I was wondering if anybody had legitimate reasons for why I shouldn't get my EVO through Wirefly?
The ONLY downside I can think of right now, is I may have to wait till June 5th or 7th to actually receive the phone. But the positives seem to outweigh that little issue. I've seen all the threads related to Best Buy and Radio Shack and I'm trying to figure out what the draw is for purchasing there other than getting it as fast as you can.
This is all based on what I have seen Wirefly do, recently with the Incredible release, as well as purchasing my last phone (ENV2) through them, but this is how I foresee it going down:
-EVO becomes available on June 4th, same as Incredible became available on April 29th.
-EVO is priced at $149, just as the Incredible was and is currently listed at $149. Both phones would be or are $199 on their respective carriers websites and at places like Radio Shack and Best Buy.
-Would be able to drop another $50 off price because of Bing Cashback program, effectively dropping the total purchase price to $99, without having to pay any sales tax. Still would have to pay $35 activation fee, unless Sprint was running a special through Wirefly giving free activation. (Much like AT&T is currently doing) But maximum cost of phone would be $135.
-EVO would ship overnight and best case scenario would arrive on Saturday June 5th, or worst case scenario Monday June 7th.
-No rebates mail in or otherwise to worry about or mess with. Just a lower cost for the phone overall.
Does anybody have any LEGITIMATE reasons other than not getting the phone on the day it is released why it wouldn't be a good idea to go with Wirefly on this?
I'm not looking for arguments or pissing matches on this, just really curious if anyone has any reasons for me to think about not going with Wirefly on this, if the previously mentioned aspects turn out that way.
Thanks for any insight or thoughts on this in advance....
Last edited by Camslam; May 13th, 2010 at 09:38 PM.
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Until Wirefly actually puts any info about stocking the phone up on their site, I'd have to be skeptical on the actual cost, not to mention the delivery date. Plus, who knows what their inventory is going to be like and when you might be able to get the phone.
Last edited by S00NR1; May 13th, 2010 at 08:36 PM.
I just have to point out something, the savings is not that significant if you think about it. Best Buy gives you a $50 gift card with your pre-order. If you factor in the Gift Card, it would be the same as wirefly's prices. I'm not sure of Bing Cashback program though. So at best, Wirefly is only $50 cheaper with Bing's cashback program.
The primary downside to ordering from Wirefly is that if you cancel or downgrade your phone within 6 months, you will owe them $300, IN ADDITION TO your Sprint ETF. They lose their commission, and they collect it back from you.
Also, I hear their customer service sucks, but I haven't used them. You can try Amazon Wireless, they usually match wirefly's price, but they don't offer bing cashback.
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I just have to point out something, the savings is not that significant if you think about it. Best Buy gives you a $50 gift card with your pre-order. If you factor in the Gift Card, it would be the same as wirefly's prices. I'm not sure of Bing Cashback program though. So at best, Wirefly is only $50 cheaper with Bing's cashback program.
The $50 is really only a deposit toward the purchase of the phone. Total cost at Best Buy would still be $50 GC + 149.99 = 199.99. Whereas the Wirefly deal would be $100 (if op's theory were to hold true).
Until Wirefly actually puts any info about stocking the phone up on their site, I'd have to be skeptical on the actual cost, not to mention the delivery date. Plus, who knows what their inventory is going to be like and when you might be able to get the phone.
I'm basing this on what Wirefly did with the Incredible. They may have a different price worked out with Sprint and the phone price may in fact be higher than $149, but I can tell you that Wirefly DID have the Incredible available for several days after the 29th and it did ship next day because I know a couple of people that got it through them.
Caloy wrote:
Quote:
I just have to point out something, the savings is not that significant if you think about it. Best Buy gives you a $50 gift card with your pre-order. If you factor in the Gift Card, it would be the same as wirefly's prices. I'm not sure of Bing Cashback program though. So at best, Wirefly is only $50 cheaper with Bing's cashback program.
I must have missed something in those threads. When you pre-order through best buy, they actually GIVE you a $50 gift card, you don't purchase it as sort of a "down payment/deposit" for the new phone?
So it does drop your phone cost down to $149 plus tax? Do they also waive the activation fees?
Edited: Nevermind, the gift card issue was answered while I was typing.
Also, I hear their customer service sucks, but I haven't used them. You can try Amazon Wireless, they usually match wirefly's price, but they don't offer bing cashback.
