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Best way to cancel Verizon, pay ETF and keep iphone?

spinedoc77

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Original poster
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,414
I just received an iphone on a 2 year contract with Verizon today. What I want to do is cancel service, pay the $350 ETF, I'm assuming pay the first month of service, and have an unlocked phone that I own. I'm not sure the best way to do it.

1) What I would probably do is port the number out to Google Voice as I don't feel like dealing with Verizon customer service. I'm assuming this would be an automatic cancellation?

2) Do I need to activate the phone on Verizon first, or can I just port the number they assigned me without activating it?

3) Any weird stuff with the ETF? On one form with the phone box it says "...you will be charged the difference between the phone's full retail price and the price paid". But in the customer service agreement it only mentions the $350 ETF, which would be less than the "difference".

4) There is a 14 day return period, but a 3 day activation refund period, although they did not charge me activation. Is it better to port/cancel within 3 days, within 14 days, or does it not matter?

Thanks much for any info.
 
spinedoc77 said:
I just received an iphone on a 2 year contract with Verizon today. What I want to do is cancel service, pay the $350 ETF, I'm assuming pay the first month of service, and have an unlocked phone that I own. I'm not sure the best way to do it.

1) What I would probably do is port the number out to Google Voice as I don't feel like dealing with Verizon customer service. I'm assuming this would be an automatic cancellation?

2) Do I need to activate the phone on Verizon first, or can I just port the number they assigned me without activating it?

3) Any weird stuff with the ETF? On one form with the phone box it says "...you will be charged the difference between the phone's full retail price and the price paid". But in the customer service agreement it only mentions the $350 ETF, which would be less than the "difference".

4) There is a 14 day return period, but a 3 day activation refund period, although they did not charge me activation. Is it better to port/cancel within 3 days, within 14 days, or does it not matter?

Thanks much for any info.
Click to expand...

I actually had the same issue a few days ago. Only difference is that I had added a line to my existing account and was going to use that iPhone 5S on another line.

Based on question #2, I'm going to assume that you ordered the phone on Verizon's website and it was shipped to you unactivated (which is usually the case). Since you're planning on using it elsewhere, you need to turn the phone on and allow it to automatically activate on the account. Right now your line is stuck in what's called "pending order" status. Until you power on the device, the line will be stuck in a seudo-suspension status.

So basically power it on, follow the setup process on the screen (i.e. sign into iCloud, accept T&Cs, etc, etc) and watch the signal indicator turn from No Service to 1x to Verizon LTE. At that point you should be able to port the number out to another carrier or Google Voice. You'll need the Verizon Acct #, Last 4 of SSN, billing password (if you requested one), and the phone number.

Porting out the number will automatically cancel the line with Verizon and will close the account as well (assuming this is the only line on the acct). Verizon will charge you the $35 activation fee + $350 ETF + 1 day of service.
 
they will charge you the difference between whatever you paid upfront and the retail price. They may also charge for service...ETF comes in after you activate and start using it. Verizon is not stupid - they are not going to let you keep an iPhone without paying full retail price, plus tax if you live in a tax state.
 
old-wiz said:
they will charge you the difference between whatever you paid upfront and the retail price. They may also charge for service...ETF comes in after you activate and start using it. Verizon is not stupid - they are not going to let you keep an iPhone without paying full retail price, plus tax if you live in a tax state.
Click to expand...

This isn't what I was told by 4 different Verizon reps (one of them being a high-level supervisor).
 
old-wiz said:
they will charge you the difference between whatever you paid upfront and the retail price. They may also charge for service...ETF comes in after you activate and start using it. Verizon is not stupid - they are not going to let you keep an iPhone without paying full retail price, plus tax if you live in a tax state.
Click to expand...

You are saying I have to pay the difference in price AND the ETF?
 
EvilQueen said:
Typically....yes. But usually only in the first 6 months of the contract.
Click to expand...

So I'd have to pay $450 difference in phone price, and $350 ETF? For a total of $750. Wow that's nuts.

edit: In looking over the customer agreement the $350 ETF fee is in there, but there is absolutely no mention of paying the difference in phone price.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/support/customer-agreement

What Happens if My Postpay Service Is Canceled Before the End of My Contract Term?

