Database Users

[Q] How easy is to buy a Focus without a contract?

I will be traveling to the US in about a week, I want to buy a Focus and was wondering if I will be able to do it without having a contract with At&t..
I'm willing to pay the "No Commitment Pricing" of $500+taxes but I don't know what kind of requirements they impose to the actual purchase of a device in the store.
Anybody has info on this?

idloco said:
I will be traveling to the US in about a week, I want to buy a Focus and was wondering if I will be able to do it without having a contract with At&t..
I'm willing to pay the "No Commitment Pricing" of $500+taxes but I don't know what kind of requirements they impose to the actual purchase of a device in the store.
Anybody has info on this?
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Your best bet is Best Buy if/when they get the phone, I think.
When I bought my Focus today in an official AT&T store, they mentioned I would have to purchase some sort of contract to "get the phone today". I didn't mind since I was planning to, but it felt to me like it was a necessity...

Anyone else have problems buying off contract? I used my upgrade on an iPhone 4 and wanted to buy this for the full retail price today.... Hopefully I don't run into any problems =/

I bought mine no contract with no hassle. I'm already an ATT customer and just asked to buy the phone without a contract.

chizzwhizz said:
I bought mine no contract with no hassle. I'm already an ATT customer and just asked to buy the phone without a contract.
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Same here, I was in and out in about 5 minutes.

Bizybone said:
Same here, I was in and out in about 5 minutes.
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phew... load off my mind. now i can sell off my samsung captivate without worrying the whole day if i did it for nothing. THANKS

I got the phone when the stores open in Columbus, OH on the 8th. There were 4 of us in line there. The other 3 were Microsoft employees. Two bought the focus, one the HTC. All bought them with NO contract. Infact I think one guy paid for all three of them lol. I'm pretty sure since you can order them online with no contract for $499.99 at ATT.com that a contract is not needed.

I walked in and out of a official att store with a focus.

Buy it @ at&t stores should be no problem at all. The biggest problem is to get it unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

You can't buy the Samsung Focus off contract currently. AT&T will sell it outright ($499 + tax), but they will only sell it to you if your an existing on-contract customer or you sign up (with a minimum term). I've already been to AT&T and tried, apparantly my money is not good enough there. I'm not sure how people in the US put up with this rubbish. Either way, the only way to get a Samsung Focus in the US at the moment is to sign up at AT&T.
I've also been to Best Buy, but they only stock the HTC Surround, which I won't buy due to it not having a microSD slot.

I'm currently an AT&T customer who just renewed my contract for another 2 years for the iphone 4. So they'll be able to sell me one full retail price, right?

www.expansys-usa.com

What about Amazon Wireless, I think you can buy there without a plan...
EDIT: I just confirm this, you can buy without a plan!

Most online site still need to verify your status with AT&T (at least that's the policy with Letstalk.com). Stores don't like to sell phones without contract because there is no money to be made (monthly service charges).

jaraya13 said:
What about Amazon Wireless, I think you can buy there without a plan...
EDIT: I just confirm this, you can buy without a plan!
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You can go elsewhere on the net as well. The problem is AT&T has the best price right now. Everyone else is a good 50-80 more expensive. I'd rather save the extra cash and grab a branded one...

bmstrong said:
You can go elsewhere on the net as well. The problem is AT&T has the best price right now. Everyone else is a good 50-80 more expensive. I'd rather save the extra cash and grab a branded one...
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Dude I meant the branded ones (AT&T), for example the HTC SURROUND AT&T BRANDED price is $460 or something like that. And I was able to go through all the checkout process, just that I didn't want to pay, hehehe

OK cool.. I hope there are Focus left when I´m there!

Amazon.com doesn't have Focus in stock. In fact, it only briefly showed up in like 10 seconds before it was sold out @ 11/8.

You go to Dell online and buy any phone on any carrier in the US and some unlocked Nokia's without a contract and in some cases the prices are pretty good...I have a Streak AND a Nokia N8 on the way lol. The Nokia (ugly pea green one) was actually only $450 compared to $550 most other places. If I don't like either one I may be joining the Focus owners club in a few weeks.

