Database Users

AT&T price match COSTCO

Hi guys,
This may or may not be news to any of you, but I was able to procure my Atrix from AT&T for $99 (2 year upgrade renewal) after asking them if they'd price-match the costco.com price.
FYI in case anyone is/was going to pay $199.

I work for at&t and I rarely price match. In this case I wouldn't have done it, the cost is too high and I wouldn't make any money if I did the price match.
Just so anyone else knows if they get told no. That's why.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

totalimmortal363 said:
I work for at&t and I rarely price match. In this case I wouldn't have done it, the cost is too high and I wouldn't make any money if I did the price match.
Just so anyone else knows if they get told no. That's why.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. It seems like this might be up to the manager's discretion as the sales rep did need his/her's approval.
I am a Costco member so it was just a matter of who wanted my $99 more.

I bought my atrix from best buy on the 29th of april for 99 bucks with a 2yr upgrade, they said it just went on sale
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

MrSub said:
I bought my atrix from best buy on the 29th of april for 99 bucks with a 2yr upgrade, they said it just went on sale
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where I got mine on the 26th. I might return it though.

Why are you going to return it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

ATT can never match sales tax!
I got my Atrix at Costco. Costco claims they have "warehouse" price so the sales tax is based on $149 (the Atrix is $99). AT&T's sales tax is based $599. I do not believe they can match that with Costco.
Plus Costco gives you car charger, case and wired earphone for free. It probably would cost $20 to buy them online. Plus you can return it with 30 days and exchange it within 90 days.
I got the Atrix for about $115 with tax two weeks ago. A little drawback is that they are no longer giving good cases anymore. I got two Atrix at same time, and one comes with very good case (selling for $12 on Amazon) and one has really bad case. I went back trying to get the good case. They opened up a few bags and the cases are all the bad ones.

big_redfox said:
I got my Atrix at Costco. Costco claims they have "warehouse" price so the sales tax is based on $149 (the Atrix is $99). AT&T's sales tax is based $599. I do not believe they can match that with Costco.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was shocked when I bought mine at Costco and only had to pay tax on the 149, so nice. Ended up getting a couple of blu-ray's and some other odds and ends for the price I budgeted to get my Atrix. Plus, the guys at my Costco live and breathe smartphones so they know what they're selling (which for some reason is hard to find around here).
If you've got a Costco membership, save some serious scratch and get your Atrix there

Tax on Phone sales is in direct relation to what state you live in
When I lived in nevada a year ago I only paid tax on the sales price of the phones i purchased at at&t stores. As far as i know only California at&t stores make you pay tax on the full retail of the item and even the at&t rep when I bought my wife's last phone said its a california thing. Just thought i would chip in my 2 cents.

big_redfox said:
I got my Atrix at Costco. Costco claims they have "warehouse" price so the sales tax is based on $149 (the Atrix is $99). AT&T's sales tax is based $599. I do not believe they can match that with Costco.
Plus Costco gives you car charger, case and wired earphone for free. It probably would cost $20 to buy them online. Plus you can return it with 30 days and exchange it within 90 days.
I got the Atrix for about $115 with tax two weeks ago. A little drawback is that they are no longer giving good cases anymore. I got two Atrix at same time, and one comes with very good case (selling for $12 on Amazon) and one has really bad case. I went back trying to get the good case. They opened up a few bags and the cases are all the bad ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sales tax varies by state.
Here in AZ, the sales tax is on the actual price paid, not the retail value.
I bought mine in an AT&T store on launch day for $149 and only paid tax on the $149 sale price. (9.3% sales tax)

Hi there at&t brother (sister)! Price matching varies far each market, here in mine, we get reamed for price matching, but to the people who upgrade at costco, watch out because a lot of the time they have secondary contacts, as well as unlimited data plan removal. Tread carefully
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

MrSub said:
Why are you going to return it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I don't like the camera on the phone. It's pretty bad compared to the Captivate I used before. Second, not sure if it's my phones issue, but people have trouble hearing me when I speak. They always say "what?" or "I can barely hear you" it happens with every single call and the phone has the latest update.

I tried three local at&t stores, none of tem price match to costco or even best buy, even after I said the bestbuy is right around the corner and they said I should buy from BB then.

twinkiestar said:
I tried three local at&t stores, none of tem price match to costco or even best buy, even after I said the bestbuy is right around the corner and they said I should buy from BB then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just buy it from Best Buy and if you return it you won't be charged a restocking fee.

