Question about adding 3rd line to get cheaper Incredible price

[CFD323]

I'm trying, as is everyone, to get my hands on the Incredible. My early upgrade (annual) is May 12 but I"d like to possibly preorder on the Apr 19th, or worst case, hopefully get it in the store on the 29th. I stopped in at Verizon today and they told me either I should wait til May 12th to get the upgrade price, or I could add a 3rd line to my family share account. I forgot to ask, but does anyone know what happens in this example?

Let's say I add the 3rd line, get the Inc for the $199, and then within 30 days decide I don't want the Inc anymore. If I return the phone within the 30 days I know I get a refund on the phone. Am I also able to cancel that 3rd line as well, or am I stuck with a 3rd line now for the next 2 yrs?

 

[jwmacdon1231]

I believe that the 30 day period does not pertain to the line opened. I think that you would be stuck with the 3rd line. Well, that's how it is with Tmo.

 

[Sailingmaster]

No, the 30 day WFG (Worry Free Guarantee) does not force you to keep the 3rd line, if you return the equipment within 30 days, you get refunded the price of the phone. You will get charged a $35 restocking fee, and service will be canceled.

You will also be charged for whatever usage on the phone for the portion of the 30 days that you've had the phone activated. I.e., pro-rated amounts for access, dataplan, and whatever other features on the line.

Also, normally you have to return the device within 3 days to get the activation fee waived, assuming you were charged one in the first place.

 

[CFD323]

You will also be charged for whatever usage on the phone for the portion of the 30 days that you've had the phone activated. I.e., pro-rated amounts for access, dataplan, and whatever other features on the line.

The salesman told me we'd add the 3rd line to get the early upgrade price, then switch my current # to the Incredible, add an old dumb phone I had laying around to the new 3rd line phone #. So basically I would have no data, usage etc on the new 3rd line phone # (since I"m not gonna use it). So I would owe nothing (other than the restocking fee) if for some reason I decided to return the phone inside of 30 days right?

 

[Sailingmaster]

The salesman told me we'd add the 3rd line to get the early upgrade price, then switch my current # to the Incredible, add an old dumb phone I had laying around to the new 3rd line phone #. So basically I would have no data, usage etc on the new 3rd line phone # (since I"m not gonna use it). So I would owe nothing (other than the restocking fee) if for some reason I decided to return the phone inside of 30 days right?

With what you've described, the only thing you'd be charged on that 3rd line is the access (the pro-rated 9.99 for a secondary line) and the $35 restocking fee. On your next bill you'll still see the pro-rated charge for the dataplan for the amount of time you used the Incredible on your line. Only chance you've got of not paying the dataplan pro-rated charge is if you get a nice rep, you returned the device within 3 days and it shows no data usage at all.

 

[Lars]

If you call they will likely give you the early upgrade.

 

[psmitty311]

If you call they will likely give you the early upgrade.

I'm trying to get the phone before September (when my 2 years are up). What would you suggest telling them over the phone in order to convince them? The stores won't budge, but I keep getting the young sales guys.

 

[ncsustash]

Is it worth paying $10 dollars a month for 2 years just to get the phone 2 weeks earlier????

Or paying $35 bucks plus all the hassle of opening and closing a 3rd line just to have the phone 2 weeks early?

 

[AGWednesday]

It'll be more than just $10 per month. He'll have to pay another $30 per month for unlimited data as well. As someone pointed out in another thread, that's almost $1000 over the course of two years.

Lars is right. Phone reps are much more likely to allow you to upgrade early. I'd tell them that you're trying to decide between the Incredible and the EVO and that if you can get the Incredible early for the RE2 price, you'll definitely go with that. I think they'll cave.

 

[Sailingmaster]

If you call they will likely give you the early upgrade.

It depends. In some areas of the country, Verizon is running a smartphone promotion allowing you to upgrade when you're not eligible as long as the phone in question is a smartphone.

