yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Its nice when you try to help and you actually manage at Costco vs. some guy trying to dispute me.... Sorry dude, your incorrect! Not trying to be rude.

Plan and simple as follows,

1. Costco sets the policy, not Wireless Advocate...

Policy on Cell phones is simply this,

All sales are returnable for any reason for 90 days.

Is that simple enough?

2. What I think he is in referance is that there is some stipulations on the actuall Wireless Advocate contract. It is slightly different for each carrier.

For Tmobile you get free activation on new phones. You pay activation on upgrade. They will not return the upgrade paid for activation after 14 days. You get also just 14 days to return phone and resind contract with tmo.

The other issue is that the kiosk must call to get your upgrade approved again if you used it to buy a phone and return for another phone in that 90 days. But you still will get the upgrade price. Justs takes them to call. Its policy.

3. Again, ALL PHONES from any carrier are fully refundable for 90 days. You can look at the required huge return policy in there kiosk.. It will clearly state this!

The exact process goes like this, to return a phone under 90 days.

Take phone, box and everything that came with it. including the travel kit to Kiosk. They will pull up your account and if its a straight trade in for same phone, they will inspect it and remove your sim. They will give you white sheet you take to return counter with old phone. They will refund in cash or cash card to you. They take old phone at this point. Next you go back to kiosk where they will give you yellow sheet. You bring to checkout and they get your new phone.

If your returning one phone to get a different model within 90 days. All process is the same as above, however they have to call Tmobile to notify need for upgrade again as phone was exchanged. After 14 days you another activation. Under you do not pay again.

Its that easy!

4. THEY DO SELL NON CONTRACT Tmobile carrier only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is required by our contract with Wireless Advocate. In fact they sell only Tmobile prepaid. So this is no contract. You are allowed to buy only Tmobile phones with no contract. This may be the confusion as not all Costco Kiosk sell Tmobile in USA>

In fact there was a glitch last month were the new Samsung Galaxy g came in at new non contract price 199.00 instead of 499.90. The Canadians near our store here in WA state converged and bought every one at 2 of our warehouses before we caught it and fixed price.. Again, non contract!

Now I admit there is also possibly differing contracts in other then West Coast state Costcos and that could also possibly be a reason they are refusing to sell it to you? I will make a call tomorrow.

But if you are in WA, OR or CA you can walk in and walk out tomorrow with a new phone!

Peace.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Yogi3:
Those this work? I been thinking of doing that for the G2x or to get the G Slate ... please let me know if it works thanks ...
[T-Mobile LG G2x] firerock:
I loved Costco and your comments just convinced me to get a G2X tomorrow instead of waiting for Sensation or GSII. BTW, I live in CA and I will be going to the Santa Monica store tomorrow.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] samnada:
Appreciate you taking the time to post here. Very helpful.

I'm still not able to find the no contract option on costco.com.

I'm on this page:

Costco G2X

Where is "no contract"?

Thanks.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] VICosPhi:
Well, good to know you work there and thanks for the detailed post. My post was based on personal experience. I went to Costco in San Jose, CA and they WOULD NOT sell me the phone off contract. They specifically suggested to go to a tmobile store if I want to purchase off contract. I asked them can I buy it with a 2 year contract and then cancel in a month and keep the phone. They said NO, I can always cancel within a month or 3 months but I have to pay the full monthly charges to Tmobile and activation fees will not be refunded if I cancel, however Costco would refund in full whatever I paid to them. If I cancel within 3 months of purchasing the phone, I MUST return the device to Costco so Costco can provide a BETTER SERVICE to other Costco members.

I did not believe them so asked them a WRITTEN policy for this and they handed it to me, so even though I'd like to believe you, my experience has been different and the piece of paper I got from Costco does not agree with you. I do not see the off contract option on Costco online either.

..
[T-Mobile LG G2x] rukawa2k:
Ok. I emailed them this morning and got a response back as following.

-----

Thank you for contacting Wireless Advocates through Costco.com.

We will not be able to extend you an early upgrade. You must fulfill your current contract in order to purchase with us online. We do not sell handsets without a new 24 month contract renewal.

