Hey, I just discovered the way to get around these damned cell phone contracts.
Don't buy the phone from them. That's why they want to lock you in for two years and have you pay for leaving early. They are selling to the phone at cost or at a loss to get you in. When you leave early, they want that money. But if you already have a phone, you cna go on a month-to-month plan.
But phones are expensive, right? Not if you buy them on eBay. You can get the same model phone (used, though sometimes new in box) for about the price that they'd charge your for a phone with a contract.
I found this out because I wanted to replace my current phone with something smaller that I'd actually keep on my person. They had a nice StarTac in the store for $99 -- if I extended my contract for another two years (with a penaltry for leaving early, naturally). Without a contract they want to charge me $250.
So I called Verizon customer service and said, "A friend of mine is giving me his old phone, it's much nicer than mine. Can I switch to it?" Sure, no problem. I don't even have to go into the store. Just read them the serial number.
So on eBay I do a search on "startac" and "verizon" and there is the phone I'm looking for (about 10 of them, actually) -- all under $100. Some with extra batteries, car chargers, etc.
The trick is -- go to the store (or web site), figure out which phone you want -- then buy a used one.
I feel strangely liberated by this discovery. I can beat the system!
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...Trot and Cap'n Bill were free from anxiety and care. Button-Bright never worried about anything. The Scarecrow, not being able to sleep, looked out of the window and tried to count the stars.