I can only speak to my experience as far as their customer service goes, but I haven't had any problems with them. Then again, I didn't have any problems with my ENV2 over the last 24 months or problems with Verizon either, so really no need for customer service on their end.
How does the Bing Cashback program work? I know the most typical use is clicking through specific links which allow you to get somewhere between 5-20% cashback, but how does this particular case work?
How do you get $50 back? And aside from the activation fee and waiting a few more days, this seems like it may be the best choice.
Does this work for upgrades also or just new customers?
If I already have an employer discount, would I keep that or would I have to re-apply it?
The $50 is really only a deposit toward the purchase of the phone. Total cost at Best Buy would still be $50 GC + 149.99 = 199.99. Whereas the Wirefly deal would be $100 (if op's theory were to hold true).
I guess I've misunderstood the sales representative then. I thought I pre-ordered, gave a $50 deposit towards the purchase of the phone, and they give me a gift-card towards the accessories of the phone.
Oh well, I was expecting to pay $199 anyways. So I don't mind really, but I really thought I would be paying $149 more come June 4. LOL
How does the Bing Cashback program work? I know the most typical use is clicking through specific links which allow you to get somewhere between 5-20% cashback, but how does this particular case work?
How do you get $50 back? And aside from the activation fee and waiting a few more days, this seems like it may be the best choice.
Does this work for upgrades also or just new customers?
If I already have an employer discount, would I keep that or would I have to re-apply it?
Sorry for all the questions.
You get 50 bucks in your "Bing Cashback" account, but it is after a 60 day waiting period. Then there is about a week for it to process into your account.. then another week for them to process the transfer to paypal (free of fees). So you are basically looking at about 2.5 months until you get your 50 bucks. I have used it plenty though and haven't had any trouble collecting, but the waiting kind of sucks.
You get 50 bucks in your "Bing Cashback" account, but it is after a 60 day waiting period. Then there is about a week for it to process into your account.. then another week for them to process the transfer to paypal (free of fees). So you are basically looking at about 2.5 months until you get your 50 bucks. I have used it plenty though and haven't had any trouble collecting, but the waiting kind of sucks.
Might want to check Amazon. I remember seeing the Incredible on Amazon for $99 flat.
Might want to check Amazon. I remember seeing the Incredible on Amazon for $99 flat.
I had heard that rumor, but the lowest I ever saw it on Amazon was for $149, which it currently is.
Who knows, I just figure it is worth saving about a $100 and waiting a day by going through Wirefly versus Best Buy or Sprint or Radio Shack.
With all the whining and crying from everyone about the $10 a month surcharge on plans for the EVO, I would think people would be doing flips to save 10 MONTHS OF SPRINT RIPOFF!
Last edited by Camslam; May 13th, 2010 at 09:22 PM.
I had heard that rumor, but the lowest I ever saw it on Amazon was for $149, which it currently is.
Who knows, I just figure it is worth saving about a $100 and waiting a day by going through Wirefly versus Best Buy or Sprint or Radio Shack.
With all the whining and crying from everyone about the $10 a month surcharge on plans for the EVO, I would think people would be doing flips to save 10 MONTHS OF SPRINT RIPOFF!
Haha. Yeah, it's $149 now, but I did get a chance to see it when it was $99. Although I pre-ordered through BB, I'm seriously considering getting my money back and getting the phone a little later, especially if Wirefly or Amazon is significantly cheaper.
Wouldnt BB price match Amazon or Wirefly? That's how I got my Hero for 75 last year in Nov. because they price matched an online ad.
Just curious...
I'd be curious as well. Does anybody know if they would discount it enough to cover for the sales tax as well? I.E. - total cost of phone would work out to $149.00?
Does BestBuy.com match the prices of other retailers?
At this time, the BestBuy.com Price Match Guarantee does not cover the prices listed by other online or store retailers.
Hmm. I guess what I'm going to do is hold my BB pre-order and see what Wirefly does. I hope I can return the $50 gc and get my money back if I decide to go w/ Wirefly.
Hmm. I guess what I'm going to do is hold my BB pre-order and see what Wirefly does. I hope I can return the $50 gc and get my money back if I decide to go w/ Wirefly.
Seems like sound logic to me. I think I'll wait till the 4th and see what Wirefly comes out with price wise and then go from there.
Even if I don't go with Wirefly, there are plenty of options out there. I'd love to have the phone right now, but seems like everyone has to wait till the 4th, so I can probably make it to the 5th.
You cant get a refund from BB. You can choose to use the gift card on something else in the store though. They wont refund it for cash.
