Phone buying experiences with newegg.com (contract phones) or amazon.com?

[Lyfer]

I've heard bad things, are they true?

P.S. With big red and AT&T that is.

I know newegg's retail phone pricing is fine and backed by newegg, but I was questioning there "http://www.cellstores.com" contract phones.

 

[Deeko]

I've bought phones from Amazon before. No problems, and generally some great deals.

 

[cronos]

I've bought cell phones from Amazon, Newegg, and Dell before. No problem.

They have nothing to do with the carriers though (full price - no contract).

 

[s44]

Great. Costco is still the best place for phones though, given the exchange policy.

 

[MrBond]

I bought my last phone through Amazon. I use Verizon. I went from dumbphone-->smartphone so I had to select the data package/etc from Amazon when I ordered it. Selecting them on Amazon at the time of purchase didn't add it to my account though and I had to do it all again at Verizon's website when I activated the phone.

I'm not sure why, but it never reset my upgrade date with Verizon either. The VZW website still says I'm eligible for a discounted phone purchase, despite activating a new phone less than a year ago.

 

[alent1234]

i've heard with amazon if you return a phone past the 30 day window you're going to get hit with the carrier ETF and the amazon ETF. basically the commission they get from the carrier/OEM. total is like $500

 

[corkyg]

Second the Costco comment. Otherwise, I always get phones and service directly from a local carrier store - not a mall kiosk. That way you can explore all the options, touch and feel, and walk out with a functioning instrument. With an upgrade, they always take care of transferring my old phone book to the new phone.

 

[Demo24]

i've heard with amazon if you return a phone past the 30 day window you're going to get hit with the carrier ETF and the amazon ETF. basically the commission they get from the carrier/OEM. total is like $500

If you sign a contract, if you simply buy the phone outright then whatever their return policy is.

 

[Deeko]

i've heard with amazon if you return a phone past the 30 day window you're going to get hit with the carrier ETF and the amazon ETF. basically the commission they get from the carrier/OEM. total is like $500

Yes - Amazon has its own ETF, for the first 180 days I believe.

 

[Raduque]

My mom bought a phone from newegg. Full retail, unlocked, like anything else it was just a purchase and ship item.

 

[Lyfer]

Clarified my question regarding "http://www.cellstores.com" newegg's thirdy party provider.