Hi,
I was thinking of having my uncle buy me an unlocked Samsung Focus in USA and bringing it to me in Norway.
I've noticed many people having problems getting the Focus without a contract, but it looks to me that you can buy one from AmazonWireless without one if you click "Phone only (no service)"? Or am I wrong?
Any other things that I should be aware of before buying the phone?
Espentf said:
Hi,
I was thinking of having my uncle buy me an unlocked Samsung Focus in USA and bringing it to me in Norway.
I've noticed many people having problems getting the Focus without a contract, but it looks to me that you can buy one from AmazonWireless without one if you click "Phone only (no service)"? Or am I wrong?
Any other things that I should be aware of before buying the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i bought mine there, but your billing address must be on US (i just put the shipping address on the billing address,the only legit data was my CC and expiration date)
it worked, but i shipped it to an US address. i dont have confirmation from my friend yet, but i got charged and the package tracking says its delivered.
i hope it helps
Great, thanks for the answer.
My uncle lives in Seattle, so I can probably just use his adress.
My plan was to get the phone shipped to him so I would bypass all the stupid taxes and fees you need to pay to import stuff to norway
So basicly, I just need my uncle's adress, and I'm good to go?
Anything else I should worry about?
The contract-free phone is locked to AT&T so you still need to get it unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express
djca said:
The contract-free phone is locked to AT&T so you still need to get it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright. Is this a simple process?
I've ordered an unlocked one from eBay instead. Was about 100USD more expensive, but that only brings it to around 150USD LESS than what I'd have to expect to pay for a similar phone in Norway
ill buy the unlock on ebay, but i need my phone imei first.
Bought mine online from amazon. Shipped it someone in US who was on holiday their at their relative's house. They brought it over to NZ when they finished their holiday in US.
Gave the IMEI no of the locked focus to nckzone on ebay and he gave me an unlock code. Working fine.
btw used a visa debit card on amazon which does not cares about the billing address crap.
Related
i wanted to buy the dell streak today nline. I am from chile and wanted to order it from dell.com. it ask for a USA shipping address which i don´t have, i entered my mothers address from tennessee and tried paying with paypal and again i couldn´t because the paypal account is from chile. How can i Buyt the phone?!
I am no looking at dell streaks in ebay but i´m not sure if they will be ok.
What should i do?
I was in the same predicament. I live in Canada and didn't have a credit card with an american address, so I went the Ebay route. I was trying to avoid it at all costs but it worked out in the end, and I'm enjoying my Streak.
good to hear that, i just ordered one from ebay also, it said its unopened, sealed box. Although it´s not unlocked, i´ll try to get the unlock code from at&t and if that doesn´t work i´ll get a rebel sim
was gunna say i bet you could pay somebody else to order it for you and ship it to Tennessee but i see youve already ordered one...
I'm about to order one online too, I'm in the US so dell.com is ok, especially since they have a "Get a $100 gift card with the purchase of a Streak" (you can't use it right away though so it's not very convenient for the car/home dock)...
What I don't like is the "For use on AT&T network only" - makes no sense they should sell a locked version with no plan for $549.99! Has anyone bought one like that and they got an unlock code from AT&T ?
the one i got from ebay was locked to at&t aslo, as soon as i got it i called at&t and told them i had a dell dtreak and needed the unlock code, the rep asked for my imei and 30 seconds laer gave my unlock code. the whole call didn´t last more than 5 minutes.
That's nice, are you an AT&T customer? Someone said you had to have an account with them "in good standing".
If anyone knows about the restocking fees from Dell on a Streak I'd be interested, in case I order it and don't like it ;-)
no, im not an AT6T customer. I live in Chile and told them that also when i called.
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I was in and out in about 5 minutes.
Bizybone said:
Same here, I was in and out in about 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 $550 most other places. If I don't like either one I may be joining the Focus owners club in a few weeks.
craiglist.. thats how i got mine// 400 bucks.. a week old
Bell Canada and Virgin Mobile Canada will be releasing the Samsung Galaxy S2 4G (the 4G is Bell's naming, its still 21Mbps) July 14th. Many retailer already received the unit, but they will go on sale only on the 14.
