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Considering the various packages and quality of Verizonโs service, theyโve gradually become one of the most preferred mobile networks for most users. As part of the fees charged for rendering these services, Verizon has joined the likes of Sprint and AT&T in charging a $30 upgrade fee to existing subscribers who want to get a new phone. They also assist during the device upgrade. However, as the saying goes, โNothing is free even in Freetown.โ Users are now asking if itโs possible to get the upgrade fee waived. Read on to find out suggested ways to handle it.
The Best Way To Avoid Verizonโs Fees
By way of definition, an upgrade is when you purchase a new device (phone or tablet) to substitute the one already attached to your account. On the other hand, if youโre swapping your existing device with another phone you already have, that is referred to as BYOD (Bring your own device). So the requirements and charges for both services are different.
In case you are not aware, Verizon is now charging $30 instead of the previous $20 as an upgrade fee when an existing customer wants to switch to a new device. This fee must be paid when purchasing this device at retail price. Alternatively, it can also be paid using Verizonโs device payment program. A lot of subscribers have asked why the upgrade fee. According to Verizon, this fee is utilized as a part of the running cost of providing subscribers with the fastest and most stable 4G LTE network.
Instructions To Get The Upgrade Fee Waived
Usually, every customer that wants to upgrade their device is expected to pay the upgrade fee, so in most cases, Verizon hardly waive it aside. However, if you still want them to waive the fee, you need to be smart about it. Some of the suggested options are as follows;
Request for Verizon unlocked phones
Whenever you want to upgrade to a new device, request for already unlocked Verizon phone, then use your original SIM card in it, which gives better signal reception. When you adopt this approach, you wonโt be charged an upgrade fee.
Talk to the customer representative
Another strategy is to summon the courage and speak to the customer representative. Most times, they might not waive the fee completely. You can get as much as 30% or 50%, which is still a good deal, and youโll also be free from additional charges. However, this often works when the representative attending to you is gentle. This method wonโt work for everyone; hence, itโs essential to hope that the fees will be waived for you.
Upgrade yourself and get a fee cut
Because of some subscribersโ complaints, Verizon has modified the upgrade fee structure to include a self-service for those who can handle it themselves. This means that you can pay half of the fee if you select the self-service option and upgrade yourself.
Request to speak with the Retention Department
As was said earlier, when you want an upgrade fee to be waived for you, itโs either you go for the self-service or hope that youโll get to meet a gentle agent who will be kind enough to reduce the fee for you. However, if the customer representative is not willing to assist you, then at this point, request to speak with the retention department. The good thing about this department is that theyโre supervisors with more authority to make any alterations. Furthermore, theyโre given specific incentives by the company to help them retain customers.
In all this process of doing this, itโs important to be logical in whatever you say without being harsh in any way. If youโve been using Verizon for a long time and up-to-date with your bills, you can bring it up. It is a more valid reason why you should even request for an upgrade in the first place. Of course, if you do not have time for all these, you can use the self-service and get a 50% cut.
In Final Conclusion
As stated earlier, typically Verizon does not waive an upgrade fee because the money is used for something that will benefit the customer in the long run. Such as network expansion, further development of customer care center, community development, and much more. Hence, itโs actually for a good cause.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does Verizon charge $30 for an upgrade fee?
Nobody is exempted from the upgrade fee once you want to purchase a new device through an authorized Verizon outlet. According to Verizon, the fees help them keep the cost of service delivered down and use part of it for community development.
Is the activation fee the same as upgrade fee?
No, these are two different fees. Activation fees are majorly for newly registered lines, and it goes for $35. The payment has been around for some time now. On the other hand, the Upgrade fee is for customers who want to upgrade their device to a new one.
Does Verizon still have a free upgrade?
Yes, they do, but it is usually seasonal. When itโs time, Verizon allows all existing customers to upgrade with a free voucher to select any available smartphone of their choice. However, theyโll continue to get this perk for a subscriber who are on contract once they remain on their original plan.
In 2020, what is the strategy for avoiding the Verizon upgrade fee?
Well, if youโre buoyant enough, you can buy the phone at full retail price and then avoid the upgrade fee. This means that you need to finance the phone and pay the full price yourself. This can be done when you purchase the phone directly from the manufacturer.
When can I upgrade my device?
Your device can be upgraded anytime at retail price, but when you want to use the monthly device payment, take note of these requirements:
- Suppose you purchase a device using a payment agreement youโre eligible to, then you can upgrade to a new device using the monthly device agreement immediately after youโre done paying off the agreement.
- If your device was purchased through a discount that comes with a two-year contract, you could use the monthly device payment to upgrade.