If you're signing up for Postpay Service, you're agreeing to subscribe to a line of Service either on a month–to–month basis or for a minimum contract term, as shown on your receipt or order confirmation. (If your Service is suspended without billing, that time doesn't count toward completing your contract term.) Once you've completed your contract term, you'll automatically become a customer on a month–to–month basis for that line of Service. If you cancel a line of Service, or if we cancel it for good cause, during its contract term, you'll have to pay an early termination fee. If your contract term results from your purchase of an advanced device, your early termination fee will be $350 minus $10 for each full month of your contract term that you complete. Otherwise, your early termination fee will be $175 minus $5 for each full month of your contract term that you complete. Cancellations will become effective on the last day of that month's billing cycle, and you are responsible for all charges incurred until then. Also, if you bought your wireless device from an authorized agent or third–party vendor, you should check whether they charge a separate termination fee.
 
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spinedoc77 said:
So I'd have to pay $450 difference in phone price, and $350 ETF? For a total of $750. Wow that's nuts.

edit: In looking over the customer agreement the $350 ETF fee is in there, but there is absolutely no mention of paying the difference in phone price.
Click to expand...

If you turn on the phone and allow it to activate, you will pay the activation fee + $350 ETF + 1 day of service. That's it. Believe it or not, this isn't an uncommon situation. Nonetheless, please do not rely solely on the advice you're receiving on here. Call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 and speak to a customer care rep.
 
applegeek25 said:
If you turn on the phone and allow it to activate, you will pay the activation fee + $350 ETF + 1 day of service. That's it. Believe it or not, this isn't an uncommon situation. Nonetheless, please do not rely solely on the advice you're receiving on here. Call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 and speak to a customer care rep.
Click to expand...

Just called 3 different reps, granted they were just low level front line reps. All 3 said I just pay $350 ETF, $35 activation fee and one day of service. I'm still hesitant as I'd hate to get a huge bill in the mail.

Another weird thing is on my customer receipt under "contract term" it says "1 month(s)", is it normal to say that or should it say 24 months?
 
spinedoc77 said:
Just called 3 different reps, granted they were just low level front line reps. All 3 said I just pay $350 ETF, $35 activation fee and one day of service. I'm still hesitant as I'd hate to get a huge bill in the mail.

Another weird thing is on my customer receipt under "contract term" it says "1 month(s)", is it normal to say that or should it say 24 months?
Click to expand...

How much were you charged? Are you sure you didn't sign up for Verizon Edge by accident?

EDIT: Page 2/2 of the Customer Receipt should say "Contract Term: 024 month(s)" under Price Plan Descr. If it says anything else, you've got a problem most likely.
 
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applegeek25 said:
How much were you charged? Are you sure you didn't sign up for Verizon Edge by accident?

EDIT: Page 2/2 of the Customer Receipt should say "Contract Term: 024 month(s)" under Price Plan Descr. If it says anything else, you've got a problem most likely.
Click to expand...

I was charged $299 (32gb 5s) plus state sales tax, the activation fee was free.

Not only does it say Contract Term: 1 month(s) it also says EARLY TERMINATION FEE:$0

Hmm wtf? I know it's a regular line, it says on the receipt SHARE EVERYTHING UNL TALK & TEXT 2GB $60 0612 SMARTPHONE LINE ACCESS $40.
 
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Wait a minute, I thought if you returned the phone before the 14 days were up, there was no ETF? when did that change?
 
Sketchr said:
Wait a minute, I thought if you returned the phone before the 14 days were up, there was no ETF? when did that change?
Click to expand...

I'd like to keep the phone.

----------

Very weird stuff. I activated and signed on online at Verizon. It shows I'm month to month, and it even says I'm eligible for a fully subsidized upgrade!!

Edit: I spoke to an online chat rep who said the same thing, only the ETF. I printed out the chat and the session ID so the conversation can be tracked and proven. I'm going to call and cancel in a bit. If they try and charge me more than the ETF I'll file in small claims court and see what happens. I also have the names of the 3 reps who said no ETF, but I can't verify that they put that in my notes as I requested.
 