If you have any other questions please contact us at 888-369-5931 M-F 6am-6pm PST.

Thank you for your interest in shopping with Wireless Advocates

Linda C.

Customer Service Representative

Wireless Advocates

Monday through Friday 6:00am – 6:00pm Pacific Time

Phone: (888) 369-5931 (toll-free)

Email: onlinesupport@wirelessadvocates.com
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Sorry for the confusion, I did check and yes you can buy as I stated on the Costco website. You can however only buy for new or upgrade 2 year. You can not buy full price. I did not say you could buy full price no contract on website. ONLY IN WAREHOUSE! The reason is that online at Costco.com you are really buying from WAdvocate.. Sorry to confuse. But you do have same rights to return in 90 days at a store if bought on line. You only get 14 days to cancel contract. After 14 days like normal you would be subject to early term fees if you cancel.

Now to instore buys. I am confused to what you are claiming they told you? You can buy and return or exchange for 90 days. Bottom line. You can NOT get out of contract after 14 days. I never claimed that!

What I simply said is two points.

1. You can buy a Tmobile only phone full price in warehouse. (call Costco Manager if they refuse to kiosk.) That is policy. Sorry we sell them all the time.

2. ANY CELL carriers phone can be returned or exchanged for new phone for 3 months. NO QUESTIONS ASKED! I did not ever say you are let out of contract! You do get the best service anywhere as NO OTHER cell phone store will let you have 90 days to essentially try a phone.

I will be honest, we have people that come in every 80 days and exchange for either straight trade for same phone to keep em new or get a newer model. We do no like this. We can cancel your membership if we feel you are taking advantage in this way of our policy. However I have never seen us do it! But for the casual exchanger like me and you, we welcome it!

We call it the Costco advantage!

By the way, we are out of our 10 here and do not expect more for 2 weeks. So get em fast at Costco if you want them!
[T-Mobile LG G2x] aldo37:
$400 is a great off-contract price for the phone, but I have my doubts on buying it off-contract. I will try this weekend at the Norwalk, CA Costco.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] bingunginter:
How to convince them to sell the phone to me full price off contract in store ?

I went to my 2 local costco and both won't let me buy it off contract. I even told them to call their manager.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
Sounds fake. Not a single person has posted yet that they were able to buy it for $399. Or perhaps that is only for your store?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] sonnysekhon:
I asked my cousin to go to the Costco in Clovis, California and they would not let him buy the phone off contract. They said a 2 year agreement was required.

I am in Canada and the T-Mobile stores across the border won't sell me one, even at full price!

I will just have my cousin (a T-Mobile customer) buy one from a T-Mobile store and send it to me.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] wIIse:
wish sprint has this phone
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Amd4life:
no go in Sacramento, ca

I already have one, but thought hey for 90 day return, and save $110 cash after tax in CA, why not try

spent the better of 20 minutes politely discussing the policy with the STORE manager, after the kiosk wireless manager refused

the store manager then went on to tell me that since the wireless kiosk is a "tenant" in the store, they don't have to necessarily abide by the rules of Costco as a whole.

great price if you can get it, Id sure love to find out how, or get a copy of the written policy somehow before my 30 day tmobile return period is up
[T-Mobile LG G2x] KROMO50:
Yep it is BS i just tried to buy it for $399.99 will not sell it and no where on the website to just buy it for $399
[T-Mobile LG G2x] kirdroid:
Thanks again. I visited my local costco store in kirkland, WA and they are not selling me a phone without contract. I told them they are supposed to sell T-Mobile phones off contract but they wont bulge :(

May be i need to try in a different store to see what happens.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] keagan.tl4l:
that's where I got it too.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] KROMO50:
just called the website and nope they do not sell phones retail price
[T-Mobile LG G2x] twiztidnutzzzzz:
Hey I live in duluth!!! Bout 5 minutes from that costco.. But anyway..

Bought my g2x from tmo store on phill off contract and loving it
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Okay, I have to give some more clarifications,

I apoligize as I do not run the kiosks but am a Costco Manager. I am here in Marysville WA warehouse. Our Kiosk manager is Brien.

In talking with Brian before lunch I showed him these post. He had to correct me on one change. A big one!

