Sprint’s new policy: Play with any phone for 30 days for “free”
March 31st, 2010, 3:58 pm · 17 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
If you’ve been curious about one of the new Sprint wireless phones now on the market, Sprint is launching a new policy Thursday (April 1) with a money back guarantee if you’re not “completely satisfied” within 30 days.
This could come in handy when Sprint finally launches its 4G wireless Internet service here in Orange County later this year. Users will be able to see if the new wireless service is really as fast as it’s touted. The offer is available to all new customers and existing customers who are adding a new line of service. If you’re unhappy with your Sprint service today, you’re out of luck on this one.
Sprint isn’t alone in offering a 30-day money back guarantee. All the wireless companies have a similar return policy here in California (see earlier story, “How any consumer can ‘test’ a cell phone“).
But Sprint’s new guarantee goes further. It will reimburse customers for the device, activation fee, monthly plan and all associated taxes and surcharges. Other companies’ 30-day return policies still try to get the customer to pay for calls made, taxes and surcharges. Plus there may be a restocking fee.
The fine print of the Sprint Free Guarantee? Customers must pay upfront so you’d better have some cash available. And while there’s no restocking fee for new customers who cancel, existing customers may get charged a $35 restocking fee unless you exchange it for a new device. Customers who return the phone will have to pay for any usage that wasn’t part of their monthly service plan, such as song purchases and digital downloads. You’re also responsible for any international charges and associated taxes, plus third-party billing.
Don’t forget to save the box and all packaging. And, of course, the phone must still work. Sprint will return your money anywhere from the same day to up to three billing cycles, depending on how you paid for it. If you don’t cancel within 30 days, your contract kicks in and canceling it before it expires could cost you $200.
While these fees sound reasonable, definitely read the fine print before committing to any new contract. Here’s the fine print for the new policy.
Previously on Sprint:
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I’d like all my money back that the state of CA has lost supporting all the illegal mexicans.
I’d like my money back for most of the tax dollars spent on defense. I’d also like my money back that was used to subsidize farmers. And Social Security (it’ll be bankrupt by the time I need it). And the war on drugs. And about a zillion federal pork projects.
Oh, right, none of this has to do with cell phones. Get a grip.
This is a great idea and hope more cell phone companies adopt this new marketing strategy.
Who needs Sprint, Really
they were the creators of the annoying walkie talkie cell phones that would have couples chirping back in forth in videos stores and theme parks.
Also the creators of those lame “Where You AT” commercials that advertised the phone that would tell everyone that had your number that you weren’t home, and how far from home you actually were.
Sprint, either should fold up and go away or become an actual competitor to Verizon, I guess they are feeling stupid for turning down apple to carry coverage for the I phone
They didn’t create the walkie talkie cell phones, they bought Nextel who created that. Why are you blaming Sprint for people’s lack of consideration? That’s like blaming MGM and the movie theater for the jerk talking on his cell phone during a movie.
Sprint does in fact own Boost Mobile, who was responsible for that stupid “Where You At?” commercials.
Sprint is terrible, my wife tried to cancel her phone and was charge $150 even though she was a year out of her contract. Sprint’s customer service is located in India and they are liars and cheats, and barely speak english. After 30 days of arguing with them and making them agree that it was a mistake to charge her for a termination fee they waived the fee. They did the same to my in-laws, but they had 2 phones so they tried to charge them $300, but I was able to get that corrected also.
Sprint was sued by the state of california for their illict practices, and they have lost millions of customers, that’s why they are mounting a new advertising Campaign, Good luck!
Sprint’s customer service is NOT in India. If you hit *2 you’ll get someone either in Ontario CA or someone in Texas. They also have call centers in Florida.
I’ve been with Sprint for nine years and have never had any problem with their customer service. The few times I had issues with their prices, they’ve always accommodated me and given me a matching or better deal than their competition. In fact, I have the “call any mobile phone anytime” deal w unlimited data and messaging for less than the competition simply because I asked for it. As a preferred customer, once they even credited my account the entire month. Customer service knows they are losing subscribers so they’re stepping up. Actually it’s the best time to be a Sprint customer.
Of course that’s just me so I cannot speak for anyone else’s experience.
This must be a joke. April Fools everyone!!! No telco would do that for it’s customers.
@frombackeast
do you work for Sprint?
If sprint was worth a darn, they wouldnt have to have promotions like this.
people would rather over pay for Quality, than get sprint for free
Actually no, I don’t work for Sprint, but am only sharing my experience with them. Their promotions are in response to other offers made by their competitors. The lower the competition’s prices, the lower they go. Just like any other industry. It’s called advertising.
Nothing Sprint could do would get me to use their service again. I had them years ago and they constantly messed up my bill and overcharged me. I had to fight with them numerous times to get them to credit my account.
I’ve been with Sprint for almost 15 years and (with the exception of some of their store employees) have always found their service and customer service to be great. Family members not with Sprint cannot get service when at my house…..at least it keeps them quiet when visiting me!
Has their coverage in West Irvine improved at all?
FYI – Sprint uses outsourcing centers (3rd party vendors) in the phillipines, jamaica, puerto rico and mexico.
Sprint must be in trouble AGAIN. They never learn their lesson. Sprint used to be on the cutting edge of phone handset technology but, those days are long GONE. Long live the iPhone.
How do you become a “preferred” customer with sprint? maybe you can sign up on their web-site.
I had sprint for 5 years and I had to move over to ATT because sprint service was to bad..