Also, several call centers (mine included) have been told that we cannot move upgrade dates unless there's an error with them. I've read posts in some of the threads here stating that they've gotten upgrade dates moved, and that flat out surprises me. I've had to give a person a manager-approved 2 year upgrade, honoring ne2 and online discounts because we can no longer move upgrade dates (case in question was a week away from NE2 date). If you get an upgrade date moved, kudos to you!

All that said, if your upgrade date is more than thirty days away, and you're not eligible for the smartphone promotion, in my experience as a rep, you're probably not going to get that date moved.

 

[CFD323]

I called and VZW told me that they would not move my date up from May 12. I think that sucks but I've actually talked to VZW via phone twice and gotten the same answer, as well as talking to a manager at my local VZW store. None of them would move it. 3rd line is the only way to go if I want it on Apr 29th. Of course I could and probably should exercise some patience (I don't have much left...lol) and just wait til May 12th and then none of this would be an issue.

I do have a question being so new to the Android line...what do people think the demand for this phone will be? I remember when I bought my Blackberry Storm, I was standing in a line outside the VZW store at 6am and they ran out of stock after the first 6 people in line...and then you couldn't even order it for a long time since the stock levels were so pathetically low. How popular is the Incredible going to be? If I wait til May 12th, do you think I'll have trouble getting one? Or if I decide to add a 3rd line and go to pick one up on Apr 29th, will there be enough in stock or will I be waiting in line 3 hrs before the store opens just to get one?



And for the poster above talking about the added costs of a 3rd line... it will only cost me the $10 extra/month since I will get rid of my BB Tour that's on my line now, and replace it with a Razr that I have laying around the house. Basically it will only cost me the $10 extra/month.

 

[jbass350z]

I am in the same boat, but my upgrade isnt until july . However! I am having a shit-ton of problems with my Touch Pro 2 that is still under warranty

 

[kjarrett]

I called and VZW told me that they would not move my date up from May 12. I think that sucks but I've actually talked to VZW via phone twice and gotten the same answer, as well as talking to a manager at my local VZW store. None of them would move it. 3rd line is the only way to go if I want it on Apr 29th. Of course I could and probably should exercise some patience (I don't have much left...lol) and just wait til May 12th and then none of this would be an issue.

I do have a question being so new to the Android line...what do people think the demand for this phone will be? I remember when I bought my Blackberry Storm, I was standing in a line outside the VZW store at 6am and they ran out of stock after the first 6 people in line...and then you couldn't even order it for a long time since the stock levels were so pathetically low. How popular is the Incredible going to be? If I wait til May 12th, do you think I'll have trouble getting one? Or if I decide to add a 3rd line and go to pick one up on Apr 29th, will there be enough in stock or will I be waiting in line 3 hrs before the store opens just to get one?



And for the poster above talking about the added costs of a 3rd line... it will only cost me the $10 extra/month since I will get rid of my BB Tour that's on my line now, and replace it with a Razr that I have laying around the house. Basically it will only cost me the $10 extra/month.

Wow. Nearly exactly the same sitch here, I'm May 13th. Interested in the answers as well!

-kj-

 

[CFD323]

I went to VZW again today and they again told me no. I think their policies have changes because in the past I"ve managed to get them to move dates and/or discount phones/accessories for me. Not anymore I guess...

 

[MathewS81]

I went to VZW again today and they again told me no. I think their policies have changes because in the past I"ve managed to get them to move dates and/or discount phones/accessories for me. Not anymore I guess...

Try asking through the website. They moved mine up 10 days and someone else got theirs moved up from July.

Go here: Contact Us

and use the "Send an Email" function.

 

[kjarrett]

Ok, here is what I am thinking, someone say if this will work.

I have three lines already. My kids have two phones, but my phone is a Razr2 V9m. No data plan. NE2 on 5/13 (it's $50 off).

This is what I want to do:

Get the DI on 4/29 as a 4th line, $199-50=$149
Change the number on the DI to my Razr2's number
Change the number on the Razr2 to the new 4th line number (won't be used)
Cancel service on Razr2 when the contract expires 5/13

If I have this right, I pay a pro-rated share of the $9.99 extra line on the old Razr2 (4/29 to 5/13), then it is canceled and I'm back to 3 lines.