In Feb they did stop sales of full price walk outs.

HOWEVER<<<<<<<<< You still can buy at full price and have your 90 days as always.l

Here is the new policy,

They still only sell Tmobile phones at full retail.

To do it you DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A NORMAL CONTRACT!

You do however HAVE TO SIGN UP AND PASS CREDIT CHECK!

1. You buy full price $399.00 and they will sign you up as a PREPAID customer with a PREPAID account passing credit.

Now here is the OUT for you.

You can CANCEL PREPAID ACCOUNT within 14 days and YOU KEEP THE PHONE!

I did DOUBLE VERFIFY WITH BRIAN!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU KEEP THE PHONE IF BOUGHT AT FULL RETAIL!

So to summerize, I am a normal customer so I like most of you get to have the normal upgrade and like I have been posting can return and swap or trade phone with no fees up to 90 days no questions asked on any carrier. This was the main point of this thread. And still is the best option to have a 90 day test drive.

Next, for the people here just trying to find ways to buy at full retail. You have to sign up for Tmobile and pass credit check.> Then pay full retail. Within 14 days you can resind contract and the phone since you paid full retail you can return or KEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is fact!

For the person in Kikland at store 008. You may with my permission print this and show to Kiosk Manager for confirmation.

Better yet give a drive up to Marysville and buy from Brian at his kiosk.

Last, Someone mentioned WIRELFLY!!!???????????? Is that the Kiosk operator in the East Coast stores? They may be different as we use Wireless Advocate.

Hope this helps!
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Amd4life:
so if you already have a contract with tmobile

you would technically speaking, have to sign up a seperate prepaid account with a NEW number, cancel it 14 days, then only then can you transfer your existing account sim card to the costco purchased phone?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] beepbloop:
i manage the wireless kiosk in ocean, nj and can confirm that you can buy this for the no contract price. you do have to sign up for a new even more plus number and plan, however, so you can't just buy the phone and walk away with it :]

associates not letting you do this are either unaware it's possible, or don't want to face the commission loss after you cancel your even more plus account
[T-Mobile LG G2x] KROMO50:
Just called Costco again and asked about this. They said no they only have to phones you can do with prepay so this does not work i am in Texas so it might be different. Hey Iceshark you wanna buy it for me for 399
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Thanks for backing me up. Kinda pissin me off that people are getting the run around!

Its all about the commissions for sure.

Oh and I just asked Brian and ALL tmobile phones in stock are available to purchase on PREPAID.. They do suggest the 2 they carry. But again you can buy ANY of the carried tmobile phones for Prepaid. Just more uniformed or commsion wanting CSRs.

Next, Brian said you can only have one account per Social Security number with Tmobile So it wont work to have a prepaid in addition to your regular account.

Last, to the poster here. Is your Kiosk owned in East Coast by Wireless Advocate as ours are?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] kirdroid:
Update:

I went to my local store again now. This time I went with store manager to the kiosk. So they sell non contract phones, but you need to add a new line to your current plan.

So total cost of phone is:

399 + tax + 35 for activatition which will take the total around $470. This is assuming you cancel the new prepaid plan immediately. They will also run a credit check for the new line.

Overall saving of around $75 as compared to buying directly from t-mobile off contract.

Hopefully this info will be helpful :-)
[T-Mobile LG G2x] KROMO50:
so did you have to sign up for the even more plus plan or prepaid/ you added a line? why the $35 activation? it says it is free. just need to know what to say to the manager.

Also Iceshark when do you work i would like to call you when u are working and have you talk to the manager at my store.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Good to know they are doing it correctly at Todds Costco! Wa does it right:D You actually saved even more. You never pay for activation at Costco for new accounts or new lines. So that $35.00 will be taken off by Tmobile on your next bill. They should have told you that! When you upgrade a phone at Costco you pay $19.00 and its not refunded on next bill.

Now you just have to cancel that extra line within 14 days and phone is yours to keep or return!

So you actually not only saved money. The main point is your phone is yours for 90 days to screw with and return for new one or new model or money back!

Isnt a great way to get phones to try!