craiglist.. thats how i got mine// 400 bucks.. a week old

Best Buy and Pricematching

I had to upgrade to my Evo before the April 1 deadline because of the Premier Program changes and I was able to jump in the best buy buyback program for free. And since I don't think I am the only one around here I was wondering.
When I look at what the retail price for phones on bb.com compared to sprint's retail prices, bestbuy is almost $100-200 more. (e.g. sprint Evo $450/ BB Evo $600) Has anyone tried to get them to pricematch sprint when buying a phone at retail price? If you go to bestbuy's pricematch policy the first FAQ is
"What is considered a local retail competitor? "
and the answer is ....
"A retail store located in the same market area as your local Best Buy store."
The reason I ask is this. On the same web page there is a link for a New York Price Match Class Action lawsuit about a similar situation where an individual bought a camera from Best Buy then found the same camera at a "local" camera retail shop for less, and BB wouldn't price match it. And this individual won. (Reference the Decision and Order Document. The conclusion is on the bottom of page 31)
Note : There is more to the story, but this is what started the wheel turning in the lawsuit. I recommend reading that specific document thoroughly so you can see how scandalous retail can be.
I can understand not matching contract prices, although in the past they have for me. But in this case we are talking "retail" price. I have up til August to get 50% for my Evo ($300) and I was thinking for future sake how i would attack the upgrade. I could either do an ETF (about $180) and lose my mobile #, but pay contract price ,or I could just cash in the Evo for the program and buy phone at retail.
Has anyone had any experience with this situation with BB?
Typed on my CyanoSavaged SuperEvo.

I'm not sure why you'd want to sell your phone to best buy when you can get more for it on here, craigslist, or ebay. There is a reason they want to buy it back from you at that price.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

I had to purchase my Evo at full retail price and i looked into this too. I was inclined to purchase it at Best Buy because they actually had it in stock where as the sprint stores near me put me on a waiting list (this was during the 2 week wait list stuff)
I hoped to price match because i knew people there from working there 3 years beforehand
They wouldn't price match for me either
I ended up getting my Evo at Radioshack after walking in randomly to see if they had them in stock. It was like 25 bucks more, but after being on a wait list for over a month i decided 25 bucks more than Sprints retail price was worth it

A little off topic, but on the price match subject at Best Buy. I just bought a new high end refrigerator from best buy, and before she rang it up she went online and checked all the major appliance sellers for the product and Lowes had it for $159 cheaper so they matched that price with out even asking. Of course, I had already shopped around and new of the lower price and was planning on making them price match. I prefer shopping at best buy for big purchases to maximize my reward points.

OneStepAhead said:
I'm not sure why you'd want to sell your phone to best buy when you can get more for it on here, craigslist, or ebay. There is a reason they want to buy it back from you at that price.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
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$300 for an EVO which is nearly 2 generations old hardware is a VERY good amount to receive for it.
They only fetch $200-250 average on craigslist, and that's begging the buyer to pay more.

I have purchased a phone from best buy at retail price and they matched the price to sprint for me. I don't know why they would not. That seems kind of stupid.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

princessakiki said:
I have purchased a phone from best buy at retail price and they matched the price to sprint for me. I don't know why they would not. That seems kind of stupid.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
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A lot of times it depends on the sales person. Same thing when you walk into a Sprint store for an upgrade, exchanges, or just service.

OneStepAhead said:
I'm not sure why you'd want to sell your phone to best buy when you can get more for it on here, craigslist, or ebay. There is a reason they want to buy it back from you at that price.
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Evo's go for about $200-$250 here in the Phoenix area, you will occasionally see the $300, but I doubt that is where the negotiating settles at.
I have purchased a phone from best buy at retail price and they matched the price to sprint for me. I don't know why they would not. That seems kind of stupid.
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Obviously you didn't read the Class Action I referenced. In the reading the customer was told he could not price match because the identical camera was sold at a local retailer that specifically sold photography equipment, not an electronics chain store like Ultimate Electronics or Circuit City for example. Also they were practicing within the Best Buy chain that they would not price match it it was not cost effective, like a percentage of profit over cost.
Now I know from being a part time manager in the past at an Autozone store that we were not allowed to price match oil/antifreeze products against Wal-Mart, Target, etc., specifically for the reason they were big box stores. But we "could" pricematch other auto part retailers (Checkers, Napa, etc.) This is why I asked the question, because I was wondering if Best Buy has ever said that when buying a phone retail. Because I could see something said along the lines of, "Well they have lower retail because they receive your monthly payment."
In a "for profit" business, I don't think it would be stupid on their end not to price match as they give back considerably higher buy back on phones over Sprint. Also Best Buy may not buy as many phones as Sprint so their bottom line could be slightly higher.

The best buy buy back program is a scam. I'm glad you got it for free; its like saying hey you pay me $250 upfront to purchase this $1000 laptop, and when you trade it back you only get 500. This is stupid and Best buy wins. I used to shop at best buy all the time until realizing that their markup on everything is like 30% higher than normal retail value. I purchased my heroc on launch day at best buy and paid 100 bucks for it with upgrade. I believe at the time sprint had it for 199 with upgrade. I think their full retail price is much higher on phones because they just cancel out the rebates. I purchased my evo at radio shack for 99.88 but their full retail price was also much higher than sprint's as well. Hmmm
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

Yeah, there is no way I would have purchased it.
However, the situation was at the time was that I had an upgrade that I was going to lose in April whether I used it or not. So now with the EVO3D and the Nexus S coming out, I would like to take advantage of it if necessary.