I have had them price match from Walmart not even an I'm not sure I asked then and they said yes but my phone was only a $50 difference from there store plus a store owned by at&t is more likely or they saw 5 phones on my account all with unlimited data and didn't want to lose that much over $50
Sent from my Samsung-SGH-I897 using XDA App

rjohnstone said:
Sales tax varies by state.
Here in AZ, the sales tax is on the actual price paid, not the retail value.
I bought mine in an AT&T store on launch day for $149 and only paid tax on the $149 sale price. (9.3% sales tax)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true but when I first bought my Atrix at radio shack they made me pay tax in full price $599 bought for [email protected] But when I went to Costco I paid 129.99 and only had to pay tax on the 129.00.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

Paid $99 plus 5% sales tax totaling $104.94 at best buy in GA, this was about 2 months ago though.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

lost2030 said:
First of all, I don't like the camera on the phone. It's pretty bad compared to the Captivate I used before. Second, not sure if it's my phones issue, but people have trouble hearing me when I speak. They always say "what?" or "I can barely hear you" it happens with every single call and the phone has the latest update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera sucks, can't argue with you there.
As far as the voice quality issue, its a known and widespread problem. I went through 3 phones until I got a working unit that didn't have the voice or flash problem. Google it and look at the Motorola forums thread. Exchanging might get you a working unit.
I will say this: the first two that had the same problem were from the same batch. The third was from a different Costco and a different batch.
Also, Im yet to find anyone who works at a cellphone kiosk who knows more about smartphones than your average XDA user. SPECIALLY at AT&T stores. They are extra retarded in there.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

Can't go into details but I got my Atrix for free through the OP's method.
If I didn't have a decent reputation here, I wouldn't even bother mentioning it as no one would ever believe me
I won't say anything over PM either so don't ask...

wirednix said:
Camera sucks, can't argue with you there.
As far as the voice quality issue, its a known and widespread problem. I went through 3 phones until I got a working unit that didn't have the voice or flash problem. Google it and look at the Motorola forums thread. Exchanging might get you a working unit.
I will say this: the first two that had the same problem were from the same batch. The third was from a different Costco and a different batch.
Also, Im yet to find anyone who works at a cellphone kiosk who knows more about smartphones than your average XDA user. SPECIALLY at AT&T stores. They are extra retarded in there.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By flash problem are you referring to the dual LED's?? Mine are fine, I did find a thread where people said the LED would flicker and turn off. This voice issue is really bad though!

[Q] NegriElectronics updated their warranty...worth it to purchase?

So I was about to hit the button on a pre-order from NegriElectronics for my Unlocked T-Mobile Note 3. I'm gonna buy it from them anyway cause it is about $100 cheaper than getting it from T-Mobile. But as I was browsing their twitter feed for any discounts, I saw that they had updated their warranty (Negricare) plans. I wasn't going to get on originally because I thought $100 down plus a $75 deductible was kinda high, but now that they are cheaper ($59 plus $50 deductible), I wonder if it's worth it now. It still covers accidental damage plus water, manufacturer's defects, etc. I have never broke my phone (though I have dropped it once or twice), but it's always when you think you are safe that crap happens. If anything happened to my delicious Note 3, I would be so depressed.
They just announced these changes today, so I don't know if anyone has had a chance to discuss this yet. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
http://www.negrielectronics.com/blo...rgo-major-redesign-in-favor-of-affordability/
https://negrielectronics.com/negricare-protection-plan-more-info

Upfront costs mean nothing if you have claim issues down the road. It's not "Negri" insurance it's offered by a third party under Negri's name. Read the T&C to find out who's behind it and see what their AM Best rating is. Also do a Google search to see what people's claims experience have been with the third party. I've had two devices totaled and received $1, 500 in compensation in a week for both claims from SquareTrade no questions asked. Personally, I'd stick to what I know. Good luck.

BarryH_GEG said:
Upfront costs mean nothing if you have claim issues down the road. It's not "Negri" insurance it's offered by a third party under Negri's name. Read the T&C to find out who's behind it and see what their AM Best rating is. Also do a Google search to see what people's claims experience have been with the third party. I've had two devices totaled and received $1, 500 in compensation in a week for both claims from SquareTrade no questions asked. Personally, I'd stick to what I know. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I will consider Squaretrade as well.

Techngro said:
So I was about to hit the button on a pre-order from NegriElectronics for my Unlocked T-Mobile Note 3. I'm gonna buy it from them anyway cause it is about $100 cheaper than getting it from T-Mobile. But as I was browsing their twitter feed for any discounts, I saw that they had updated their warranty (Negricare) plans. I wasn't going to get on originally because I thought $100 down plus a $75 deductible was kinda high, but now that they are cheaper ($59 plus $50 deductible), I wonder if it's worth it now. It still covers accidental damage plus water, manufacturer's defects, etc. I have never broke my phone (though I have dropped it once or twice), but it's always when you think you are safe that crap happens. If anything happened to my delicious Note 3, I would be so depressed.
They just announced these changes today, so I don't know if anyone has had a chance to discuss this yet. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
http://www.negrielectronics.com/blo...rgo-major-redesign-in-favor-of-affordability/
https://negrielectronics.com/negricare-protection-plan-more-info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your interest. We simply offer the plans to provide the means to protect your purchase. We have recently partnered with Mack Warranty to back our NegriCare plans. Mack provides exceptional service throughout the claim, which is the #1 reason we chose them. We were able to negotiate costs with them to keep prices down for our customers. The plans are worth it, even if you don't need to file a claim - it's the 'peace of mind that' is worth the money down.
You're likely to find positive and negative reviews for all warranty/protection plan providers out there. It's best to purchase your plan from a trusted company, and what better company than the one that will sell you your device.
We hope to you enjoyed your shopping experience, and if you have any questions please visit our site. below are some useful links.
FAQ: http://negricare.negrielectronics.com/
About Us: http://negrielectronics.com/about-us
Live Support: http://negrielectronics.com/ (bottom left)

