Buying Pixel from Verizon

[mundane]

I need to pick up 4-5 Pixel (32 GB) phones for a project, we anticipate they will be used exclusively over WiFi (that is, no cell plan). We only now settled on this hardware, and as I'm looking at potential vendors, Google's store ships in 3-4 weeks, and there is nothing in stock at any nearby Best Buy locations. I need to get at least one unit this week, which leaves Verizon as the only (?) channel.

Is having an unactivated phone going to be a real PITA? Will I have to create an account and cancel? I'd like to buy the phone and walk out of the store, but it's been so long since I have needed to deal with wireless contracts.

According to http://www.nowinstock.net/electronics/mobilephones/unlocked/googlepixel/ , they're popping in and out of stock in the Google Store, so perhaps I should watch and pounce.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Anubis]

you should be able to buy it from the VZW store and not activate it, just tell them its a gift, you will have to pay full price but it should not be any diff vs getting it at BB or online

 

[Raduque]

Verizon and I think T-Mobile are the only two carriers that will actually let you buy a device without service.

Shouldn't have a problem.

 

[mundane]

Thank you both.

 

[KeithP]

The 5", 32GB black Pixel is currently in stock at the Play Store. It takes 3-4 weeks to ship and in stock item?

-KeithP

 

[mundane]

Thanks Keith. It was showing that estimate for the "<Adjective> Blue" variety, which I now understand is a pre-order.

After making my last response, I watched the stock listing page throughout the rest of the day, and *did* order the model you refer to, it will arrive this weekend. I have made a note that when we finalize the hardware, we need to factor in these potential complications.

 

[Yuriman]

Strange, when I bought my Pixel for Fi from the play store a few months back, I had it overnighted and it arrived the next day.