Love OUR COMPANY!:D
[T-Mobile LG G2x] kirdroid:
I should have read your updated posts before i went to the kirkland costco :)

Neway ...yeah they mentioned the activation fee will be waived off on the second month's bill, but if i cancel the line within 14 days they said the activation fee will not be credited back. I don't know if this is true, but I'm thinking now if i shd return my G2x back to T-Mobile and go the costco route.

By the way you mentioned this "Next, Brian said you can only have one account per Social Security number with Tmobile So it wont work to have a prepaid in addition to your regular account"

So, will i not be able to add a new pre-paid line to my current account if i decided to go the costco route?

EDIT:

I read your post again..i think you meant i can't have two seperate accounts under a single SSN. But adding a new pre-paid line shoudn't be a problem. Please correct me if i'm wrong :-)
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
Ok, so to summarize: You absolutely MUST add a new line to your account with the purchase of the G2x for $399, correct?

Questions:

Do you cancel the plan with them right after buying the phone, or online?

Do you get fully refunded for the plan-cost after cancelling?

If you get charged tax, wouldn't it be better to just buy it on Wirefly or Wireless.Amazon.com since they don't charge tax? Not only that but you avoid the $35 activation fee (and any potential headaches or repercussions that doing all this funny-business might have...) With tax and the $35 activation, it's $470. With a $60 plan, that's $530, which is more than the Amazon tax-free and activation-free price:
[T-Mobile LG G2x] kirdroid:
You absolutely MUST add a new line to your account with the purchase of the G2x for $399[/b], correct?

Correct

Questions:

Do you cancel the plan with them right after buying the phone, or online?

Don't know...i assume you need to call TMobile Customer care for this.

Do you get fully refunded for the plan-cost after cancelling?

You will charged for how much ever you use. If you use it for a day, you will be charged for the day. THis is the info i got from the kiosk guy. So, cancelling it asap will be better.

If you get charged tax, wouldn't it be better to just buy it on Wirefly or Wireless.Amazon.com since they don't charge tax? (To avoid any potential headaches or repercussions that doing all this funny-business might have...)

Main thing buying from costco is for the 90 day return policy. Say you like the Sensation or SGS2 better than this then you have the option to return. Also, Amazon wireless charges tax atleast for WA state, may be different for each state so can't comment much there.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] sonnysekhon:
Just talked to the kiosk rep again in Clovis, California and explained the whole PREPAID line route to get the phone for 399 off contract price. But she won't budge and got upset. She said they can't sell the G2x as a prepaid phone, only the Samsung Gravity and some other phone were available as prepaid.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] KROMO50:
i WAS TOLD the SAME THING F COSTCO going to buy it from amazon i think
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
Yup, this is definitely a confirmed hoax. I went to costco last night and asked "Can I buy the G2x with an Even More Plus plan?" They said no. Contract only.

Note that not a SINGLE person in this thread, not even ONE person has been able to buy it from costco for $399. Not one person.

Iceshark, can you find where this rule is WRITTEN DOWN and take a picture for us? Absolutely no one will be able to use this method without some written proof to show the kiosk attendees.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] klmsu19:
Sounds like false advertising to me. If it lists a full price then it should be available for that full price off contract as well as the on contract price.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] kirdroid:
One thing is for sure, different costco locations are giving different info. Iceshark is from WA, as well as I"m. Atleast here in WA state in Kirkland Costco location they are willing to sell for $399 + tax + prepaid plan + $35 Activation fee. The only reason I didn't buy was because they will have to run a credit check, I need to call for cancelling the plan and I don't know how much of a hassle it is. The overall savings compared to T-Mobile is $75 and for me it was not worth going through the hassle of adding new line and try cancelling it. I anyway have the 30 day return period from T-Mobile which is more than enough for me to decide if i have to keep this device or not.

Also, remember T-Mobile is based out of Bellevue, WA, so i don't know if this factors in having a seperate policy for WA state.