This thread is to collect information, tips, and rooting/unlocks tips.
Similar thread over howardforum: http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...will-sell-it-unlocked?p=14466326#post14466326
Price is gonna be 599.95$ without a contract an around 150$ with a 3yr contract.
Sadly, it seem for reason I don't undersand that retailer, will not let the phone go out of the store un-activated (need a new contract or an existing customer transfering phone). The minimum "contract" seem to be a 30day 50$ plan from virgin, bell offer a similar but add initial fees, which virgin don't.
If anyone find a way around this, or store willing to sell without activating the phone, post it over here.....
So far Futureshop, Bestbuy and some the source all told me the same... But feel free to give it a try.
More to come shortly
x-cimo said:
Price is gonna be 599.95$ without a contract an around 150$ with a 3yr contract.
Sadly, it seem for reason I don't undersand that retailer, will not let the phone go out of the store un-activated (need a new contract or an existing customer transfering phone). The minimum "contract" seem to be a 30day 50$ plan from virgin, bell offer a similar but add initial fees, which virgin don't.
If anyone find a way around this, or store willing to sell without activating the phone, post it over here.....
So far Futureshop, Bestbuy and some the source all told me the same... But feel free to give it a try.
More to come shortly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From polling a few retailers (The Source, Future Shop, Bell Mobility Stores, Wireless Wave, etc.) I found it's pretty much hit and miss. Usually 1 store is willing to sell it to you off contract for every 4 asked, but, then that could change if they fly off the shelves.
Most of the store I found had either them on order (avg 6 units), or in stock (avg 3 units)... So be there early.
Was there any Bell store willing to sell off contract? (I haven't tried thoses.) Assuming they would be less flexible.
x-cimo said:
Most of the store I found had either them on order (avg 6 units), or in stock (avg 3 units)... So be there early.
Was there any Bell store willing to sell off contract? (I haven't tried thoses.) Assuming they would be less flexible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
They can say whatever they want but any phone sold by Bell will have to be honored by their warranty program. You can talk to Bell corporate about this and they'll confirm it. They'll also tell you that if you want to buy the phone off-contract they can't refuse you. Store owners are just being dicks because they get no commission with no plan activation. Had the same sort of issues when the Nexus S was released in Canada and people wanted to buy off-contract since they were unlocked (despite Rogers/Telus/Bell claiming they were locked).
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think that would be legal... How would they enforce this..
Sell a 599$ phone, but say, no warranty for you.
Really, I am looking at a the source flyer, and it say 599$ with no contract. There is no place where it say you need a minimum 30 days plan required.
Other than: to get the reduce price with a X year contract you need a minimum 50$ plan.
I just don't know how to force them to sell me the phone, even if I think they are lying about the 30 day
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the impression that he was referring to not being able to return the phone within the 14 day return period. I don't think he was talking about the warranty.
Sorry for the confusion.
Thanks!
fongoid said:
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
but I just ordered it from Handtec. It's kinda sad that Rogers has let us down yet again.
fongoid said:
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is all that you'd have to do is root and unlock the phone, and it should work fine on the Rogers network.
News that the release date could be July 21st:
http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/07/12/b...p+(mobilesyrup.com)&utm_content=Google+Reader
When Bell announced they’ll be one of the carriers who will release the Samsung Galaxy S II 4G they never confirmed a launch date, only that it will be available “in the coming weeks”. Carriers usually state this just in case there are shipping issues or problems meeting software tests. Rumours surfaced over the past few weeks of a July 14th release, but we are now hearing the launch date is officially set for Thursday, July 21st.
