"Ineligibility Upgrade Discount"

[SW1952]

I was reading a blog discussing how to "upgrade" to an iPhone 5s.

I have the 5 and my upgrade date is not until next September. What was discussed in the blog was the following:

(1) Retail Price for the 5s - 16GB was going to be $550 (though the writer was not sure)

(2) He was told by a Verizon rep that he would only have to pay $450 as he would be receiving an "ineligibility upgrade discount" since he was not actually entitled to the full upgrade discount at the end of his agreement.

Is this true - that Verizon offers a $100 discount off full retail for those who are not entitled to an actual upgrade at that time?

Thanks,

Steve

[Ann154]

The changes in the iPhone 5s from the iPhone 5 isn't that much. Apple will probably end up releasing a new version next year. Why don't you wait until your upgrade is available.

[SW1952]

The physical changes - aside from the new home button/scanner - are not much. The changes to the processor and its capabilities are. There are reportedly quite a few new functions in iOS 7 that will either not work or not work fully with any of the previous phones. Obviously the difference from 5 to 5s is not that dramatic.

My figuring was that if the cost is not that dramatic (figure less than $150 to $200 cost) I would consider it. Much more than that, not so much.

[Ann154]

You are not eligible for an upgrade so your choice is to pay full retail price.

The $150-200 price is the two year contract price which you will be eligible for next year.

[SW1952]

Ann, you are missing my question. I realize that by waiting until next year I could get the "contract price" of around $200.

My question was trying to verify the "ineligible upgrade discount" that the person who wrote the column mentioned.

That $100 discount - assuming that it exists - would bring his reported price from $550 to $450. In addition - Verizon is buying back iPhone 5 (which I have) for approximately $300.00. That would bring my total cost to about $150.00.

My post was asking if anyone could confirm that there is this purported "ineligible upgrade discount".

[Ann154]

Doubt it. Never have seen someone else asking a similar question in the three years I've been on this community forum.

Honestly it sounds like someone selling you a scam.

[ashtontr]

It's called an "Ineligible Device Offer" and if you have 100$ off, use it asap to get the phone, otherwise you may lose it. You do have to pay full retail though, so if it's 100$ off retail, jump on it if you really want the phone, it may not be there next month.

[vzw_customer_support]

I'm super excited about the new iPhones too, SW1952. Occasionally, we do offer select customers different discount options based on a few things about their account. Our trade-in option http://bit.ly/GGnDDC is available for everyone to help offset the cost of a new phone. For me to confirm if you are eligible for any out-of-the-box promotions, I'll need your name and mobile number to take a look. I have sent you a follow request here in the forum. Please access https://community.verizonwireless.com/actions to accept my request and follow me back so you can send me a private message with your name and mobile number and we'll get started.


Thank you
JenniferH_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

[dstrat28]

Hello,

I also read this article and was wondering about the discount. Could you also check for me too? I have requested to follow you.

Thanks!

[michaeltw]

If I could also get a request in for a check on my account too, I'd greatly appreciate it.  I know I'm paying full price for the phone, so any relief VZW could give would be great.  It's worth asking.

Thanks!