Quick verizon wireless question..

[swbsam]

My gf HATES her LG chocolate phone that she got a few months ago. She'd like to switch to even a basic phone, but verizon said it would cost her the price of a phone out of contract - $150 as a minimum. I thought about just buying a used phone off of eBay and having the verizon store program it - is this possible? Do they charge a ridiculous amount to program it?

Thanks!

Moved form Off Topic
moderator allisolm

 

[zig3695]

buy a phone thats unlocked or has the verizon logo on it and you should just be able to call CS to have them switch the EMI number to the new phone...

 

[uli2000]

Currently, Verizon will only activate a verizon branded phone in their esn database. If you buy one used, Id call verizon prior to buying it to verify the phone wasnt stolen or shut off for non payment. If the seller is leery of giving you the esn, Id find another seller. You may also try and buy a cheap Verizon inpule prepaid phone and see if they will activate that on your account.

 

[rh71]

She hates it but she's not still within her 30 day trial period?

 

[ubercaffeinated]

the lg chocolate phone is horrible. i had to have it replaced twice already in the year i've had it and one of the techs at the store apparently switched out my battery at the store with an even older battery, forcing me to buy a new one during one of my replacements... this is boston though, so i'm not sure if horrible service is expected but still... i never had a problem out of stores in california. i <3 verizon in general, otherwise.

 

[Raduque]

like uli2k said, make sure you get the ESN if buying off fleabay. If you don't want to go that route, I have a basic phone (Moto W315) I'd sell. It's a USCell model, but it works great with Verizon, and I'd be happy to let you have it really cheap.

 

[JDub02]

I needed a camera free phone for work. I bought one off of e-bay. No problems activating it. Just call VZW and switch ESN's.

Just be careful. They won't activate a stolen phone, so check that the ESN is clean before buying. Also check out the for sale section at howardforums.com.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: uli2000
Currently, Verizon will only activate a verizon branded phone in their esn database. If you buy one used, Id call verizon prior to buying it to verify the phone wasnt stolen or shut off for non payment. If the seller is leery of giving you the esn, Id find another seller. You may also try and buy a cheap Verizon inpule prepaid phone and see if they will activate that on your account.

They'll activate any CDMA phone that will work on their network. They willnot, however, ofer an once of support for a non-verizon branded phone.