Techngro said:
So I was about to hit the button on a pre-order from NegriElectronics for my Unlocked T-Mobile Note 3. I'm gonna buy it from them anyway cause it is about $100 cheaper than getting it from T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it $100 cheaper from Negri than it is from T-Mobile? Did you see something I'm missing?
Sent from my Incognegro Jedi-Powered Note 2

After reading reports of how poorly Negri has treated customers who have ordered the T-Mobile version thus far, I would think twice about ordering from them.

Att.Fan1982 said:
How is it $100 cheaper from Negri than it is from T-Mobile? Did you see something I'm missing?
Sent from my Incognegro Jedi-Powered Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering this too. Based on your image, NE is only $18.50 less than TMo. However, if the OP is also including the tax, then yes - NE is a lot cheaper. According to NE's FAQ about taxes collected, they only collect tax for orders that are shipped to the state of Nevada. I am in CA, so this will be a LOT cheaper for me through NE, since CA's tax is so high.
However, I am not jumping on the Note 3 just yet, until the actual true specs of the Nexus 5 are announced.

Yeah tax is the big killer in buying from the carrier. The savings from NE are worth it as long as they ship tomorrow as on their site. If they push the date later (like the AT&T version was to the 10th), I'll probably cancel and just pick it up locally.

Att.Fan1982 said:
How is it $100 cheaper from Negri than it is from T-Mobile? Did you see something I'm missing?
Sent from my Incognegro Jedi-Powered Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's not just the tax, it's also the fact that I used a coupon code (NE20OFFCART) and got another $20 off as well as free shipping. So my total came to $668. T-Mobile with tax would probably be about $762. So that's why I said $100 cheaper, give or take.

Techngro said:
Yeah, it's not just the tax, it's also the fact that I used a coupon code (NE20OFFCART) and got another $20 off as well as free shipping. So my total came to $668. T-Mobile with tax would probably be about $762. So that's why I said $100 cheaper, give or take.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for the coupon code, as I had missed this! =)

Bmerz said:
Thx for the coupon code, as I had missed this! =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP. You can hit the thanks button under my post.

bigmout said:
After reading reports of how poorly Negri has treated customers who have ordered the T-Mobile version thus far, I would think twice about ordering from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What have you heard? All I want is my device to arrive in one peace undamaged. As long as that happens I will give then a good rating.

Techngro said:
What have you heard? All I want is my device to arrive in one peace undamaged. As long as that happens I will give then a good rating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the last two pages of the pre-order thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2437978&page=39
I was toying with ordering the T-Mobile model from them but don't think I will now.

bigmout said:
Check out the last two pages of the pre-order thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2437978&page=39
I was toying with ordering the T-Mobile model from them but don't think I will now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, to be honest with you, i'm kinda on Negri's side with this one. The main post (the one with the chat and email logs) that criticize Negri show that the guy was complaining about them not shipping as early as the 19th of September. Correct me if i'm wrong, but all of the carriers were saying October 1st-4th for availability. Negri had the expected ship date as 10-3, so i'm not sure what the guy was complaining about.
Now, they have changed the ship date to 10-10, but again, i'm not gonna go crazy because of this. I am saving almost $100 dollars after all. And with all the cancelled pre-orders, I might just get it earlier. lol/jk

Is it odd that official news said that Samsung wasn't going to release 16Gb versions, but Negri has them listed?
Also, from the Q&A:
Thank you for contacting Negri Electronics. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to browse our site and take interest in our units. This unit will not support 4G on T-Mobiles network. This unit will only support 2G speeds on T-Mobile. This unit has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you and have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm glad I spent the other $90 just to cozy up with Tmo. I like that they have iPhone users (and others) entirely dependent on them for support, hardware included, because I get that, too, not because I need it, but because USB ports, power buttons and other main board & plastic parts just don't last that long.

do we have confirmation that the tmob unit from negri has an unlocked bootloader and will work on att lte?

Techngro said:
Yeah, to be honest with you, i'm kinda on Negri's side with this one. The main post (the one with the chat and email logs) that criticize Negri show that the guy was complaining about them not shipping as early as the 19th of September. Correct me if i'm wrong, but all of the carriers were saying October 1st-4th for availability. Negri had the expected ship date as 10-3, so i'm not sure what the guy was complaining about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... good point lol. I think he was more pissed off at the perceived threat to delay his shipment because he complained to Google. But you make a fair point -- good catch.
Regardless, you can see several people canceled their pre-orders because of unreliable estimated ship dates and lack of customer service. I've given up dealing with online outlets because of similar hitches with another seller (not Negri) when buying my OG Note. It's left me gun shy lol.

