and mistook it as a potential conflict he might have had to deal with as far as upgrading his own line before it was officially due. But any way he can get it done easily and with no fuss is just as good.

Basically, I (incorrectly) read the OP looking through the lens of someone who had just been in 'fight-mode' continuously for the past month dealing with them and still had those goggles on... and I also selfishly took an unwarranted opportunity to rant.

OK, 'googles' are off :) and yes, how and with what attitude and demeanor you approach CS can make or break, I know full well, I've worked CS and commissioned sales for years.

I think I just needed to vent. All apologies.

Thanks for clearing that up. Good of you to publicly come out and say this. Appreciate the comments!
 
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Got off work at 3, had my Fascinate by 4.

Told the guy at Verizon I wanted to do a Alternate L.... and he didn't let me finish before he said, "Sure"

Its going to take some getting used to, but so far I really like it. I have small hands. It has slipped out a couple times trying to hold it with one hand and turn it on. Hard to find that tiny button.

Battery has already shown itself to be better than the Eris.

Thanks everyone for your input and help!
 
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Got off work at 3, had my Fascinate by 4.

Told the guy at Verizon I wanted to do a Alternate L.... and he didn't let me finish before he said, "Sure"

Its going to take some getting used to, but so far I really like it. I have small hands. It has slipped out a couple times trying to hold it with one hand and turn it on. Hard to find that tiny button.

Battery has already shown itself to be better than the Eris.

Thanks everyone for your input and help!

Thats great news! So glad you had no issues! Now I look forward to seeing you in the Samsung Fascinate sub forums. :)
 
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One thing the reps told me they will also do is... You can add another line to a family plan for an extra $10 a month, get you a new phone at the 2 year price and move the data package and number from your eris to the new one and that line that is left over will be a "ghost" line that you are paying $10 a month for "just in case"

I would use as a last ditch effort. Unless you have an Eris (which you do) then I would do anything to get away from it. lol.

Edit: Just saw you already got the SF. Grats.
 
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