is there generally any incentive you can get out of a cell company either to switch (to new company) or to NOT switch (from old one) when a 2-yr contract is expiring?
Usually the incentive is a new phone at a low cost or free. Going to another carrier, they usually offer better deals on the phones, but if you call your current carrier & tell them you are thinking of switching once your contract is over, they may offer you a deal on a new phone. Otherwise it all depends on your needs and which carrier will suit you best, if your happy with your current carrier, then try to see what deal you get on a phone with a 2 year contract. If you have an excellent plan now, before doing this make sure a new plan won't give you less or cost you more for the same mins & options.
Looks like Amazon has better deals than the local stores, and I hate waiting for the privilege of talking to a salesperson (they actually put you on a waiting list!). If I stay with Verizon, any reason not to just end the old contract and sign up like a new customer?
If your already a customer then you won't qualify for a phone deal thru Amazon or any online reseller, those deals are for new customers only and to qualify I know with Cingular at least you have to wait 6 months after cancelling your account to be considered a new customer. So hanging out in line is 1 option, or try getting a phone for Verizon on Ebay & stay with no contract.
Usually when your contract is up, you are eligible for a new phone rebate through your existing carrier. If you switch, you'd get the rebate elswhere. I've never heard of any other incentives...but if you hear through traditional carriers let me know!
I have the "new every 2" plan -- $100 off, but I don't know if that means the retail price or the lower price with a new contract. If it's retail, I'd probably save more by switching carriers.
New Every 2 gets you $100 off the contract price of the phone, when you sign up for another 2 year contract. Of course, you must be eligible for the contract price. For example, my Moto E815 was $99 with a 2 year contract. With NE2, I got it for free. On Family Plans, NE2 only applies to the primary line, the other lines are eligible for the discount when they become eligible (22 months from previous purchase for that line). Any deal on a phone will change the contract date.