FYI If you were thinking of getting the nexus S 4G

I ordered a pair of these yesterday over the phone with sprint, I asked them to match the bestbuy $149 price and they did, and they also waived the activation and gave me free shipping. And since I'm porting 2 numbers over from tmobile they are giving me $125 per line for that.
So if you hate best buy as much as I do, you don't have to deal with them if you can stand to wait a few days for a phone to ship out.
I'm going to spend that time backing up what I want off of my current phones and getting ready to ebay them or something.

I wonder if that only works for new customers, or if it works for those of us who upgraded.

EXACTLY what I did as well... Remember to fill out your paperwork for the port credit (you have 72 hrs).
https://www.spcconsumer.com/
The Nexus Rocks

Nice to know...I'm going to see if Sprint can credit my account the $50 difference I paid when I got my Nexus.

thanks for the heads up. wish i would of known sooner, i already bought mine from best buy. i paid the $199 bc i was adding a 5th line...i would take it back, but i already ported my at&t number over, so its a no go...oh well at least i'm still getting my $125 port-in credit.

i paid almost $600 for mine. got it on sunday at my local sprint store
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

why so much? I don't know really how sprint plans work, I didn't have a contract on tmo, does sprint have non contract plans like month to month that you're on so you didn't have to renew a contract?

my line was an upgrade....paid 199.99 tired to get them to pm they told me to get bent. I could return it but then its 35.00 restock....thats lame! They also reset my upgrade status from 75 to 150....so maybe I sholdnt complain to much.

i wasn't eligible for upgrade or discount so i paid retail. but so far i love this phone. i came from a rooted evo with aosp gingerbread
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

Good tip. I HATE going to best buy too.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

I had a Hero, but broke contract for $50 to get the Nexus S at $199..I also got $40 for my hero which had a cracked screen and serious body damage. Best decision I've ever made!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

I bought this phone for retail as well for $550 plus tax from sprint release morning. Came out to be $620 with tax and the gloss black tpu case. Worth every penny,love thus phone so much! I hate beat buy as well they are selling it retail for $699 little over 8 bills with tax and a case. Screw that. This phone is awesome and I love it's on sprint
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App

Anyone know if they'll price match in the Sprint store?

I just wanted to update, called UPS to tell them to hold the package at the warehouse, not able to do that only sprint can change it. I just called sprint they told me they can't change it either.
I specifically asked the rep I placed the order with if this was possible and I was LIED to.
Now I have to either try and work from home or take a day off of work to wait at my house for my phone to show up. What a ****ing joke, this isn't getting off to a good start at all.

http://www.wirefly.com/catalog/sprint/samsung/nexus-s-4g-from-google-black/
$99 starting tomorrow! damn that was quick :|

Atrix no contract cost

I've seen two different no commitment costs at two different ATT stores. One was $499 and the other $549. Did they raise the no commitment cost recently. I'm thinking one store forgot to change the label. Has anyone seen it any cheaper besides eBay?

@ one point it was $99.99 at bestbuy with a 2-yr contract. cheapest i know of right now is radio shack for $149.99 with a 2-yr contract.
Off contract the lowest i've seen is bestbuy for 499.99. everywhere else..$549.99

just checked best buy, looks to be 599 now.

I got mine from AT&T for $500
BestBuy had it for $600 (on launch day) when I went to go get it.

Was wondering if u were me should i upgrade to a atrix or stick with the arc?
Sent from my Arc using XDA premium App

motionUS said:
I've seen two different no commitment costs at two different ATT stores. One was $499 and the other $549. Did they raise the no commitment cost recently. I'm thinking one store forgot to change the label. Has anyone seen it any cheaper besides eBay?
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Some stores are offering case, BT headset, and car charger with Atrix for a slightly higher price. Could be why the difference if one store was and not the other.
Sent from WinBorg 4G via XDA premium app

I saw yesterday one for 470$ on e-bay, brand new and unused, but without original box package. Cheapest i saw with package was 520$ i think. My father want Atrix, so i am thinking either to give him my Atrix and to get SGS2/HTS Sensation for myself, or to tell him to get another Atrix, hard to decide...

I bought it for 599$ on amazon 2 weeks ago.

just went into an att store and they refused to sell me a atrix at the no commitment cost. ATT is ridiculous. They said they rarely ever sell items at the no contract price and they are no longer allowed. I could have stayed and spoken to a manager and probably gotten the phone but it was not worth the hassel.

At one point online (around release) , AT&T had the phone for no contract price of $268.