You sure? I remember asking the girl when I put my name down. She said I could, but didnt sound too sure of herself. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow and double check, especially since they messed up and charged me tax...
You sure? I remember asking the girl when I put my name down. She said I could, but didnt sound too sure of herself. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow and double check, especially since they messed up and charged me tax...
Maybe with them charging us tax you can but otherwise I don't believe you can. Not 100% sure and if I wasnt about to go to bed I'd look it up.
You sure? I remember asking the girl when I put my name down. She said I could, but didnt sound too sure of herself. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow and double check, especially since they messed up and charged me tax...
depends on the store. they are not supposed to, but i'm sure a little talk with the manager could change that.
Does wirefly typically wait for the day of the device release to update the site?
They did with the Incredible. They had a promo showing the specs with writing saying available soon, and then on the 29th the price was there and you could order.
I sent an email to Wirefly asking them a few procedural questions about cost of returning, what happens if the phone has a problem, etc... and I'll wait to hear back from them.
Still think it will be a pretty good option to go with though.
I could handle waiting if they showed the price earlier, but to wait that long......ugh. I might pre-order at BB but then change my mind depending.
I could still use the giftcard for something else if I decide to opt out.
I hear what you're saying, but when I look at paying a minimum of $216 ($199 + sales tax) at Best Buy or Radio Shack, versus a maximum of probably $135 at Wirefly, that 1 or even 2 day wait is reasonable for me.
Apparently my BB doesn't carry Sprint phones....so I'd have to pre-order it through RS, and I can think of very little things I could do with a $50 gift card there if I were to change my mind.
Now, is that $135 you came up with for completely new customers, or can I assume it would be similarly priced for someone upgrading?
And wirefly does not charge sales tax then? I had heard bad stories about Wirefly before, but for that cheap......I'm not sure.
I also have a corporate discount in my account already, but it should stick since I'm merely upgrading, right?
For saving that much money, I could wait several days too.
I think you have to pay a $36 activation fee if you purchase the phone anywhere except from Sprint online store. Is this true? If so, the downside from BB, Wirefly, etc is this added fee.
Does BestBuy.com match the prices of other retailers?
At this time, the BestBuy.com Price Match Guarantee does not cover the prices listed by other online or store retailers.
The BB store manager can match things, though, even if the .com version doesn't. I've had them match Newegg prices on electronics before and the manager just enters it in a Walmart.
Not saying the WOULD match...if I were the manager I would tell you to go fly a kite...but they might.
Last edited by katmandoo122; May 14th, 2010 at 12:38 PM.
I hear what you're saying, but when I look at paying a minimum of $216 ($199 + sales tax) at Best Buy or Radio Shack, versus a maximum of probably $135 at Wirefly, that 1 or even 2 day wait is reasonable for me.
We'll just have to see how it all shakes out.
If Wirefly doesn't charge tax it's definitely worth it. From my experience of buying a Hero at best buy, tax is charged on the full price, which would mean it'd be 244$ vs 135.. Big difference.
Also, kind of unrelated but someone mentioned it -
What's really the difference on buying from wirefly against BB as far as having problems with the phone later? I was under the assumption that after 30 days, you're on your own unless you choose to purchase insurance?
Now, is that $135 you came up with for completely new customers, or can I assume it would be similarly priced for someone upgrading?
And wirefly does not charge sales tax then? I had heard bad stories about Wirefly before, but for that cheap......I'm not sure.
I also have a corporate discount in my account already, but it should stick since I'm merely upgrading, right?
For saving that much money, I could wait several days too.
Ok, currently the incredible is listed at $149.99 for both new customers and for upgrades. I have seen it listed in the last week for upgrades around $179 I think. Either way, you still save money.
Wirefly does not charge sales tax.
I won't vouch for Wirefly other than to say I have not had any problems with them. I emailed them asking for clarification on if the phone had problems and this is what I got back.
Quote:
Thank you for contacting our Customer Relations department.
The equipment discount provision is $200 for a non-PDA (personal digital assistant) phone and $300 for a PDA (personal digital assistant) phone. It would not be applicable if you place an order through Sprint.
Unfortunately, we don't have the Sprint EVO available with us. We don't have any exact date for the arrival on this phone is our warehouse. You will certainly have a 30 days trial period to return the equipment to us and cancel the service with Sprint. If you don't like Sprint service, we can process an exchange with any different carrier and the phone model offered with that carrier for you. You would not be charged for an equipment discount provision.
