Anonymous wrote:It's supposed to save if you have multiple devices. I have a $30 plan that costs $50 cause of the $20 shared data fee. But I have only one device. It's incredibly annoying, in my opinion

3 regular phones and ons smart phone with unlimited data current plan 1400 minutes with unlimited text. 160 a month the new plan with only 4GB to share (still only one smartphone) 210

Argh, not the OP but I just happened to be working on some Verizon junk and got the live chat option, so I figured I'd ask:

_____
Nina B: Verizon Wireless implemented a $30 upgrade fee for existing customers purchasing new mobile equipment at a discounted price with a two-year contract. This fee will help us continue to provide customers with the level of service and support they have come to expect which includes Wireless Workshops, online educational tools, and consultations with experts who provide advice and guidance on devices that are more sophisticated than ever.

You: so can that be waived?

Nina B: No I am sorry it cannot however it is a one time fee not monthly and may just bill to account .
_____

Of course, Nina B. is not the end-all of Verizon, but that's really annoying. Are there companies that DON'T have a fee?

It's supposed to save if you have multiple devices. I have a $30 plan that costs $50 cause of the $20 shared data fee. But I have only one device. It's incredibly annoying, in my opinion

I'm still trying to figure out how this new pricing plan is supposed to save me money when everyway I've worked it out it costs me $30 more a month

Cell phones (and cable) are always on the list of "things you can negotiate" in articles about saving money, so give it a shot. I agree with PPs, you'll have better luck calling their customer service - I think there's actually a customer retention department or something.

Make it clear you want to saty wiht Verizon, but there are other options out there (knowing who has better deals is helpful), stay calm and friendly, and ask for what you want. I bet you get something!

There's an upgrade fee now? Not the "early upgrade" fee, but a regular upgrade fee, after you have your phone for 2 years? That's... annoying. We're due for upgrades too but I haven't had a chance to go in and see what's available.

Also, OP, for what it's worth, I suggest doing business over the phone rather than in-store if you're looking to get out of a fee or get some kind of compensation. I've been able to wrangle random things like free shipping or free installation (and from Comcast, a netbook that was supposed to be for signing up for the premium cable package--which we didn't sign up for but got the netbook anyway). Mostly it's been things that have been offered free in the past or would be in the near future, but weren't current promotions, so I'm not sure if you would get the fee waived. But you might get some other "extra" to make up for it!

Call customer care. They are more likely to cave anx waive the fees. My fiance works there and we pay the upgrade fees too.

Anonymous wrote:No way you can negotiate out of those fees, but I did manage to get $75 back from them when my phone, that I paid 200 for, went on sale 2 days later for $50. Em tried to make me return it and reorder the discounted one online and I played

The "I spend $400 a month with Verizon between FIOS and family cell plan." They met me in the middle. I'm honestly surprised I got anything. I've always had pretty good experiences with the Verizon ExperIence store at Fair Oaks.

No way you can negotiate out of those fees, but I did manage to get $75 back from them when my phone, that I paid 200 for, went on sale 2 days later for $50. Em tried to make me return it and reorder the discounted one online and I played

We've gotten them to throw in things like a car charger or a case. Sometimes the mall kiosk people try harder to make the sale.
If you belong to AAA or something like that, see if they have any discounts.

They suck but sometimes verizon stuff including upgrades, is cheaper online - maybe check that versus going into a store..yeah, they suck now. they used to have some free upgrades, now they want fees for everything. All cell companies seem to suuuuuuck these days, sorry OP

Yeah, you're not getting out of any of that.

At and t has the same upgrade fee. They all suck.

i don't think anything will work. they suck.

Has anyone had luck negotiating in store with Verizon? DH and I are both due upgrades but apparently there is now a $30 upgrade fee that didn't exist last time I got a new phone. We will also be getting data plans and I am hoping that we can get something (insurance on phones at a cheaper rate, maybe?) from them. We have Internet and cable through them as well, if it matters.