Anyway, if anyone is from the Seattle, WA area you can drive to the Kirkland Costco location and get this price. I can't speak of other WA costco locations as this is the location where they were ready to sell G2X with prepaid plan.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] SurgeCentral:
Amazon wireless has the G2X for 149.99 no tax, w/2 yr contract or extension-if your eligible for an upgrade, just got mine
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
Can you keep your plan? (ie I have a granfathered G1 plan with myFaves with a AAA discount which is no longer offered for $59.99 total)

Or do they make you switch to an $80+ plan?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] thunderstruck!:
I just did it tonight-went to Costco in Oak Brook IL, told him I wanted to buy a phone under the Even More plan. Total out the door was 399 plus tax, and I called later tonight and cancelled the contract. Told the girl in retention exactly why I did it, and she laughed and I got the impression they are familiar with this procedure.

Paul-when I called TMo this morning about the upgrade through them, they told me it would be an extension of the contract terms I have now, not a new contract. I'm lucky because I have a faves 5 plan, so I route all my calls through my Google Voice number since it's set up as my fave. Everybody knows my GV number, but nobody knows my real number. I just explained it as a "virtual phone number."
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
That's good to know T-Mo you can keep your current plan. But what about on Amazon? When you click upgrade, it still walks you through choosing a plan, regardless of whatever plan you have. So I'm wondering if that means that if you upgrade through Amazon, there's no way to keep your plan.

Has anyone upgraded through Amazon?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] svptheyear2011:
got mine from costco 2 days ago....ice shark is right...i got it on contract...took my galaxy 4g back to radio shack 2 days b4 the 30 day return policy....then bought it from costco....they charge tax on the 399.even though they sell it for 149..lady said cux they charge you original price of phone......but did anyones phone come with a screen.protecter??? Mine did im debating if I should keep that one on...or get a new one? Fits well cant even tell its on the phone...
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!! Hoax I think not! Really chaps my hide when I help fellow members here to get rude coments like I am a Hoax or adverstising!

What I said is fact. Unfortunatly some Kiosks make there own rules and most Costco management does not get trained to understand if there are full of crap to the customer or not!

The bottom line is THEY DO SELL FULL PRICE ANY TMO PHONE IN STOCK! But they dont want to as the only way is for you to sign up for a even more or prepaid contract (that you can cancel and keep phone within 14 days). With credit check.

But they make zero commision on a hot phone they know they can sell to full contract new or upgrade customers! I think due to myself and others here in WA our Kiosks are doing it correctly! Yours may not!

But remember the theme of this post was that you can try any phone at Costco for 90 days and return or exchange. This is the point I was making to help those like us that want more time to try phones or beat up the first phone rooting and such and then when bugs are gone in a couple months you can get a fresh phone to setup.

Peace!
[T-Mobile LG G2x] Paul22000:
Wait what?

The person you quoted got the phone ON-contract for $149. The whole purpose of this thread was to get it OFF contract. Unless I'm misunderstanding his post...?
[T-Mobile LG G2x] svptheyear2011:
Topic says great price at costco
[T-Mobile LG G2x] iceshark:
Your correct, I did not start post. I simply saw my companys name and thought I would add some to the post. MY POST was about the 90 day trial per say.

Then I got tons of people jumping on about the need to buy full price and you can do that at Costco as I stated! The only thing changed since FEB as I and the other Costco person stated is now you must buy on Prepaid Contract or regular extra line contract. Point there is you can cancel and keep phone.

All I stated was correct.

Rude to be slammed as I am a HOAX! Many a member has been helped by me on the HD2 forums and Samsung forums with my CORRECT information!

So please stop sending me PM's wanting me to call your local Costco for you or give you assistance.

I have helped those who need. I can not help if your Kiosk is breaking rules to keep the good phones like this for new contract customers.. Most managers like me that know the rules can help you at your store. Sorry if you have a Costco where there head is in there ass.

Peace.
[T-Mobile LG G2x] tangyoulei:
I think I can concur the 90 day policy. I got a G2x with contract yesterday from the costco in Las Vegas. I confirmed the 90 day policy with the wireless kiosk sales several times and all I got is I can bring the phone back within 90 days and exchange for a different phone as I wish, for any reason.

From the paperwork the sales lady handed to me, it shows the policy of 90 days refund. To be real safe, I asked her this only mentions refund but not exchange. She just said exchange is refund. I just think she's right. Hopefully when I need to do this exchange for some reason, they will redeem their words.