Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
jh_jeon
Enthusiast - Level 2

If they get $500 and act as a complete agent, i.e., compensate the early termination fee $350, I would somewhat understand. But $350 is paid to Verizon, and at that point, usually the discounted phone price and $350 are about the full retail price. After that, this store wants $500 to them. In this case, the phone was the newest iPhone 5S, and I essentially overpaid. However, if the phone is a free or cheap phone with 2-yr contract, you would be in a different trouble. You simply lose $350+$500.

They say a few unreasonable things on the receipt. (There are lots of typos and I corrected here.)

- Exchange and or cancellations within 14 days only (they do not want to give the purchase price back after 14 days, and you are easily in a $500-or-the-phone trap after 14 days and before 7 months)

- Exchanges or returns must be in perfect condition and with original packaging and all bar codes and labels attached (who knows they will say the return is imperfect...)

- A $500 Equipment termination fee applies on any 2 year upgrade or new activation cancelled within 7 months of contract unless returned to a stay connected location in perfect condition. ($500 applies when the phone is not returned. However, remember that phone is already (sort of) PAID by the discounted purchase $299.99+tax and the early termination fee $350.)

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Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
pherson
Champion - Level 1

I'm not sure why there are still posts on this.

The Verizon rep clearly stated that 3rd party agents have terms and conditions,  and the OP knew going in that it was a 3rd party reseller. The terms should have beenread, the rreceipt should have been read, it was not. There was nothing unethical and there is nothing further Verizon has to do. Bottom line read what you sign up for. To recoup some losses, go sell the phone. Case closed.

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Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
jh_jeon
Enthusiast - Level 2

I do not agree on several things.

First, I did not know this was a 3rd party due to their deceptive store name, signboard, and interior. Look at carefully how many people posted yelp reviews for that aspect. I'm not the only idiot who was confused, meaning that I might be just normal or everyone is an idiot. I personally have bad eyesight and entered after seeing the big logo of Verizon, not the tiny store name which I could see only recently from google search images. Do you think the retailer was ETHICAL in advertising their store name? There are quite many 3rd party retailers that you enter with knowing the fact, but this case seems evil in another level. "Stay Connected" is the phrase Verizon Wireless uses a lot in advertisement, and even that name is hard to read.

Second, they did not give me any T&C, and the lines on the receipt I got AFTER I SIGNED FOR PHONE PAYMENT are all. My fault is that I did not read it carefully, so I had to pay the extra $500 fee after cancellation. Even if I read it, actually the situation is not very different since the receipt says enormous restocking fee. I believe such behaviors easily qualify for the unethical company. Do you think any term can be included in T&C if you want to write?

Third, I already paid off the extra $500. I just suggested to Verizon for better future and wanted to inform other people who would get potential damages by not knowing about this store especially and 3rd-party retailer in general. When I heard about $500 EQUIPMENT TERMINATION FEE which I have never heard, google search did not give me any result. Now, google search finds this posting. I believe my posting positively contributed to the searchable knowledge pool. I'm not sure whether you are the expert who knows about every issue, but many people do not know, including the previous myself.

Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

jh.jeon,

I understand your concern and truly apologize for this situation. I replied to your first message, but I do see some personal information was included; in order to protect your privacy, the post may have been moderated but I assure you, it was not ignored. Though our strategic partners may have different policies for line cancellations, we definitely want to make sure we advise you of it; I can look into this and submit the appropriate feedback. Please accept my follow request, follow me and send a Direct Message.

AdaS_VZW
Follow us on Twitter at @VZWSupport

Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
verizonregret
Enthusiast - Level 1

Okay, there  is CLEARLY a relationship between Verizon and these 3rd party retailers.  The location I purchased a phone from has a HUGE Verizon sign and is completely wrapped in Verizon logos colors and the like.  It is not like a BestBuy store branded in BestBuy logos and decor selling Verizon products... it is labeled as a Verizon store, overwhelmingly branded in Verizon logos and decor.  It looks like Verizon - but apparently it is not. 

I have a similar situation, where I was in a situation where I did not have my paperwork with me when needing to cancel my phone service - and called Verizon to determine what penalties would apply if I were to cancel my cellular service.  I was on the phone with the agent for 20 minutes (maybe more) while they gave me alternate options to reduce my fees and find the best way to reduce my financial obligation.  I asked the agent to be 100% clear about what charges I would be responsible for if cancelling - as i did not have access to my receipt/paperwork. 

She, with 100% certainty and assurance, explained that I'd ONLY be responsible for the $350 termination.  Now, if Verizon were really interested in making sure their customers understand that there is a 3rd party that could come after you for charges, then they should advise of this when a customer cancels their service.  Even if the 'real Verizon' that I am speaking to over the phone doesn't have access to my account information/purchase terms, they CERTAINLY could have mentioned to me that charges may apply from the "Verizon branded" retail store where I purchased the phone.  No sweat off their back to do that!  I mean really, how was I to know that the Verizon I speaking with over the phone was not the Verizon (alleged Verizon/business posing as Verizon) Store that I bought the phone from.

Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
jh_jeon
Enthusiast - Level 2

Sorry to hear about the similar trouble.

Before, I was only upset about the retailer's deceiving decor, hidden/untold contract, and Verizon's retailer quality control. But after hearing you,  Verizon should also get blamed for not warning properly about this 3rd party cancellation trap at cancellation. I believe this trouble originates from somewhere fundamentally wrong. I hope I'm a rich person who can lead a lawsuit to evil 3rd parties hiding evil contracts, but unfortunately I'm not.

The minimal action I could take was filing a complaint to FCC, and Verizon contacted me for that about 2 weeks ago. Obviously, they say they cannot reimburse the  fee the 3rd party charged to us and I actually didn't expect much. Since the officer looked like a person with more authorities, I complained about the deceiving decor and hidden/untold contract, and I hoped Verizon could control the retailer quality better to protect Verizon customers. The officer said someone will work on it and will contact me for the progress if any. That is about the follow-up for now. Perhaps, you can file a complaint to FCC like me, and at least you will have a chance to make your voice to someone with more authorities. Perhaps, after people's sacrifice like us, the situation may be changed in the long run if Verizon is a company that hears customers carefully.

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Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
Synicasm
Enthusiast - Level 2

I know this is months Later. 

But I TOTALLY Agree the signage at these locations it TOTALLY deceiving.  People Think they are going to an actual Verizon location and are Cheated on prices and services.

Verizon should totally Look into their policy on this.  Sadly a new Customer is already upset with their purchase giving the Verizon Corporation a bad name.

Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
Eadur
Contributor - Level 3

How can a person tell if they are in a genuine Verizon Wireless Store, or one of these 3rd Party Verizon Wannabees??  If I went to a store with a huge Verizon Wireless Sign outside, and is completely wrapped in Verizon Wireless logos, Verizon name tags,  Verizon decor, and so forth, selling just Verizon Wireless products, I would believe that I was in a genuine Verizon Wireless store.

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Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
Synicasm
Enthusiast - Level 2

I guess you have to just ask..  Or you can look the location up at their website.. 

Find a Store | Verizon Wireless Store Locator

* Notice the checkmark below the Search box to include authorized retailers ?

( hind sight is 50/50 and buyer beware etc. I guess.. sigh.)

Re: $500 equipment termination fee after paying $350 early termination fee?
elliew
Specialist - Level 1

I believe the 3rd party stores are now  including the term "Premier Retailer" on their signage.

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