Check authorized agent stores for the no commitment prise. Saw a store that had it for $459 no commitment. As far as 2yr contract the cheapest I have seen in person is Walmart for $118.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

motionUS said:
just went into an att store and they refused to sell me a atrix at the no commitment cost. ATT is ridiculous. They said they rarely ever sell items at the no contract price and they are no longer allowed. I could have stayed and spoken to a manager and probably gotten the phone but it was not worth the hassel.
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Was probably an AT&T Auth. Retailer. They don't make any money when you buy it full retail and would rather keep it around for a sale they can make money on.

totalimmortal363 said:
Was probably an AT&T Auth. Retailer. They don't make any money when you buy it full retail and would rather keep it around for a sale they can make money on.
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U have a pm!
Sent from my samsung captivation

Purchased at ATT corporate store for 499.

If you live in the los angeles area and check craigslist they go for around $400 used and $450 brand new. LA Craigslist is always filled with postings because so many people live in la.

Nexus S "FREE" (sign 2 year contract) for one day only at Best Buy 8/3

According to the press release, it's all models, including the AT&T version.
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/02/idUS246036+02-Aug-2011+HUG20110802
TmoNews: http://www.tmonews.com/2011/08/deal...r-one-day-only-at-best-buy-upgrades-included/

I've been waiting for the price to drop and this is great news. Before I get it tomorrow can Sprint users tell me if the July update fixed the reception issues, made things worse, or stayed the same?

Online too?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

perdurabo2 said:
According to the press release, it's all models, including the AT&T version.
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/02/idUS246036+02-Aug-2011+HUG20110802
TmoNews: http://www.tmonews.com/2011/08/deal...r-one-day-only-at-best-buy-upgrades-included/
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I ordered mine through Amazon for 1 cent with free 2 day shipping with a new contract. No taxes on the value of the phone and its 1 cent out the door. It may be free at Best Buy but be prepared to pay sales tax on 699.99 (their regular price wtf?). Thats $57.74 where I live (OC at 8.25% sales tax). Best Buy is not good for new contracts but good if you are renewing your contract because Amazon charges 99.99 for renewals. It is still free for renewing your contract at Best Buy.

grenademasta said:
I ordered mine through Amazon for 1 cent with free 2 day shipping with a new contract. No taxes on the value of the phone and its 1 cent out the door. It may be free at Best Buy but be prepared to pay sales tax on 699.99 (their regular price wtf?). Thats $57.74 where I live (OC at 8.25% sales tax). Best Buy is not good for new contracts but good if you are renewing your contract because Amazon charges 99.99 for renewals. It is still free for renewing your contract at Best Buy.
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Sales tax? What's that? I don't pay no sales tax.

I got mine 2 days ago for free at best buy. Sprint model. I live a hour and a half away from the closest best buy, so I called to see how much it was. The lady that answered said free. Well I drive up there and its $99 with upgrade. So I told the manager what happened and he gave it to me for free.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

wheezyfbaby said:
I've been waiting for the price to drop and this is great news. Before I get it tomorrow can Sprint users tell me if the July update fixed the reception issues, made things worse, or stayed the same?
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Reviews are mixed. I have personally seen a db increase and additional bars on all connectivity modes.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

I'm debating an upgrade from a nexus one for this. Otherwise waiting for next nexus or iPhone. My nexus one is in pretty rough shape.

Can I get this on Verizon?

I'm going to take my receipt to save the $99

Hungry Man said:
Can I get this on Verizon?
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There is no Nexus currently for Verizon. Sorry.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

I have an iPhone under my mom's account. In theory could I get one under my name and cancel the contract? I know it sounds silly, but I would like both. Would I have to give AT&T the phone back if I cancel?

airognol said:
I have an iPhone under my mom's account. In theory could I get one under my name and cancel the contract? I know it sounds silly, but I would like both. Would I have to give AT&T the phone back if I cancel?
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No you can get one under your name. You keep the iPhone you have. I got the Nexsus S on Saturday and will be going tomorrow to get my $99 back. It is actually cheaper to get on contract and cancel later as you will only have paid around $340 vs $529 buy out right without contract at Best Buy.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App

I just ordered mine online with BestBuy for the AT&T version .. pricing is ALL $ 0.00 .. no taxes added .. only other fee is an $ 18.00 activation fee which is billed to you by your provider.
So .. the actual purchase of the phone is physically FREE.

Got mine free today
sent from my new HTC Evo

whats the early term fee for the providers?

im a lil past the one year point with my evo,
the best buy upgrade indicator online tells me im ready for an upgrade if i renew my 2 year, however when i go to purchase it online it tells me im not available for upgrade.
ill go in at ten and find out what my options are, and report back for fellow xda'ers

Will it be free by adding a line?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

I'm going to wait for the SGSII since it's a better spec phone. The Nexus S has no SD card slot and that's a no no for me. The plus side is the updates on that phone but that's about it.

johnbibbs said:
There is no Nexus currently for Verizon. Sorry.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
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If I buy the Sprint version and cancel the contract, could I activate this on Verizon?