All the phones processed from our warehouse have a 30 days trial period to exchange the phone with us to a same/different phone model of your choice. If the phone malfunctions after that, you would still be entitled for a 1 year warranty with Sprint.
To place a new order, please call our sales team on 1-866-324-9445.
Please feel free to contact us again if you need any further assistance.
We hope you place your order soon.
Sincerely,
Rahul T. Kanare
Customer Relations Department
As for the corporate account question, I would say call Sprint and ask them. I am planning on calling Sprint when I receive the phone to get the SERO plan applied to my account.
As for the $35 activation fee, I tried to get them to waive it when I got my ENV2, but they said I would have to talk to Verizon because they didn't have control over it. Verizon wouldn't do it, but I still got my ENV2 for free at the time, which was $99 cheaper than Verizon had it.
As long as the price is at that $149, coupled with no sales tax, $50 back from Bing, free next day shipping, I can't see why Wirefly wouldn't be a good route to go. But that is why we have choices, right?
Haha. Although I'd like to get the phone through Wirefly, I went ahead and just pre-ordered through EVP. I'm going to have to get a refund on my BB pre-order now. Now if I can just get EVP to waive the activation fee--my company discount doesn't waive it. =(
EVP is Sprint's "employee value plan", I think. You should check with your company to see if they have a discount with Sprint and if so, how much.
My company has a 12% discount on plans and phones and such.
As for Wirefly, there may be a state that they will charge you sales tax, but I don't know which one would. I didn't pay any sales tax when I got my last phone through them, and 2 people I know that got their Incredibles through Wirefly didn't pay sales tax either.
Ugh, I'm still heavily thinking about pre-ordering from RS or Wirefly.
Does wirefly offer any sort of guarantee for the phone? Probably just 30 days...
I would probably get charged tax in Florida. I'd just be worried if I got it damaged or anything, could I deal with Sprint or only wirefly?
So hard to decide, heh. I'm also worried about shortages. The Incredible is currently backordered 2-4 weeks......I would be immensely disappointed if that happened with the EVO.
Hello, This is Antonio from Wirefly and there are a lot of good questions being asked on this thread. I have summarized them below, and hope I can help clarify some of the answers.
When will Wirefly have the EVO? What will inventory be like?
As the Internet’s largest authorized Sprint dealer, we have been given a relatively sizable allocation of EVOs. It’s hard to say how popular this device will be until people see the pricing and rate plan options. We are not allowed to process orders with Sprint until Friday, June 4, but we will begin doing so as early as 12:01am on that day.
Will Wirefly take pre-orders for the EVO?
We have not made any pre-order announcements yet. If we do, it will be in the final 1-2 weeks before June 4.
What will the price be on Wirefly?
The price for the EVO on Wirefly.com will only be visible on the add-to-cart page.
Does Wirefly offer any sort of guarantee? Are you on your own after 30 days? If it got damaged, could I deal with Sprint or only Wirefly?
The Wirefly satisfaction guarantee provides for free returns or exchanges in the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, the customer can go into a Sprint service and repair center or store to have their device looked at. If they did not purchase warranty service, then there may be a fee depending on the issue (e.g. water damage). All Sprint customers get the same in-store benefits regardless of whether they purchased from Wirefly or from the Sprint store.
Does Wirefly collect Florida sales tax?
No. Wirefly only collects sales tax at point of purchase for orders shipped to states where we have offices, distribution centers, or customer service centers. We currently do not collect sales tax for shipments to 45 states. You can see a sales tax estimate in the shopping cart, based on your shipping address.
How does Bing Cashback work?
This was described pretty accurately. Visit Bing.com and search for “Wirefly.” If you click on the cashback link and complete your order in the same online session, you’ll receive an additional $50 PER PHONE from Microsoft in your Bing cashback account. Sorry, orders placed by phone don’t qualify.
Can I keep my Sprint corporate discount?
Yes. If you order a Sprint upgrade through Wirefly, your account information does not change, and any corporate discounts will still apply, provided that you have a discount-eligible rate plan.
I hope this helps!
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Hello, This is Antonio from Wirefly and there are a lot of good questions being asked on this thread. I have summarized them below, and hope I can help clarify some of the answers.
When will Wirefly have the EVO? What will inventory be like?
As the Internet’s largest authorized Sprint dealer, we have been given a relatively sizable allocation of EVOs. It’s hard to say how popular this device will be until people see the pricing and rate plan options. We are not allowed to process orders with Sprint until Friday, June 4, but we will begin doing so as early as 12:01am on that day.
