So my phone plan is up and I’m going to get a new one. Well, if I was a new customer I can get a new phone for free. But since I am a loyal customer my phone will cost $100. Now, I don’t have to pay the $35 activation fee, but why should I have to pay an extra $65? Way to treat your loyal customers.
What’s wrong with your current phone? Can’t you just take your number to another carrier? Couldn’t you temporarily switch, then switch back. When your plan is up you have lots of options. Make your carrier compete for your business as much as the other carriers are.
Maybe he wants a different model? I know I can’t wait until I get rid of my piece of shit Motorola that overheats just sitting around (to the point where it hurt to hold it), randomly decides NOT to charge when I plug it in, doesn’t receive calls that people dial to me (and since my plan is ancient, and no I can’t change it now, I don’t have voicemail) and much, MUCH more!
What company are you with? I know AT&T gives me a new phone every time I reup.
Just tell them if you don’t get a new phone, you are switching carriers. Worked for me, and I didn’t even have to beg. They will probably want you to commit to a new contract, though.
Yeah, just threaten to cancel, ask to be switched to the cancellation department…they will do about anything to keep you as a customer.
I once got a 250$ credit on a PDA/Phone through Sprint in this manner.
Heh, I was just about to post the same rant. My mobile phone finally shit the bed after about three years of loyal service, so I went to look at some new ones today. All the NTT DoCoMo phones had two prices listed: one for new customers, and another, about $100-$200 more, if you were a continuing customer. The bastards also offered additional $50 discounts, but only if you were under 30 (I’m 32).
Star was, You need to talk to someone else with your phone company. The guy/girl you talked to must have been an idiot or didn’t realize you were going to sign a new contract. I can’t imagine there being a phone company in the world that wouldn’t give you the promo deal as long as you’re willing to sign a new contract. (that provided you’ve had your old phone for a while)
Actually Shakes, my experience with Cellphone companies is just like the Ops. I left my very first cellphone company because I couldn’t get a new phone. For new signers it was free, for me…get this…$300.
Fuck that.
Sam
You’re right, it’s weak.
I am with AT&T as well and they will actually give you the introductory price for a new phone every year, which is really nice 
My sister has Verizon and I believe that they do something similar, but I am not sure about that.
AT&T sent me a brand new phone out of the blue, because they realized they were never going to be able to fully support the one they sold me over a year ago. Thing is, the phone they sent me, and lots of other people, is vastly inferior to the one I paid good money for. link
Hijacking this thread to add my own bitch about DISH network.
They offer what they call “DISH mover” service. If you have a satellite dish and move you don’t have to move the dish with you. They’ll send you a new dish (upgraded when necessary) and include free basic installation at your new residence. Fair enough. So we called about a month before we were to move to a different house and they were offering free shipping. What a deal. Asked for the new dish but they said it was far too soon. Call back within a few days of moving.
So we call back two or three days before we move and learn that the free shipping promotion is over. We were never told it was a limited-time promo the first time, but now it’s over. Oh, but we’ll ship it for free if you sign up for our direct-debit payment plan. What’s that? You already have our direct debit payment? In that case, you’ll pay for shipping. WTF?!?
Basically, it comes down to this: If you’re already a customer we’ve already got your business and don’t have to do anything to keep it. If you are NOT already a customer, we’ll dangle goodies in front of you to get you. Screw that! THIS customer votes with her feet. And wallet. If you don’t get what you want from company A, move to company B.
Well I just dumped AT&T “3G” in NYC for Sprint and I couldn’t be any happier. I went from a Motorola 720 to a Sanyo 4500, and it was worth every cent. I figured if I wanted to switch up to it later I would get killed, so I might as well eat it now.