Apparently us Canadians will be getting the latest software and Bell wants to ensure that enough supply is available. The internal doc we received says that Bell is “anticipating very strong demand for the device” and waiting for “adequate supply to arrive”. Samsung recently announced that worldwide sales of this Android has already topped 3 million in just 55 days. This will be available for $599.95 on a no-contract and it’s expected the 3-year price will be $169.95.
Every store I been to told me july 14. I don`t think they will push it to 21.
My Bell rep forbade my Best Buy from selling it before the 21st and I got confirmation of this via an internal memo. We have it, but can't sell it.
BS.... We will see..
Whether we want to believe it or not, it's the truth... I'm as frustrated about it as you are, as I sold my Nexus last week to pay off my Telus cancellation fees, and now I'm going to be phone-less another week and a half...
go to wireless wave or phone booth. they let you purchase the phone out right. the warranty is void if you unlock the phone no matter where you purchase the phone.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Yea. that was my plan, walk around im sure somebody will sell it..
Just got back from Future Shop. Their live display model is out, and I managed to play with it a bit.
They confirmed as well that July 14 is the release date.
I got a question for you guys: Why don't you just buy one from a UK site instead of waiting for Bell/Virgin's release?
Warranty will be void anyways if you buy from Bell or Virgin without contract. You have to pay $599 + activation + possible minimum plan + tax + cancellation fee(?).
If you order from Clove or Handtec, you can get a UK warranty (meaning to ship back if anything unfortunate happen to the phone...better than no warranty!). It'll only cost less than $640 including shipping.
Anyone frankly explain it to me?
I want to sell my droid pro on ebay, but I am getting a lot of inquiry from foreign customers as to the "unlock" status of the phone. I suppose that I could get a better price on it if I unlocked the phone for use on foreign networks. I wanted to know what the easiest way to get an unlock code from verizon and whether or not this is in any way unethical or illegal to do this.
Thanks
As I know, if you have a good account at verizon (ex: pay bill on time for over 90)
You may just call verizon customer service and told them you are going to somewhere dosn't cover by verizon(like travelling), and asking them to give you unlock code and then you can just unlock your phone.
It's nothing unethical IMO, since you have contract (if you can unlock the phone) and still paying bill.
Thanks for the response, will the unlock code permanently unlock the phone?
Yeah, suppose to be unlocked permanently. Unless verizon update the system (happend once this year)
Though recover won't break the unlock, it is still better to provide the unlock code to the buyer. You won't need the code anymore since the unlock code is different depends on the phone id.
OMG dude you should really get the unlock code having it unlocked can be the difference of selling it for 200 something to 300 something
All the once that are locked still sell for about 240-250ish and worldwide ones from what I can see sell for 340-350ish
Sent from my DROID Pro using Tapatalk
I unlocked mine in sim-unlock dot net for 5 euros
Thanks CrackMonkey, the only thing I am now concerned about is my shipping, which I've restricted to the United States. I've had a few inquiries from foreigners who claim to have a US address to use as an intermediary, but I am afraid that I may detract potential bidders who don't have a US address they can use. You guys have any experience with shipping ebay purchases to a foreign address?
Its pretty similar to shipping in US but cost more just make sure its a address that paypal trust and only sell to people with paypal in end you will probably only make 50 dollars more then if you sell it in US but still that's 50 more dollars you have
Sent from my DROID Pro using Tapatalk
Alright, crackmonkey, thanks a bunch for your help
LeoBloom. said:
Thanks CrackMonkey, the only thing I am now concerned about is my shipping, which I've restricted to the United States. I've had a few inquiries from foreigners who claim to have a US address to use as an intermediary, but I am afraid that I may detract potential bidders who don't have a US address they can use. You guys have any experience with shipping ebay purchases to a foreign address?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LeoBloom, I am located in Europe and already 5-6 years buying stuff on eBay US. Never had a problem, only maybe 1-2 times from 50 item was lost - but USPS insurance covered it. And I bought my Droid Pro on eBay also, 3 weeks ago. Arrived in 2 weeks. USPS Express is <10 days, Priority around 2 weeks. So no worries to sell abroad
Where can i buy one off contract? The tmo store will not sell it as of yet.