Will Wirefly take pre-orders for the EVO?
We have not made any pre-order announcements yet. If we do, it will be in the final 1-2 weeks before June 4.
What will the price be on Wirefly?
The price for the EVO on Wirefly.com will only be visible on the add-to-cart page.
Does Wirefly offer any sort of guarantee? Are you on your own after 30 days? If it got damaged, could I deal with Sprint or only Wirefly?
The Wirefly satisfaction guarantee provides for free returns or exchanges in the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, the customer can go into a Sprint service and repair center or store to have their device looked at. If they did not purchase warranty service, then there may be a fee depending on the issue (e.g. water damage). All Sprint customers get the same in-store benefits regardless of whether they purchased from Wirefly or from the Sprint store.
Does Wirefly collect Florida sales tax?
No. Wirefly only collects sales tax at point of purchase for orders shipped to states where we have offices, distribution centers, or customer service centers. We currently do not collect sales tax for shipments to 45 states. You can see a sales tax estimate in the shopping cart, based on your shipping address.
How does Bing Cashback work?
This was described pretty accurately. Visit Bing.com and search for “Wirefly.” If you click on the cashback link and complete your order in the same online session, you’ll receive an additional $50 PER PHONE from Microsoft in your Bing cashback account. Sorry, orders placed by phone don’t qualify.
Can I keep my Sprint corporate discount?
Yes. If you order a Sprint upgrade through Wirefly, your account information does not change, and any corporate discounts will still apply, provided that you have a discount-eligible rate plan.
I hope this helps!
Awesome! Do you collect tax from CA? Any chance you can waive the activation fee as well? Cheers!
Thanks for the answers. Would I receive the same price as an upgrade rather than new customer? I know for example Amazon only allows new customers on their website for a cheaper price.
I pre-ordered at RS, but if Wirefly ends up offering the EVO at a cheaper price, I will seriously consider switching!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wirefly1
Hello, This is Antonio from Wirefly and there are a lot of good questions being asked on this thread. I have summarized them below, and hope I can help clarify some of the answers.
When will Wirefly have the EVO? What will inventory be like?
As the Internet’s largest authorized Sprint dealer, we have been given a relatively sizable allocation of EVOs. It’s hard to say how popular this device will be until people see the pricing and rate plan options. We are not allowed to process orders with Sprint until Friday, June 4, but we will begin doing so as early as 12:01am on that day.
Will Wirefly take pre-orders for the EVO?
We have not made any pre-order announcements yet. If we do, it will be in the final 1-2 weeks before June 4.
What will the price be on Wirefly?
The price for the EVO on Wirefly.com will only be visible on the add-to-cart page.
Does Wirefly offer any sort of guarantee? Are you on your own after 30 days? If it got damaged, could I deal with Sprint or only Wirefly?
The Wirefly satisfaction guarantee provides for free returns or exchanges in the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, the customer can go into a Sprint service and repair center or store to have their device looked at. If they did not purchase warranty service, then there may be a fee depending on the issue (e.g. water damage). All Sprint customers get the same in-store benefits regardless of whether they purchased from Wirefly or from the Sprint store.
Does Wirefly collect Florida sales tax?
No. Wirefly only collects sales tax at point of purchase for orders shipped to states where we have offices, distribution centers, or customer service centers. We currently do not collect sales tax for shipments to 45 states. You can see a sales tax estimate in the shopping cart, based on your shipping address.
How does Bing Cashback work?
This was described pretty accurately. Visit Bing.com and search for “Wirefly.” If you click on the cashback link and complete your order in the same online session, you’ll receive an additional $50 PER PHONE from Microsoft in your Bing cashback account. Sorry, orders placed by phone don’t qualify.
Can I keep my Sprint corporate discount?
Yes. If you order a Sprint upgrade through Wirefly, your account information does not change, and any corporate discounts will still apply, provided that you have a discount-eligible rate plan.
I hope this helps!
If only you guys would be able to deliver the phone by the day of release, I actually might've considered upgrading through you. Thanks for the information. It'll be good to know for future purchases.
Thanks for the info Wirefly1. If you guys are able to undercut BB & RS on the retail price (like you're doing with the Incredible), I've got a new plan 5-line all-EVO order headed your way.
will we be able to buy the phone out of contract from WireFly? i wasn't able to find out if WireFly charges sales tax or not for California, when i get to the last page it won't let me review the order.
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Downside to purchasing through Wirefly?
