Differences in buying Droid on Amazon vs Verizon Store?

[roastedpepper]

What are the benifits of buying the Droid from Amazon? I know it's 50 dollars which is a lot cheaper than 200 but are there downsides? Do they have a warranty? The only thing I'm hesitant about is if there's an issue with the phone I'll have to send it back through the mail right? I've had issues with that before where Verizon claimed I never returned the defective phone and I had to find the fedex receipt to advoid a charge.

 

[Trapper31]

I don't know about returning defective phones that are purchased through Amazon, but when you buy through them you enter into another contract with them. So, rather than just having your Verizon contract you also have an Amazon contract.

That is as far as I got while researching this topic, I didn't want the extra hassle.

 

[roastedpepper]

Oh i didn't realize that you had to create a new contract. Oh never mind then. Thanks!

 

[anjoga]

I don't know about returning defective phones that are purchased through Amazon, but when you buy through them you enter into another contract with them. So, rather than just having your Verizon contract you also have an Amazon contract.

That is as far as I got while researching this topic, I didn't want the extra hassle.

What amazon contract are you talking about? My only phone contract for my Droid is through Verizon Wirless, and I bought my Droid through amazonwireless.com. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about in regards to an amazon contract.

 

[anjoga]

Oh i didn't realize that you had to create a new contract. Oh never mind then. Thanks!

With amazon wireless, you can either start a new contract with Verizon (through amazonwireless.com), or renew an existing one. That is what I did. When I ordered my droid, I put all my verizon account information in where requested. It was approved, I was shipped my droid, and all is well. I've since contacted amazon wireless about what I'm supposed to do with my Droid if there is a problem with it, and they said that the warranty was through Verizon and to see my local VZW store. Yes, this is despite the fact that I didn't purchase my phone from said VZW store. I had a pretty flawless experience ordering my phone through amazonwireless, and I could easily see myself doing again next time I am up for renewal.

 

[Trapper31]

What amazon contract are you talking about? My only phone contract for my Droid is through Verizon Wirless, and I bought my Droid through amazonwireless.com. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about in regards to an amazon contract.

My mistake then, I was misinformed. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised; it was a VZW rep who told me on the phone about the extra contract with Amazon, probably just to get me to purchase directly from Verizon and not get the best deal. I really need to learn not to trust those reps.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[PerCompLLC]

I purchased my droid through NewEgg.com. The phone came from VZW, and when I had to exchange my phone due to a faulty earpiece speaker, I simply called VZW and they sent me a new one with all of the packaging to send the old one back.

I imagine that Amazon works the same way...

 

[KAL-EL]

I actually made a thread about this exact subject here a few days back (scroll down or to the next page) I found it amazing that one could get the Droid (and many others wireless phones) so much cheaper on Amazon. Basically you agree to a 2 year contract with verizon like you would in a local verizon store. You get a 30 day period of return just like you would if you bought the phone at a verizon store. You obviously have the option of adding insurance when checking out at amazon. Or to call verizon within 30 days to add.

 

[KAL-EL]

Just wanted to add that I am currently carrierless and the $49.99 for the Droid @ amazon is tempting me big time.

 

[takeshi]

What are the benifits of buying the Droid from Amazon? I know it's 50 dollars which is a lot cheaper than 200 but are there downsides?

With any authorized agent (Amazon, Wirefly, Dell, etc etc) read the fine print. Often you can't make changes to your plan. Another common thing for them to do is to charge you a recovery fee if you don't stick with their terms. Again, read the fine print. It's on their sites.

 

[KAL-EL]

Amazon.com Instant Discount Policy


When you purchase your device with service from Amazon.com, we automatically pass along an instant discount from the carrier to you. This discount has been provided to you based on your agreement to (a) activate a new, or extend an existing, line of service for this device with the carrier, and (b) maintain this service in good standing for a minimum of 181 consecutive days. If you do not activate or extend a line of service in connection with this device, or if your service is canceled/disconnected before 181 consecutive days, Amazon.com will charge you $250 per device, plus applicable taxes.

