Quote Originally Posted by joycenalex

I'd like a new cell phone.
Is it possible with Verizon as my cell service provider to buy from eBay or else where a Samsung / Verizon compatible cellphone, connect it
and keep my same #? and not have to extend my contract?
Only if Verizon "allows it"!

Call 'em up - and somewhere in the conversation "suggest" that you're looking at "other carriers".

You goal is to be transferred to the "Retention Department" --- the only folks
who can play "Let's Make a DEAL" in order to keep you as a customer.

They CAN arrange new phones at "good deal" prices ... and can council you as to
HOW to swap a newer phone onto your current number. You can NOT "swap" a different phone onto your account without the help and knowledge of the Customer Service folks - each phone has a FIXED internal Serial Number that must be "registered with the network (carrier)" in order to send or receive calls ... therefore you need THEIR Blessing to swap in a newer phone.

BE CAUTIOUS - there are Soooo Many different models that all look alike -
finding one to work on YOUR Verizon system may not be worth the hassle ...

I JUST did the Retention Dept game on Wednesday night ... took 5 transfers before I GOT there;
10 minutes to "warm her up" ... THEN we played "Let's Make a DEAL"!
I DO have an advantage over many folks - I've been with Alltel for longer than
Alltel has been a cellular company ... 10 years as a customer buys ya some bargaining power - I only had to remind her of that a couple times.

It took a little over an hour; but in exchange for a new 2-year contract, I got:
* A NEW Phone - warrantied for a year
* 200 more minutes of "daytime" hours (Now have 500 - used to have 300)
* Free nights starting at 7:00 pm M-F (a $7.00 per month "freebee")
* Free long distance (had it before)
* Free mobile-to-mobile calls (had it before)
* Free weekends (had it before)
* Overall REDUCTION of monthly bill of $2.00 per month

* ANNNND - her last parting shot was to say "You've been so nice - I'll take another $30.00
OFF the price of the phone" - (it only cost $30.00 after the rebate) - so it's now FREE!

A "contract renewal" isn't so bad *IF* you're getting good service and coverage at
a fair price - re-upping can also save you money in some cases - look at all the service plans.

PS: If you get a Tuff Nut that won't "DEAL" - say G-Bye and call back in 5 minutes -
you'll get a different person.



/s/ Phred