A few options:
- Non T-Mobile phone stores (In Houston, I tend to look for cell phone stores in Chinatown)
- Craigslist (Always ask for seller's ID due to the blocked IMEI scam on the rise)
- E-bay
- Market place on here (I think I've seen a few)
- Did you try calling T-Mobile directly? Also, just FYI, my friend bought her 16GB White T999 from a T-Mobile store here in Houston TX for full price (payment plan) about two weeks ago. So I'm not sure why (I'm assuming) you were told that T-Mobile store will not sell it yet or why the store wouldn't sell it to you.
belly1026 said:
A few options:
- Non T-Mobile phone stores (In Houston, I tend to look for cell phone stores in Chinatown)
- Craigslist (Always ask for seller's ID due to the blocked IMEI scam on the rise)
- E-bay
- Market place on here (I think I've seen a few)
- Did you try calling T-Mobile directly? Also, just FYI, my friend bought her 16GB White T999 from a T-Mobile store here in Houston TX for full price (payment plan) about two weeks ago. So I'm not sure why (I'm assuming) you were told that T-Mobile store will not sell it yet or why the store wouldn't sell it to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please elaborate on the ID, you mean ask them for the IMEI?
I want to buy it off craigslist but it's obvious people stole bulks of these phones off somewhere.
I called the TMo stores directly, not the company. They all told me they have a memo from Tmo not to sell off contract s3's until further notice.
They are available for their value plans but you will be making payments on $599 plus tax.
.. via SGH-T999 by TT2
On craigslist make sure they give you the receipt is one way to go. Or have them meet you at a T-Mobile store (preferred) when you do the exchange. Kinda like buying a used car and meeting at the dmv to change title.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
EpicSurge said:
please elaborate on the ID, you mean ask them for the IMEI?
I want to buy it off craigslist but it's obvious people stole bulks of these phones off somewhere.
I called the TMo stores directly, not the company. They all told me they have a memo from Tmo not to sell off contract s3's until further notice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
belly1026 said:
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. First time with tmo and was going to return my Costco s3 and try to get one on CL so Im not stuck on a contract. Now that I know this ill be more weary with phones off contract. Quick question. Besides getting their ID info which could be difficult to do, could you technically let T-Mobile know that you just bought it off craigslist and have the seller give his info to them which the seller would most likely do rather than give you his ID. Assuming ofcourse that he is also with using tmo service so his account can be noted.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
belly1026 said:
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thats crazy.
Here's my short story.
The family decided to start a new 2 year contract and everyone got Galaxy S2's. This was like in April. Sold the S2 because I wanted the S3.
Started looking on Ebay, then Craigs. I checked on Craigs one day and found a pretty good deal for a sealed blue 16gb (though I had to give up the micro sim in the deal). Jumped on it that same day and met locally. I get to the spot and it turned out the seller is the older brother of this dude I knew in middle school/high school (they were both there at the spot). In my head I was like oh nice, this should be easy.
Opened it up on the spot, paid the guy, and left.
I feel pretty lucky for that to happen. I mean, of all chances I was able to meet up with someone on Craigs that I know.
But hearing these stories of people scamming people through IMEI is crazy.
EpicSurge said:
Where can i buy one off contract? The tmo store will not sell it as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from through mytmobile it gave me no problems buying it at full retail... I am on a grandfathered even more + plan though, not sure if that changes anything though
T-Mobile stores won't sell them off contract? I bought mine full retail at a factory T-Mobile store almost 2 weeks ago. No issues what-so-ever.
Radioshack and calling T-Mobile (You have to be a client)
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
I bought mine off contract at T-Mobile store the first day it came out. I have the prepaid 30 bucks plan with the 100 min and 5 gigs of internet at 4g
..
wailord said:
Newegg has the 16gb unlocked for $600 right now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176348
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the international version. You won't get 4g on T-Mobile with that phone