Verizon Authorized Dealers

[DGrayson]

Does anyone have experience purchasing phones from a 3rd party dealer? Radio Shack has quoted me the same prices as Verizon for the VX10 & VX4400, and I will only be required to sign for a one year extension. Verizon said a two year contract extension is required. It sounds too good. Should I be concerned about dealing with Radio Shack? Are there hidden fees/commitments?

[MichaelV]

I know a few friends who have bought from Radio Shack. They had no problems. However, if you are already a Verizon member, you should only have to sign a year agreement. Two years are mostly for new members. Thats how it is here in Hawaii anyway

[budney]

I would avoid going through any dealer, go directly to the provider. I have always had problems in the past going that route. It seems like if you have a problem the provider will give you the brush off, since you did not buy the phone & service directly through them. Then the dealer will say they can not help, you need to talk to the provider. Then you are stuck with a bad phone/plan or both. Plus dealers are out to make money. Make sure to read the fine print on there contract, you may find catches that will cost you big money.

[ockidd15]

Yeah, there are some authorized dealers out there that are bad, but not all of them are bad. You just have to make the effort to look around and make sure your not doing something that you wouldn't normally do at an actual retail store.

I usually find that going to an authorized dealer saves me money. They sometimes have rebates that the retail stores don't and they also tend to throw in car chargers, leather cases, hands-free kits, etc. Of course, they may be aftermarket, but if you haggle them some, they'll give you genuine.

The only other thing they'll make you do extra is signing an additional contract w/ thier store (not with the service) just in case you cancel your phone within the trial period (due to commission issues).

I've never had any problems going to an authrorized dealer and it usually saves me money. I always try to make sure to go to a store that has good customer service. There are many dealers who take pride in providing excellent customer service.

Sometimes though, there are those people who are out there to make money, and once you walk out the store, they won't deal with you anymore... you can usually tell if they are like that.

IMO, I wouldn't go to RadioShack. I would rather go to the retail locations rather than RadioShack.

[DGrayson]

Thanks to all for your input.

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[Danthrin44]

The indirect dealers for Verizon are good. The only thing to be cautious of is the return policy. Some indirect dealers have an equipment contract and a weird return policy.

Check in for that before you go there.

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[blcklab666]

You can extend a Verizon contract while getting a new phone through a 3rd party reseller?

[BikerBandit]

first, you have the option at a verizon wireless store to choose a one or a two year contract. the contract you choose will determine the price you get the handset for. second, you may be able to get similar or better pricing from a verizon wireless vendor, just realize you will sign a secondary agreement which may hurt you later down the road. third, most third party vendors can not upgrde your service, they would have to give you new service with a new phone number.