Verizon cell phone question please???

[wannabefree]

Okay, I need some sage advice from the frugal gals!! We have had a contract with Verizon for years and have been very happy with their service. BUT.....now DD (away at college and our only communication with her is her phone) is needing a new phone or battery. She's had the phone for 4 years and the battery no longer holds a charge. The phone is old and they don't have another battery that fits it. We could get a new phone pretty cheap but they want us to re-up for 2 years. Dh won't let us do that in case we decide to change plans or systems or whatever.

Any tips on how we can get her a new phone without the "baggage?"

TIA

[heidismom]

I spoke with someone at Verizon recently, and from I what I understand you can purchase a used phone off Ebay and it won't change your current plan. The thing is, you need to make sure it's compatible with Verizon, so I'd definitely call Verizon to confirm compatability before purchasing/bidding.

[MommaDuck01]

Check with friends to see if they have an old Verizon phone they are not using. Many people have old cell phones in their closet they don't know what to do with and would be happy to get rid of it. Just be sure to plug it in and make sure everything works. A battery has a typical lifespan of about 2 years (depending on usage of course).

Also, be sure to try cleaning the contacts on your battery and your phone. Sometimes they get cruddy and a rub with a pencil eraser can clean them up. Always try the simple things first!

Another idea, check with some of the smaller dealers/authorized agents around town to see if they have batteries for the phone. They may keep stock longer.

Before buying any used phone, be sure to check the compatibility as heidismom said. When mobile companies upgrade their system, some phones end up obsolete.

HTH!

- from a former mobile phone company employee :-)

[wannabefree]

Thanks so much for the great ideas!

Dh thinks he has found a battery online that will fit her phone. She won't be as excited about a new battery but it may solve the problem for now.

You guys are great!!!

[couponfanatic]

If you do end up with a contarct of some kind, keep at leat one of those "changes in your plan" notices they love to send out.
By changing your plan, without you agreeing to it, it is breech of contract and they can't penalize you for leaving.
Having the paper and using the words breech of contract gets them to magically drop any termination fees.....

[wannabefree]

Wow! What a wonderful idea!!! It's like when we hold onto a funny coupon that says "one per transaction" to prove the difference between one per purchase.

I love that. Thanks a million!!!!

[Goldie]

You also need to check the serial number on the phone to make sure some one didnt report it stolen, thats the main thing when buying a used phone. Always ask for the serial number.