 

[Trapper31]

Amazon.com Instant Discount Policy


When you purchase your device with service from Amazon.com, we automatically pass along an instant discount from the carrier to you. This discount has been provided to you based on your agreement to (a) activate a new, or extend an existing, line of service for this device with the carrier, and (b) maintain this service in good standing for a minimum of 181 consecutive days. If you do not activate or extend a line of service in connection with this device, or if your service is canceled/disconnected before 181 consecutive days, Amazon.com will charge you $250 per device, plus applicable taxes.

OK, so this is stating that you owe VZW the early termination fee, PLUS an early termination fee to Amazon? I don't feel so bad about my first statement then, as this is sort of another contract. If I'm reading this right, that is.

 

[anjoga]

OK, so this is stating that you owe VZW the early termination fee, PLUS an early termination fee to Amazon? I don't feel so bad about my first statement then, as this is sort of another contract. If I'm reading this right, that is.

I see what you mean, but I wouldn't necessarily call a seperate ETF by Amazon another "contract" but more of a policy. Perhaps I'm splitting hairs though.

 

[KAL-EL]

OK, so this is stating that you owe VZW the early termination fee, PLUS an early termination fee to Amazon? I don't feel so bad about my first statement then, as this is sort of another contract. If I'm reading this right, that is.

Thats a very good question. One which I knew the answer to! I cant say I blame amazon for wanting to recoup something for the phone. I mean someone could buy the phone w/2 year deal. Then cancel w/verizon within 30 days and still keep the phone. Amazon is left out in the cold.

 

[roastedpepper]

The only thing I don't like is the fact that you can't have it replaced in the store. At least that's what the Verizon rep told me when I just called. But I asked if you order it via the online Verizon store. I really don't want to have to send a phone through the mail again. It's a big hassel. But if I buy it from Amazon I can replace it in the store?

 

[anjoga]

But if I buy it from Amazon I can replace it in the store?

Only for warranty purposes I believe. You have 30 days from the time of purchase to return it to amazon, but no exchanges, price matching, etc., only returns. If your phone has a problem, amazon themselves told me to take it to my local VZW store as they said Verizon holds the warranty for it.

 

[KAL-EL]

Even the sales rep at my local verizon store was suprised how cheap amazon was offering it for. I should have asked him at the time if they could match amazons price. They most likely wouldnt have though I am sure.

 

[Trapper31]

I see what you mean, but I wouldn't necessarily call a seperate ETF by Amazon another "contract" but more of a policy. Perhaps I'm splitting hairs though.

Yep, I am in 100% agreement. When I said contract I was only repeating what the Verizon rep had told me, which was most definitely an overstatement (probably to deter me from buying from a third party).

The only thing I don't like is the fact that you can't have it replaced in the store. At least that's what the Verizon rep told me when I just called. But I asked if you order it via the online Verizon store. I really don't want to have to send a phone through the mail again. It's a big hassel. But if I buy it from Amazon I can replace it in the store?

From Verizon's return policy:

"If you purchased your merchandise from the Verizon Wireless Online Store or over the phone from one of our Telemarketing or Customer Service Representatives, please contact the phone number on your customer receipt for additional details on completing your exchange."

So, there you have it, clear as mud.

 

[KAL-EL]

As long as its covered by insurance (if say it stopped working 3 months from now) and I am able to take it my local verizon store/tech to be fixed/replaced then thats all the peace of mind I need.

 

[Jasno!]

After spending some time on the phone with both VZW and AmazonWireless, I placed an order for my Droid. All the conversations today were some of the best customer service experiences I've ever had, very knowledgeable and had an answer for every question, with no pushy salesmanship.

Summary:
Was in a month to month plan after years of contracts
$50 phone
181 day ETF with Amazon
-plus-
2 year contract with Verizon
I get to keep my no-longer-available 1500 text plan for $15/month
$1.99/month extended warranty in case the screen starts wobbling (I'll call
Amazon tomorrow to see if I can take it to a local VZ store, nobody
gave me any "if you buy it this way, keep in mind...." line)

I'm excited, my first smartphone. I have been debating on this or waiting for an N1 until I saw the $50 price tag. Droid can do everything I need/want it to while saving me quite a bit of cash, plus I can always upgrade to an N1 in the future with a contract renewal. Sorry for the tangent, first Android, first post, and I'm excited.