Janis said:
Is it odd that official news said that Samsung wasn't going to release 16Gb versions, but Negri has them listed?
Also, from the Q&A:
I think I'm glad I spent the other $90 just to cozy up with Tmo. I like that they have iPhone users (and others) entirely dependent on them for support, hardware included, because I get that, too, not because I need it, but because USB ports, power buttons and other main board & plastic parts just don't last that long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait What?!?!?!
There's no way that that is correct. It's a branded T-Mobile device (you can see it in the pic of the back cover). In addition, the heading of the listing says "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 32GB LTE (T-Mobile) (Unlocked)". Since it has LTE (T-Mobile) in the heading, I'm pretty sure it is LTE capable.
Also, the version that PCMag reviewed here (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2424853,00.asp) was a T-Mobile version, and it was the Snapdragon 800 version of the Note 3. They said that it was using T-Mobile LTE. Negri CSR probably just didn't know what they were talking about or made a simple mistake. There are two versions of this phone after all.

bigmout said:
Hmmm... good point lol. I think he was more pissed off at the perceived threat to delay his shipment because he complained to Google. But you make a fair point -- good catch.
Regardless, you can see several people canceled their pre-orders because of unreliable estimated ship dates and lack of customer service. I've given up dealing with online outlets because of similar hitches with another seller (not Negri) when buying my OG Note. It's left me gun shy lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your note. We post "estimated" shipping date for this reason. They are estimated and we are not 100% exact on when they will arrive. If you called around to 40 different T-Mobile stores they would have less info than we provide. Our customer service isn't really "lacking" per-say, it's there, and we are doing our best to handle every request. The fact that some customers are angry with us isn't because of our customer service, it's because of the delay of their product. Customers reach out to us in the worst way, demanding a refund, threatening - however, we do all we can to keep the customer calm, respect their reasoning behind the aggression and try to settle them the best we can. Some have even threatened us if we didn't cancel their order - when they were never charged to begin with. It's a tough job, and no one is perfect, but don't give up on Online stores because of that. Give Negri a chance. The T-Mobile Note 3 is delayed, it happens. We don't do this intentionally - there is absolutely no benefit to it. Zero.
Everything we do is above board, honest and transparent. That's the way this company will always operate while it's under my command.
Ryan J. Negri - CEO
Negri Electronics, Inc.

bigmout said:
Hmmm... good point lol. I think he was more pissed off at the perceived threat to delay his shipment because he complained to Google. But you make a fair point -- good catch.
Regardless, you can see several people canceled their pre-orders because of unreliable estimated ship dates and lack of customer service. I've given up dealing with online outlets because of similar hitches with another seller (not Negri) when buying my OG Note. It's left me gun shy lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The intention was not to delay his shipment, it was about the resolution. If we could not reach a resolution it would affect his order of course, but the issue at hand is that since a claim was filed with Google, it is handled by an escalated department and not regular NegriCare.
We just hope that all customers understand that it's 100% better to come to us first, than file a claim. The claim form even says to contact us first - but this customer didn't feel that applied to him. Oh well. We deal with things as they come, and with the best possible mindset. We can't please everyone, but we can do our best to try. Sometimes that matters most.
Ryan J. Negri - CEO
Negri Electronics, Inc.

Did anyone buy their s8 from this

I wanna make sure its legit before I buy is all
Do they actually take 200 off ?
I have an LG G3 in mint condition and was going to avail of this offer
http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-s8/buy/s/Device/

I don't think samsung.com is legit at all...

kevinkehoe18 said:
I wanna make sure its legit before I buy is all
Do they actually take 200 off ?
I have an LG G3 in mint condition and was going to avail of this offer
http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-s8/buy/s/Device/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol i did the same thing i havent recieved it yet so i havent been able to send my phone back... i have an old moto x im hoping they'll take because I wanna keep my nexus 6p around
btw: the s8 is on backorder so idk when it'll ship

Might as well buy your phone from a guy in an alley way. ?

Last week the Samsung eBay page had the S8 and Plus for $599 and 699, but by the time I went to order, only had the Plus. After using it a few days, but a bit too tall and heavy for my liking, so sending it back.
I ordered the S8 from Samsung yesterday using the $200 trade in and free 2 day shipping. It also said backordered, but did ship out a few hours later for delivery tomorrow.
The oldest phone I have here is a Verizon Note 2, so I'll most likely sent it in for the tade, as they are only selling for about $100.
So in the end, would go from $740 for the S8+
(including tax) on eBay to $450 for S8 on Samsung.com. I know I could of done the S8+ for $100 more, but opted for the slightly smaller model.

