Where to buy a verizon phone?

[polktiger]

I know this sounds stupid, were do you buy Verizon phones? Is the only place the Verizon store?

Over the last 10 years I have owned 2 phones. I fell in the water yesterday and killed my current phone, so I want to replace it. The 2 times I have purchased phones it was when I signed up or changed service.

My current contract is long since out of its term, and it is much cheaper than a comperable plan today, so I don't want a new plan. But it looks like if I buy a phone at a verizon store without some kind of contract it is full retail at an absurd price.

Any suggestions? Amazon had a couple, but even those weren't very cheap.

[Lasareath]

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceType=Phones&sortOption=priceSort

[Lasareath]

Or:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/storelocator/index.jsp

[bobman1235]

Verizon and other carriers sell phones at a discounted price in exchange for your signing up for a contract. Basically they make up for the loss of the cost of the phone in exchange for your guarantee of service.

If you want a phone without a contract, you have to pay full retail. Why else woudl someone subsidize the phone for you?

If you want cheaper prices, use Froogle or something to find the best price, but you're probably not going to find a substantial difference unless you take the risk of using eBay.

[Pauly]

Craigslist...


Pauly

[thuffman03]

You don't have to get into a contract if you don't want. You will just have to pay full retail price for the phone. Though if I were you why not get into a contract? You have had a phone now for over 10 years and unless you see yourself not having a phone in the next two years why would you want to pay full retail price for a phone.

[McLoki]

You should be able to get a new contract without changing your current plan. They are two separate things. you will still have to sign a 2 year agreement (the standard now) but you can keep your existing plan.

I have sprint and do not know if Verison is the same, but with some phones (like blackberrys) you have to make changes to your plan. Just go to the version store and say you are out of contract but have no interest in changing your current plan - what phones are available that fit those criteria. I am sure they will be able to do something for you,

Michael

[AudioGenics]

What kind, manufacturer, model of Verizon cell phone that got water soaked ?

[polktiger]

What kind, manufacturer, model of Verizon cell phone that got water soaked ?

It was an LG flip phone. I don't know the model, but it was the most basic LG flip they had. It was actually an Alltel phone - Verizon bought Alltel. Also why I don't want to mess with contract, etc, because it is an old Alltel plan. In our area, Alltel has always been 20%+ cheaper than a similar plan from Verizon.

Replacement, thats all I really want. I don't text, my phone stays on vibrate so ringtones are n/a, i don't use the web via phone, etc. I really don't want a camera either. All I want is a flip that can send/receive calls.

[dave shepard]

I too am in the same boat as you where my older plan is far better then their plans they have now. I (and you) can get a new phone at the discounted rate if you sign a new contract to stay with them for "x" amt. of time and you do not have to change your current plan just sign an agreement to stay with them for the term. I have a the new G'z One phone and still have the same plan I got over 5yrs ago, I just signed a two year agreement to stay with them.

Dave

FWIW the G'z One is water proof./ shock proof, pretty nice phone IMO

[thuffman03]

FWIW the G'z One is water proof./ shock proof, pretty nice phone IMO

I also have that phone. I like it a lot.

[John30_30]

It was an LG flip phone. I don't know the model, but it was the most basic LG flip they had. It was actually an Alltel phone - Verizon bought Alltel. Also why I don't want to mess with contract, etc, because it is an old Alltel plan. In our area, Alltel has always been 20%+ cheaper than a similar plan from Verizon.

Replacement, thats all I really want. I don't text, my phone stays on vibrate so ringtones are n/a, i don't use the web via phone, etc. I really don't want a camera either. All I want is a flip that can send/receive calls.

Like someone already said, your local Craigslist Electronics. People sell them all the time for various carriers or unlocked. Take it down to the Verizon store and have them activate it & transfer your addresses, etc.

[wizzy]

Used phone. Craigslist is good as you can check out the phone. Lots of old $10 phones on e*bay. Keep in mind any phone 2-3+ yo will probably need a new battery, so make sure parts are still available.

Get something that is "like" your old phone. Getting phones w/ different features can trigger verizon forcing you into new features/plans.

If you get a like enough phone, you can activate it on Verizon's "My Verizon" web portal to your account. No calling, going in, etc. just go into your account and type in your MEID

[Gadabout]

FWIW.....
The last couple additional or replacement phones I have bought have been direct from the manufacturer. I just go to Motorola's or Nokia's web page.

I have been able to find phones that they are discontinuing for a pretty decent prices. . I hated the cheapo work phone they gave me. Went to Motorola's web page and got a basic flip phone for the Verizon service. The last one I bought was $60 shipping included. Just called Verizon and told them the other one wasn't working and gave them the phone ID of the new one. Working in like 10 minutes after the call.

Scott