Of course I'm paying the extra $30/month for the data plan on the DI. Comes with the territory.

What do you think? This doable?

TIA,

-kj-

 

[gatorjm7]

Ok, here is what I am thinking, someone say if this will work.

I have three lines already. My kids have two phones, but my phone is a Razr2 V9m. No data plan. NE2 on 5/13 (it's $50 off).

This is what I want to do:

Get the DI on 4/29 as a 4th line, $199-50=$149
Change the number on the DI to my Razr2's number
Change the number on the Razr2 to the new 4th line number (won't be used)
Cancel service on Razr2 when the contract expires 5/13

If I have this right, I pay a pro-rated share of the $9.99 extra line on the old Razr2 (4/29 to 5/13), then it is canceled and I'm back to 3 lines.

Of course I'm paying the extra $30/month for the data plan on the DI. Comes with the territory.

What do you think? This doable?

TIA,

-kj-

Talked to them about that today. You won't be able to switch contracts and numbers around. Meaning, when you get the new number, you could put the DI on it and you could then switch the two phones on the lines. But if you try to cancel the 4th line on 5/13 you'll have to pay the $350 EFT because that line started with a smartphone device. Your best best is to just add a line, make that new line the primary and let the old line expire with the RAZR on 5/13 otherwise you'll be stuck with that new number for a year or two years until the contract runs up.

 

[kjarrett]

Ok thanks, emailing them now to see what they recommend.

I do have Google Voice and COULD work that into the mix here.

Just need to figure out how to get this done.

-kj-

 

[Sailingmaster]

Ok, here is what I am thinking, someone say if this will work.

I have three lines already. My kids have two phones, but my phone is a Razr2 V9m. No data plan. NE2 on 5/13 (it's $50 off).

This is what I want to do:

Get the DI on 4/29 as a 4th line, $199-50=$149
Change the number on the DI to my Razr2's number
Change the number on the Razr2 to the new 4th line number (won't be used)
Cancel service on Razr2 when the contract expires 5/13

If I have this right, I pay a pro-rated share of the $9.99 extra line on the old Razr2 (4/29 to 5/13), then it is canceled and I'm back to 3 lines.

Of course I'm paying the extra $30/month for the data plan on the DI. Comes with the territory.

What do you think? This doable?

TIA,

-kj-

Gatorjm7's right about not being able to move the contracts around.

One thing you might want to keep in mind, your NE2 date is 4 months before the end of the contract. Which means on 5/13, you're still 4 months away from being able to end that line with no etf. Your upgrade date is not the contract end date. Lots of people make that mistake. Your upgrade date, whether NE2 or standard is at 20 months into the 2 year contract.

In my opinion, it's far cheaper for you to wait the just over 2 weeks and get the Incredible at an additional $50 off, rather than pay 9.99 for an additional line for 4 months until that line's no longer under contract and not get the extra NE2 discount because that's the line you're canceling in 4 months (i.e. you can't use that discount without renewing the contract for that line).

I guess the question you have to ask yourself is whether or not the extra 90 bucks for the phone over 4 months is worth the two week wait.

 

[kjarrett]

Sorry, I'm an idiot, I just checked my bill and realize I screwed this up. Here's the real sitch:

Primary Line: Daughter #1's Env Touch w/data plan, eligible for NE2 discounts on 5/13

Secondary A: My Razr2 w/no data plan, eligible for 'upgrade discounts' (not NE2) 4/20/11

Secondary B: Daughter #2's Env2 w/no data plan, eligible for 'upgrade discounts' (not NE2) 11/14/11

Caveats: daughter #1's line can't be canceled, she does NOT want a new number.

I'm thinking the best I can do is:

- Wait until 5/13, go into the store, upgrade daughter's Env Touch to the DI & activate, extending contract as required.
- Wait a day [is this necessary?]
- Return to the store, say she changed her mind, reactivate the Env Touch.
- Activate the DI on my Razr's line via the web, adding a data plan.

What do you think?

Assuming this WILL work, why wouldn't Verizon just do all of this for me in-store on the day I get the DI? That way I end up with the DI replacing my Razr2, added data plan to that line, and a two-year extension to my daughter's line (which she's fine with.)