 

[KAL-EL]

Congrats on your new purchase! So you placed an order with an amazon rep and not through the usual checkout of the website? Also assume you got free 2 day shipping as well?

 

[kennyidaho]

After spending some time on the phone with both VZW and AmazonWireless, I placed an order for my Droid. All the conversations today were some of the best customer service experiences I've ever had, very knowledgeable and had an answer for every question, with no pushy salesmanship.

Summary:
Was in a month to month plan after years of contracts
$50 phone
181 day ETF with Amazon
-plus-
2 year contract with Verizon
I get to keep my no-longer-available 1500 text plan for $15/month
$1.99/month extended warranty in case the screen starts wobbling (I'll call
Amazon tomorrow to see if I can take it to a local VZ store, nobody
gave me any "if you buy it this way, keep in mind...." line)

I'm excited, my first smartphone. I have been debating on this or waiting for an N1 until I saw the $50 price tag. Droid can do everything I need/want it to while saving me quite a bit of cash, plus I can always upgrade to an N1 in the future with a contract renewal. Sorry for the tangent, first Android, first post, and I'm excited.

I bought from Amazon and it was a good experience. Only problem that I encountered was that Verizon rejected my address so I had to resubmit, and then the insurance/repair plan was not placed onto the account even though I requested it. Amazon listed the price for the insurance as $5.99 though I new it was more with Verizon. I had to have Verizon add it on at the $7 + price.

When I bought the price was $109.99 per phone - which was cheaper then anywhere else. Sure wish I would have got the $50 price.

 

[Jasno!]

Thanks Superman! I'm pumped. I spoke with the Amazon rep to get my questions answered, then I ordered through the website so I got 2 day shipping (except they don't ship on weekends so I'll get it Tuesday-ish). I was told that if I could leave the texting plan "blank" and my current one will remain, so that was neat.

Kennyidaho, I assume you live in Idaho? Me too I hope I have no address issues as I'm moving this weekend and had to ship to my new one, but my billing address is the same right now... Maybe I should call Verizon and Amazon tomorrow to make a preemptive strike. They only had ringback tones and the $1.99 extended warranty for additional options, I'd have to upgrade through VZs website. Not sure if it's worth it or if I could afford it. Also had to drop my minutes from 900 to 450 for cost, hopefully can circumvent that through the upcoming Skype service.

I'll let you guys know how things turn out!

 

[kennyidaho]

Kennyidaho, I assume you live in Idaho? Me too I hope I have no address issues as I'm moving this weekend and had to ship to my new one, but my billing address is the same right now... Maybe I should call Verizon and Amazon tomorrow to make a preemptive strike. They only had ringback tones and the $1.99 extended warranty for additional options, I'd have to upgrade through VZs website. Not sure if it's worth it or if I could afford it. Also had to drop my minutes from 900 to 450 for cost, hopefully can circumvent that through the upcoming Skype service.

Your right, Idaho Falls, ID, born and raised spent about 2 years in Salt Lake, and a few other places. Some how I always end up back here so I figured I would just stay.

I placed the order at like 2 AM and just moments later I received an email that said:

Verizon Wireless has notified us that the address you provided is not valid according to their systems. Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient information to correct your address.

You are welcome to return to our Web site and place a new order for the same item. After you proceed to checkout, please pay particular attention to how you enter your address on the page entitled "Provide Credit Check Information," which you will be required to complete as part of placing an order for this Verizon Wireless plan. We will send the information you enter on this page to the carrier for address validation and a credit check.

I changed it to match exactly what my bank had and it cleared after that. So if you have not received a similar notification I am sure you are safe.

 

[defkorn]

$1.99/month extended warranty in case the screen starts wobbling (I'll call
Amazon tomorrow to see if I can take it to a local VZ store, nobody
gave me any "if you buy it this way, keep in mind...." line)

You may want to double check on this, I remember when the Droid first came out people thought they could keep their old Insurance/Warranty plan price through Verizon. Unless things have changed since then, you will have to pay $5.99/month since its in their "premium smartphone" category or something. VZW reps (any sales rep really) will tell you just about anything to get you to buy from them, so double check all that.