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Update, this is so funny the different information you get. I escalated this up a couple of levels and what they said is that since I was within 3 days I could cancel my service and pay the difference in the full price of the phone, but no ETF fee. So I cancelled, as that's what I really wanted, I wasn't looking to save money or anything but just to bypass Apple not selling full price phones. He even sent me an email confirmation for my records that there would be no ETF.
 
spinedoc77 said:
I just received an iphone on a 2 year contract with Verizon today. What I want to do is cancel service, pay the $350 ETF, I'm assuming pay the first month of service, and have an unlocked phone that I own. I'm not sure the best way to do it.

1) What I would probably do is port the number out to Google Voice as I don't feel like dealing with Verizon customer service. I'm assuming this would be an automatic cancellation?

2) Do I need to activate the phone on Verizon first, or can I just port the number they assigned me without activating it?

3) Any weird stuff with the ETF? On one form with the phone box it says "...you will be charged the difference between the phone's full retail price and the price paid". But in the customer service agreement it only mentions the $350 ETF, which would be less than the "difference".

4) There is a 14 day return period, but a 3 day activation refund period, although they did not charge me activation. Is it better to port/cancel within 3 days, within 14 days, or does it not matter?

Thanks much for any info.
Click to expand...

Would not recommend porting to Google Voice. If something goes wrong there is no one for you to call for help. Two of my buddies lost their number to GV when it wasn't able to complete the port after 10 days.

I did the same last week trying to add unlimited data and was able to port my number into GV within 24 hours, waited 3 business days, and had the number out within 2 business days. But if I can do it over I would try another methods since there are quite a few people who have problems with GV porting.

Just go to your new carrier and have them port it straight from VZ. Probably much faster and safer.
 
old-wiz said:
they will charge you the difference between whatever you paid upfront and the retail price. They may also charge for service...ETF comes in after you activate and start using it. Verizon is not stupid - they are not going to let you keep an iPhone without paying full retail price, plus tax if you live in a tax state.
Click to expand...

Not true. You pay the ETF which is essentially the difference between the subsidized and out of contract version.
 
Would this work for the iPhone 6? I want to get the Verizon model to use on at&t since it's unlocked and some day plan to switch to Verizon and don't want to buy another new iPhone at that time.
 
pdxmatts said:
From my understanding, you cancel within the 3 days, there is no ETF. If you don't return the phone, you would be charged the remaining balance from msrp minus your $299 down and any use of the phone for one day.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I thought they just charged you for ETF.
If you do accept, you can cancel a line of Service within 14 days of accepting this Agreement without having to pay an early termination fee as long as you return, within the applicable return period, any equipment you purchased from us or one of our authorized agents at a discount in connection with your acceptance of this Agreement, but you'll still have to pay for your Service through that date. If you signed up for Prepaid Service, no refunds will be granted after 14 days or if your account has been activated. Your activation fee will not be refunded unless you cancel within three days of accepting.
Click to expand...
 
Can someone please share your experience with ETF

Still need a few answers that the original poster brought up...

Does anyone have any information about whether you must activate your upgraded Iphone before moving to a new service provider? Pros and cons to this or is it necessary?

What happens if you activate a new Verizon Iphone on ATT first or sell it to your buddy down the street and he activates it on Verizon but you never activated it upon receipt (was tied to your line for upgrade) and you didn't return it?

Does Verizon not allow the phone on the system until the ETF has been paid or is the new phone not connected to the original buyer, so it only matters with respect to who activates it first.

Original poster asked whether there was any difference in canceling at 3 days or 14 days or waiting for the month to end?

I also ask because I see some sellers on Ebay selling their upgraded Verizon phones unlocked and unopened?

Again, does activation matter for cancellation and transfer of new phone?

If you must activate it, then how long to keep before can transfer or sell to someone else.

Thanks for any help.

JT
 
i have major issue...

I recently added a line with new phone, And then i had to upgrade the phone in new line again(i lost the phone) with transfer upgrade from my other line. Now i need to cancel this new line, because one of family member is leaving the country. Will verizon charge me etf once or twice, Because i basically got 2 phone from this phone line? I heard verizon can take things like unlimited data from other lines in your account if you do early termination, is this true?..
 
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