Seems this is a trend, price is high in the first few months and then it drops, same thing happened with the s7.

I did! I sure hope I don't get ripped off.
Ordered Sunday night and I'm still waiting for a shipping number.

ryan141 said:
I did! I sure hope I don't get ripped off.
Ordered Sunday night and I'm still waiting for a shipping number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is known for ripping off people

Yep, I ordered the unlocked version yesterday, but it's backordered. I figured that I'm never going to get $200 from my LG G5 unless I take them up on this.
Anyone care to comment on how long you've been backordered? I'm a bit concerned about this arriving when I'm out of town in a few weeks, which reduces the time I have to transfer and then ship off my trade-in.

superior888 said:
Samsung is known for ripping off people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was only joking.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So the trade in for the Sprint only accepts Samsung phones, not any phone for $200 like some of the other carriers. If I trade in my HTC 10 for the Verizon version of the S8 would I be able to follow the carrier switch guide and activate it on sprint?

I ordered the unlocked S8 Sunday night and just got shipment notification this afternoon.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ryan141 said:
I ordered the unlocked S8 Sunday night and just got shipment notification this afternoon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still waiting for mine to ship. I ordered the day after you. =(

Mine has not shipped yet . Anyone know if I can get a cheap $25 prepaid smart phone and trade that in. I really don't want to trade in my Nexus 4 or Moto X.

KnoxJL said:
Still waiting for mine to ship. I ordered the day after you. =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got my shipping notice today. That was 9 days, I think.

I ordered on the 20th and got it on the 22nd, even though it said it was backorder.

Ordered on the 19th and received it 2 days later.
Traded in my wife's Verizon S6 for the unlocked version for $454.xx

Mine shipped yesterday, and should arrive on Monday (July 3). I hope they take my Samsung Galaxy S (AT&T Captivate). Perhaps they can put it in a museum. It meets every qualification I can find, as it holds a charge and the screen is in perfect shape.

Samsung is not honoring its Galaxy S8 $200 trade-in discount for many customers

Hi, you probably read this article: http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...e-discount-many-leaving-customers-frustrated/
I am still waiting for my Galaxy S8 to arrive(Monday) and after receiving will need to send in my old trade-in device. Did any one have their trade-in denied or accepted? I know that Samsung values the rejected trade-in as $25 and isn't returning the old phone back to the customer even if they return the new phone.

I was planning on sending in a Note 2. It's in very good condition, with box and charger. I figured that may increase my chances of the $200 trade in offer.

I don't understand the appeal it would be more cost effective to sell your phone and then use that money towards the s8 instead of relying on Samsung's judgement on what is acceptable and what isn't.
I really don't feel bad for the ones buying cheap phones and trying to turn them in for 200 and only getting 25
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

evo4g63t said:
I don't understand the appeal it would be more cost effective to sell your phone and then use that money towards the s8 instead of relying on Samsung's judgement on what is acceptable and what isn't.
I really don't feel bad for the ones buying cheap phones and trying to turn them in for 200 and only getting 25
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an old LG Optimus which is still in good condition and if Samsung won't accept it, I hope they at least give $25 back and I can always return the S8 back to them. The question is: will they give $25 back even if returning the Galaxy S8?

evo4g63t said:
I really don't feel bad for the ones buying cheap phones and trying to turn them in for 200 and only getting 25
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's life like when everyone hates you?

I thought that trade-in was if you delivered an galaxy S7. When playstation 4 got out there was a deal like that, but in truth you had to deliver an Playstation 3 and 6 recent games to have a decent discount.

Hansoliv said:
I thought that trade-in was if you delivered an galaxy S7. When playstation 4 got out there was a deal like that, but in truth you had to deliver an Playstation 3 and 6 recent games to have a decent discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get more money for the S7 ($300 I think) but it clearly stated $200 for ANY smartphone in really good condition. If you read the small print it basically said trade in values may vary. That means they pulled a fast one and are giving almost everyone $25. Once you've traded it in you're screwed because you'll get $25 and you can't get your old phone back. So trade in a phone worth nothing, at least you'll get $25 for it.

ccic2491 said:
You get more money for the S7 ($300 I think) but it clearly stated $200 for ANY smartphone in really good condition. If you read the small print it basically said trade in values may vary. That means they pulled a fast one and are giving almost everyone $25. Once you've traded it in you're screwed because you'll get $25 and you can't get your old phone back. So trade in a phone worth nothing, at least you'll get $25 for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, ok. Thank you. Just a marketing move. For 25$ not even my Galaxy S3

Did anyone return items back to Samsung? This is the return policy, is it actually true: "Samsung Direct will accept, for return or exchange, defective or unopened merchandise purchased at Samsung.com/US..." So I can't open the Galaxy S8 if I want to return it?

