How any consumer can ‘test’ a cell phone

November 6th, 2008, 2:00 pm · 2 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress

Did you know that you, too, can test a cell phone before committing to a two-year service plan?

Well, actually, you’ve got to commit to a plan and plunk down some money, but all the mobile phone companies also let you cancel after a few weeks if you’re “not completely satisified.” That means you can play with a phone for a few weeks and then return it, cancel your service contract, and pay relatively nothing. Here’s the rundown on return policies:

Sprint
Test period: 30 days Return policy: Full refund of the phone (if returned in good condition with packaging), activation fees. User just pays for any calls, charges based on usage. Caveat: Existing customers who upgrade a device or service have 30 days to cancel and be restored to their previous contract. Once back to the old contract, the early termination fee could apply if you try to cancel service altogether. Another caveat: If your old contract was part of a limited-time deal, it may not exist anymore. More: Sprint’s return policy
Verizon Wireless
Test period: 30 days Return policy: ”You may terminate service for any reason within 30 days of activation.” Caveat: Lots of little things on this one. You’re still responsible for the activiation fee unless you end service within three days of activation. You’re still responsible for any phone calls, other usage fees. Access charges, taxes, surcharges or other accrued charges will be prorated. It could take 30 to 60 days to refund any security deposit. Apparently due to an FCC rule that affects all mobile phone companies, customers who upgrade to a GPS phone and then don’t like it won’t be able to use their older non-GPS phone on the network anymore. Verizon won’t allow it because of the E911 mandate. There’s a separate policy for Verizon’s pre-paid phones and plans. More: Verizon’s Return Policy
T-Mobile
Test period: 30 days (14 days outside of California) for phones purchased in store, 20 days for phones purchased online. Return policy: Full refund for phone in good condition and with original packaging. Caveat: Restocking fee may apply. You must return the phone to the store you purchased it from. More: T-Mobile’s return policy
AT&T Wireless
Test period: 30 days after activation. Return policy: Original packaging required Caveat: You can return equipment one time within 30 days. A restocking fee of $25 to $50 may be charged if equipment is damaged or incomplete. All iPhones have a 10 percent restocking fee. You must pay for fees for any personal use, like phone calls. Other usage (Internet service, GPS service) plus taxes will be prorated. Activiation fee is only refunded if service is terminated within 3 days of activation. It’ll take 1 to 2 billing cycles to get back any security deposit. Separate return policy for pre-paid GoPhone plans. You can return the phone within 30 days but the pre-paid phone cards are not refundable even during the 30-day return period. More: AT&T Wireless return policy

Other alternatives:

Costco: Love that generous Costco return policy. The retailer gives customers 90 days to “test” a phone. Here is Costco’s return policy.

Amazon.com: Offers 30-day returns on cell phones but you will have to cancel service with the mobile carrier. Here is Amazon’s cell phone return policy.

For more on cell phones, visit the cell phone category or read:

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