THANKS!

-kj-

 

[Sailingmaster]

Sorry, I'm an idiot, I just checked my bill and realize I screwed this up. Here's the real sitch:

Primary Line: Daughter #1's Env Touch w/data plan, eligible for NE2 discounts on 5/13

Secondary A: My Razr2 w/no data plan, eligible for 'upgrade discounts' (not NE2) 4/20/11

Secondary B: Daughter #2's Env2 w/no data plan, eligible for 'upgrade discounts' (not NE2) 11/14/11

Caveats: daughter #1's line can't be canceled, she does NOT want a new number.

I'm thinking the best I can do is:

- Wait until 5/13, go into the store, upgrade daughter's Env Touch to the DI & activate, extending contract as required.
- Wait a day [is this necessary?]
- Return to the store, say she changed her mind, reactivate the Env Touch.
- Activate the DI on my Razr's line via the web, adding a data plan.

What do you think?

Assuming this WILL work, why wouldn't Verizon just do all of this for me in-store on the day I get the DI? That way I end up with the DI replacing my Razr2, added data plan to that line, and a two-year extension to my daughter's line (which she's fine with.)

THANKS!

-kj-

You're way overcomplicating this. Just go in on 5/13, purchase the phone using her upgrade, if you do this at the store, it won't be a problem. You accept the 2-year contract on her number. The store can use *228, go through activation and at the end choose option 2 to activate later. Then they can put the phone on your line, and not bother your daughter's Env Touch.

You don't have to wait a day. The only thing that has to be done that concerns your daughter's line is accept the T&C (2 year contract). Using *228 on the Incredible, or if it's like the Droid you press send to activate the phone, then you put in your daughter's 10 digit MTN, then it will ask you for the billing account password, if you don't have one then it asks for the last 4 digits of the acct owner's SSN. The system will ask if this is for order# _____, you press 1 for yes, then it asks if you accept the terms & conditions of the new 2 year contract, you press 1 to accept, after that it will offer you these options, 1 to activate the phone, 2 to activate later, choose 2. That way you can move it to your line without any muss, fuss or bother to your daughter's line. They can help you do this at the store, or call customer service from a different phone *611 from another verizon handset, or 1-800-922-0204 and we'll walk you through the process.

 

[kjarrett]

lol I'm an idiot - thanks! That's sort of what I was expecting all along, just to use the NE2 and put the phone on my line.

So now the question is ... wondering if I can get 'em to move the NE2 date up? I'm ok with missing launch day but really, really want this phone baaaaaaaaaaad (don't we all!) I've been with Verizon since 1993, that's gotta be worth something! Or not...

-kj-

 

[Sailingmaster]

lol I'm an idiot - thanks! That's sort of what I was expecting all along, just to use the NE2 and put the phone on my line.

So now the question is ... wondering if I can get 'em to move the NE2 date up? I'm ok with missing launch day but really, really want this phone baaaaaaaaaaad (don't we all!) I've been with Verizon since 1993, that's gotta be worth something! Or not...

-kj-

A month ago, I could've gotten that upgrade date moved. Now? The short answer is no. The call center I work in, and others (according to our OM) have been told that the only circumstance we are allowed to move an upgrade date is if there's an error.

Call in to customer service, and ask what they can do for you. The worst answer you're going to get is you have to wait. Assuming you get a good rep, and you've got an excellent payment history along with the time you've been a customer, you might get a manager to approve an M2, honoring the NE2 discount and waive the MIR. That's best case scenario. I got that for a customer just the other day, and her NE2 date was a week away at the time.

 

[kjarrett]

Thanks SO MUCH for your help, Sailingmaster...

I'm trying to decide between calling or going the store.

A few weeks ago, a GREAT in-store rep spent 30 minutes with me and my daughter getting her squared away with a new phone, moving us to a family plan, answering questions, etc. I feel like going to see her this weekend before the rush and ask what she thinks...

My main concern in waiting is that the store might run out of stock...

Again, thanks!

-kj-