Here is my personal experience. I ordered the S8 directly from Samsung. First the deal was $100 off, from $725 to $625. Then $200 with trade-in. I sent them my LeEco LeMax 2. I had always kept it a case and the screen was perfect. No scratches on the phone. They honored the deal, and I paid $425 for my S8. Actually $457 with tax. It did state in the fine print that they reserve the right to make the final judgement, so they could say this phone wasn't eligible, but I personally think this has more to do with people trying to pull a fast one by purchasing a cheap Walmart phone for $50-$100 and returning it for a $200 discount. If you are honest with them, they are honest with you. They want people to come back to Samsung. The overall sales numbers for the S8 has been down after last years fiasco with the Note. They are not looking to create another public relations fiasco.

jim262 said:
Here is my personal experience. I ordered the S8 directly from Samsung. First the deal was $100 off, from $725 to $625. Then $200 with trade-in. I sent them my LeEco LeMax 2. I had always kept it a case and the screen was perfect. No scratches on the phone. They honored the deal, and I paid $425 for my S8. Actually $457 with tax. It did state in the fine print that they reserve the right to make the final judgement, so they could say this phone wasn't eligible, but I personally think this has more to do with people trying to pull a fast one by purchasing a cheap Walmart phone for $50-$100 and returning it for a $200 discount. If you are honest with them, they are honest with you. They want people to come back to Samsung. The overall sales numbers for the S8 has been down after last years fiasco with the Note. They are not looking to create another public relations fiasco.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input! I have the same deal as yours and my new phone should arrive today. I do have an old LG Optimus which I would rate 8/9 out of 10 easily. Practically no scratches in overall, no dings, works perfect and battery life is long too. I could give it to my mom, but she likes her Nokia feature phone as she only calls on it. I just hope that Samsung will honor it because by my understanding it is in good working condition/order.

FAUguy said:
I was planning on sending in a Note 2. It's in very good condition, with box and charger. I figured that may increase my chances of the $200 trade in offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not send in your device, sell it yourself on eBay instead. I am one of the victims. Samsung.com just robbed my good conditioned, no dents no scratches, S6 edge and just thrown back $25 on my face. While I will buy Samsung products again, I will never do business with Samsung,com USA.

fleebugs said:
Do not send in your device, sell it yourself on eBay instead. I am one of the victims. Samsung.com just robbed my good conditioned, no dents no scratches, S6 edge and just thrown back $25 on my face. While I will buy Samsung products again, I will never do business with Samsung,com USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you think could be the reason for not honoring your phone?

ccic2491 said:
You get more money for the S7 ($300 I think) but it clearly stated $200 for ANY smartphone in really good condition. If you read the small print it basically said trade in values may vary. That means they pulled a fast one and are giving almost everyone $25. Once you've traded it in you're screwed because you'll get $25 and you can't get your old phone back. So trade in a phone worth nothing, at least you'll get $25 for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I am one of the victims. Samsung.com just robbed my good conditioned, no dents no scratches, S6 edge and just thrown back $25 on my face. While I will buy Samsung products again, I will never do business with Samsung,com USA.

Charkatak said:
Thanks for your input! I have the same deal as yours and my new phone should arrive today. I do have an old LG Optimus which I would rate 8/9 out of 10 easily. Practically no scratches in overall, no dings, works perfect and battery life is long too. I could give it to my mom, but she likes her Nokia feature phone as she only calls on it. I just hope that Samsung will honor it because by my understanding it is in good working condition/order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When did you order yours? Mine has been on backorder since 6/23.

ccic2491 said:
When did you order yours? Mine has been on backorder since 6/23.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I placed the order on June 20th and then after an hour it started showing back-order. There was a delay in shipping and my order shipped on 29th.

Charkatak said:
What do you think could be the reason for not honoring your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They said my S6 edge does not meet the "normal tear and wear" conditions., which, by Samsung standards if they have any, I don't think any devices would pass unless they are brand new.

jim262 said:
Here is my personal experience. I ordered the S8 directly from Samsung. First the deal was $100 off, from $725 to $625. Then $200 with trade-in. I sent them my LeEco LeMax 2. I had always kept it a case and the screen was perfect. No scratches on the phone. They honored the deal, and I paid $425 for my S8. Actually $457 with tax. It did state in the fine print that they reserve the right to make the final judgement, so they could say this phone wasn't eligible, but I personally think this has more to do with people trying to pull a fast one by purchasing a cheap Walmart phone for $50-$100 and returning it for a $200 discount. If you are honest with them, they are honest with you. They want people to come back to Samsung. The overall sales numbers for the S8 has been down after last years fiasco with the Note. They are not looking to create another public relations fiasco.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do morons keep making ridiculous insinuations that the consumers like me were "dishonest" and trying a "scam" ????
SAMSUNG IS THE ONLY SCUMBAG SCAMMING BECAUSE ALL THE PHONES BEING DENIED MET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS THEY PUT IN WRITING !!!!!!!

tt c6 said:
Why do morons keep making ridiculous insinuations that the consumers like me were "dishonest" and trying a "scam" ????
SAMSUNG IS THE ONLY SCUMBAG SCAMMING BECAUSE ALL THE PHONES BEING DENIED MET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS THEY PUT IN WRITING !!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I know is I have an S8 for $425. Sounds as though you didn't read everything thoroughly and now your pissed off.

FAUguy said:
I was planning on sending in a Note 2. It's in very good condition, with box and charger. I figured that may increase my chances of the $200 trade in offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what I did when ordering an unlocked S8+
They unlocked S8 Plus is normally $850, got it for $470
1. 20% discount for students (search for Samsung student discount). Discount is based on full price.
2. Samsung $100 discount for unlocked phones (not sure if this is still available)
3. $200 trade-in credit
I placed the order last week, direct from Samsung. Website and CSR said it was back ordered 2-3 weeks, but a few days later I received the shipping notification and I received the phone today.
For the trade-in:
1. Called Samsung sales and spoke with a CSR. I confirmed that the $200 trade-in credit applies to a phone that (a) runs any verison of Android or iOS, (b) powers on and holds a charge, (c) does not have a cracked or damaged screen), and (e) has only normal signs of wear-and-tear. I confirmed with the CSR that any phone that meets these requirements would work, no matter how old or cheap. I also verified that minor scratches to the phone's screen or body were considered normal wear and tear and would not cause the trade in to be rejected. Finally, I recorded the phone call in case Samsung doesn't honor the trade-in.
2. With the above in mind, I purchased a brand new Alcatel phone from Walmart for $20. (can't post link, too new).
3. I will be sending the phone back to them tomorrow and I'll see what they do.
Other notes from my conversation with the CSR:
* Samsung's return policy is that items may be returned within 30 days. You have 15 days from *receipt* to initiate the return, and Samsung must receive the item within another 15 days.
* Officially, the item must be unopened to receive a full refund. Opened items are subject to a 15% restocking fee. The CSR told me that is is noramlly uncommon for Samsung to charge the restocking fee for items (even opened ones) that are returned in excellent condition, with all original accessories.
So far I like the phone, but not sure if I will be keeping it or exchanging it for a normal S8. I'm also not thrilled with the absence of a way to unlock the bootloader. This is my first experience with a Samsung phone and I kinds of just assumed that like my ZTE, an unlocked, non-carrier phone would have the bootloader accessible.

Purchase directly from essential.com or amazon.com, need some feedbacks (pros - cons)

Hi to all, I'm here to ask for a promo code..... jk jk.
I'm planning to buy the phone probably this weekend (end of October) and i can see i have two options.
amazon and essential web page.
I want to also get the extended care or the 2-Year Multi-Device AD Protection Plan if it's from amazon so my question here is:
Anyone can recomend me if i should buy it from amazon or essential web page?
the benefits of buying it from amazon is that i can get the phone the same day for free, but i don't know if getting it directly from essential will give me the chance to have a better build phone vs the early ones with cloth speaker issue etc...
i don't really know how long it takes to get one from the essential since i leave in the west side of US and i heard that the phone is coming straight from China?
also it looks like both extended protection plan works the same but i will like some feedbacks from actual buyers from amazon and essential.com
thanks a lot for your response.

FWIW, I ordered my phone from Amazon and WISH I had gone through Essential directly.
I ordered my device on the 13th day before the $200 price drop and while Essential is refunding people in my situation without hassle, Amazon wants me to ship back both my phone AND 360 camera (since I ordered them bundled) and then reorder them.
On the plus side - my Amazon issue phone from 2 weeks ago came with the newer grille, so that's most likely what they've got in stock.

Tardeaux said:
FWIW, I ordered my phone from Amazon and WISH I had gone through Essential directly.
I ordered my device on the 13th day before the $200 price drop and while Essential is refunding people in my situation without hassle, Amazon wants me to ship back both my phone AND 360 camera (since I ordered them bundled) and then reorder them.
On the plus side - my Amazon issue phone from 2 weeks ago came with the newer grille, so that's most likely what they've got in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if i decide to go with amazon at least i know that i may get one of the newer phones... thanks to share your experience. and well, at least you have the chance to send it back in order to get a phone with the cut price.

Essential doesn't charge tax which will save a few bucks.

TJSteveMX said:
So if i decide to go with amazon at least i know that i may get one of the newer phones... thanks to share your experience. and well, at least you have the chance to send it back in order to get a phone with the cut price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered from essential on Sunday and got my phone today. FedEx before 1030. Saved on tax and I was able to finance cd it through affirm with low monthly payments. Price was 499 only on essential that day. Amazon and best buy followed the day after.

strictlyphat said:
I ordered from essential on Sunday and got my phone today. FedEx before 1030. Saved on tax and I was able to finance cd it through affirm with low monthly payments. Price was 499 only on essential that day. Amazon and best buy followed the day after.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like, even tho I will only save around 20 bucks, it's better to buy directly from essential, It will only take around 5 days and I have no rush yet to have it on hand.
I'm planning on compile on this phone once we have the proper device tree available but that won't happen yet...
Hopefully soon. It all depends on essential devs
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Tardeaux said:
FWIW, I ordered my phone from Amazon and WISH I had gone through Essential directly.
I ordered my device on the 13th day before the $200 price drop and while Essential is refunding people in my situation without hassle, Amazon wants me to ship back both my phone AND 360 camera (since I ordered them bundled) and then reorder them.
On the plus side - my Amazon issue phone from 2 weeks ago came with the newer grille, so that's most likely what they've got in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you look on your box and see which month it was manufactured in? Mine has SEP at at the end of one of the numbers, I assume that is the month of manufacture. Thanks

TJSteveMX said:
Sounds like, even tho I will only save around 20 bucks, it's better to buy directly from essential, It will only take around 5 days and I have no rush yet to have it on hand.
I'm planning on compile on this phone once we have the proper device tree available but that won't happen yet...
Hopefully soon. It all depends on essential devs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely a head Turner. The phone is utterly beautiful. Feels so solid in hand. Am trying Google camera and essential camera. Essential updated camera app again yesterday and it seems solid.

lyall29 said:
Could you look on your box and see which month it was manufactured in? Mine has SEP at at the end of one of the numbers, I assume that is the month of manufacture. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has the SEP also, but that's the SKU, it doesn't make sense that they'd change the device SKU every month. More likely the USEP at the end is United States Essential Phone There will probably be a slight variation for other colours or if new kits come out, but not months of manufacture.

Tardeaux said:
Mine has the SEP also, but that's the SKU, it doesn't make sense that they'd change the device SKU every month. More likely the USEP at the end is United States Essential Phone There will probably be a slight variation for other colours or if new kits come out, but not months of manufacture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense. I wonder if there is a way to tell if it is an updated hardware version without opening the box?

Ordered mine through Essential a week before the price drop. Contacted them about the chance of a $200 refund and was told anyone within the return period would see a $200 refund within 1 to 2 weeks credited to their method of payment. Credited the next day!!! Gives me the impression these guys are serious about keeping their phones in the hands of satisfied users unlike most OEM's and carriers. Works great on Verizon by the way....

This is interesting, the price between essential and amazon is only by less than $5 dollars, so I'm not saving much if i order it from their web page.
Essential with 2yrs plan = $644.36
Amazon with their 3yrs plan = $649.23
I can't see why i'm getting charged with taxes when some people are saying is tax free if i order through essential.
also noticed one priced $540 on swappa (including the 2 years extended plan). i think i can save some bucks like that.

TJSteveMX said:
This is interesting, the price between essential and amazon is only by less than $5 dollars, so I'm not saving much if i order it from their web page.
Essential with 2yrs plan = $644.36
Amazon with their 3yrs plan = $649.23
I can't see why i'm getting charged with taxes when some people are saying is tax free if i order through essential.
also noticed one priced $540 on swappa (including the 2 years extended plan). i think i can save some bucks like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're getting taxed because Essential has a physical presence in California. Any time you buy something online, and that company has buildings in your state, taxes are required.

spotmark said:
You're getting taxed because Essential has a physical presence in California. Any time you buy something online, and that company has buildings in your state, taxes are required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, Thanks for the info mate
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I ordered through Essential on Monday, they charged my card and sent an invoice. But it's not Wednesday and no tracking number, no further info. How long should I expect before dispatch? Do they provide a tracking number?

Ashley-stevens said:
I ordered through Essential on Monday, they charged my card and sent an invoice. But it's not Wednesday and no tracking number, no further info. How long should I expect before dispatch? Do they provide a tracking number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they should and will provide a tracking number. I end it up buying it from essential as well, but as you can see on the below link, it may take longer than i was expected
https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/7a4hrn/ordered_from_shop_essential_4_days_ago_still/

gmerdude said:
They charge tax everywhere now i checked a few days ago check out no tax today tax also when amazon happens to be out of stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They didn't charge me any tax. On either of the phones I purchased from them.

Ignore him, he's been posting grumpy replies in a bunch of threads. He must be in a bad mood.
And for the record, they DO NOT charge tax everywhere. That is false info.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

Tardeaux said:
FWIW, I ordered my phone from Amazon and WISH I had gone through Essential directly.
I ordered my device on the 13th day before the $200 price drop and while Essential is refunding people in my situation without hassle, Amazon wants me to ship back both my phone AND 360 camera (since I ordered them bundled) and then reorder them.
On the plus side - my Amazon issue phone from 2 weeks ago came with the newer grille, so that's most likely what they've got in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newer grille? Can you explain more? Would you possibly be able to show pics of old and new? I have one on order and curious to know what's up.. thanks!

There are side by side pics in another thread on here. Can probably give it with a quick search.
The issue was the original cloth/foam grill would fall out, leaving a little gap. So they changed it and made it metal.
I have the original one, it is not a big deal, unless you are really OCD. In which case, seek help. Lol
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk