Wirefly Discount Link STILL WORKING: T-Mobile, Cingular, Verizon, Sprint/Nextel phones @ Wirefly prices w/ NO REBATES

[Davinci]

Originally posted by: Java Cafe
Got a Motorola V551 from them about a week ago. Nice quad-band phone. Very happy with the set. Does nice blue tooth with a cute head set too.

BUT . . .

After using it for about 5 days, I called Cingular to give me the unlock for this phone so that I may use it overseas next month. After all, that is why I got this *quad* band. (Only a week ago, Cingular sent me the codes to unlock the two V220s in my family.)

This is when things started going South!

After a total of three gruelling hours with four Cingular reps and two AT&T reps, I know now that neither Cingular nor AT&T can help me with this matter . . . because THIS WAS ORIGINALLY AN AT&T BRANDED PHONE ! Wirefly (or Infonics) repackaged it (including changing the logo insert on the handset) and putting it in a Cingular box, to make it work with Cingular.

Cingular tried to be helpful . . but their last suggestion was, "Return the phone and exchange it from the retailer for a true Cingular-branded phone." So, that is why the prices are so low!

So, if you are planning to use this overseas (with a Quad-band) and use have bought a Motorola phone from Wirefly, you may be out of luck, if you too have been given one of these "switched" phones.

Trying to contact Wirefly is painful. They do not reply to email. They have a phone number deep in their web site, which you are supposed to call if you wish to exchange your phone. When I called the number, an automated voice asked me to enter the Order number, which I did. Surprisingly, the automated voice said, "Your order has now been cancelled!" What the . . !!! No way, it seems, of getting a live person.

Anyhow, my five days of joy with this phone is now history. Just curious if anyone has a similar experience.

~ JC ~

I'm considering getting the Nokia 6230 with Cingular service but I have 2 issues :
1. I need to travel overseas and to be able to unlock it. The story above does not look very promising.
2. Does any retailer allows for only 1 year contract with Cingular ????

any input ?

 

[one7]

Originally posted by: Davinci

I'm considering getting the Nokia 6230 with Cingular service but I have 2 issues :
1. I need to travel overseas and to be able to unlock it. The story above does not look very promising.
2. Does any retailer allows for only 1 year contract with Cingular ????

any input ?

I have the Nokia 6230, love it. I could be wrong, but I've owned a couple of these, as do a number of my family members, and I've yet to see one that was locked. That may be a fluke, but I've seen 6230's purchased online, Sam's Club, and from the Cingular retail store, and all were unlocked.

As for 1-yr contracts...---EDIT--- sorry, I checked Amazon and see that they now appear to have 2-yr contracts with Cingular. It wasn't that way before... but I do see that they have the Nokia 6230 for $50 PROFIT after rebates. However, I _do_ know for a fact that the kiosks in Sam's Club only offer 1-yr contracts, so if you have a Sam's Club near you, you can do that. Plus they take $20 off the regular activation fee. I don't know if they will have the 6230 or not, but you can also find plenty of them on eBay...

 

[Java Cafe]

Originally posted by: Davinci

Originally posted by: Java Cafe
Got a Motorola V551 from them about a week ago. Nice quad-band phone. Very happy with the set. Does nice blue tooth with a cute head set too.

BUT . . .

After using it for about 5 days, I called Cingular to give me the unlock for this phone so that I may use it overseas next month. After all, that is why I got this *quad* band. (Only a week ago, Cingular sent me the codes to unlock the two V220s in my family.)

This is when things started going South!

After a total of three gruelling hours with four Cingular reps and two AT&T reps, I know now that neither Cingular nor AT&T can help me with this matter . . . because THIS WAS ORIGINALLY AN AT&T BRANDED PHONE ! Wirefly (or Infonics) repackaged it (including changing the logo insert on the handset) and putting it in a Cingular box, to make it work with Cingular.

Cingular tried to be helpful . . but their last suggestion was, "Return the phone and exchange it from the retailer for a true Cingular-branded phone." So, that is why the prices are so low!

So, if you are planning to use this overseas (with a Quad-band) and use have bought a Motorola phone from Wirefly, you may be out of luck, if you too have been given one of these "switched" phones.

Trying to contact Wirefly is painful. They do not reply to email. They have a phone number deep in their web site, which you are supposed to call if you wish to exchange your phone. When I called the number, an automated voice asked me to enter the Order number, which I did. Surprisingly, the automated voice said, "Your order has now been cancelled!" What the . . !!! No way, it seems, of getting a live person.

Anyhow, my five days of joy with this phone is now history. Just curious if anyone has a similar experience.

~ JC ~

I'm considering getting the Nokia 6230 with Cingular service but I have 2 issues :
1. I need to travel overseas and to be able to unlock it. The story above does not look very promising.
2. Does any retailer allows for only 1 year contract with Cingular ????

any input ?

Most Nokia phones, unlike the Motorolas, are relatively easily unlocked. I know of services that will do remote unlock for a small fee. I have a Nokia 3100 that I have unlocked for use on the Cingular network. Prior to unlocking, it was usable only on AT&T. Although Cingular and AT&T have merged, neither Cingular nor Motorola would unlock it for me to use on the Cingular network. They wanted me to buy a new phone.

 

[shagman]

FYI, I moved my wife and myself onto Cingular using the Wirefly deal a few weeks ago (actually used a link on a banner ad, but same thing)... got two 6230's, free, no rebates, and ported our numbers over... only had two gripes...

1) they ported my number the next day after I ordered, so our current Verizon Wireless phones were dead for a few days before our new ones got to us.
2) I ordered two phones as a family plan, but they set us up in Cingular as two individual accounts. Took a quick call or two to Cingular to get that straight.

Overall, VERY happy with the experience with wirefly... we sold our Verizon Wireless phones on eBay and covered most of the early termination fee from Verizon Wireless with the profits.

Beware there's a 6 month early terination fee that's wirefly specific on some phones, so make sure you read the fine print before you purchase.

Also, to answer the question about unlocking the phone and using overseas, keep in mind that one of the bands on the phone is 850mhz (only used in the US), whereas overseas everybody uses 900mhz for that band... nokia makes two types of the same phone, one for US, and one for all other areas of the world. Unlocking the phones is pretty easy from what I hear, you can browse nokia.howardforums.com to get more info.

 

[Injury]

I've been looking to get a new phone, but the thing is I can't really justify paying $40 a month for something I use all of 100 minutes on. The last time I got in on a phone deal, if I joined in on the $40 a month plan with cingular, they gave me the phone free... and I literally called within a few days, changed the plan to a $20 one and that was that. Will the same thing work with this deal? I know the fine print of the contract says I have to wait 181 days before changing plans or I'm liable for the amount of the phone, but if I wait that, will I be able to safely knock my plan down?

 

[Davinci]

Thanks for the information ! . I would consider Amazon because you can select the 29.99 plan, but then the rebate is not applicable (plan must be 39.99 or higher).
Paying 29.99 over 2 years is still more interesting than 39.99 with $150 rebate.

 

[one7]

Originally posted by: Davinci
Thanks for the information ! . I would consider Amazon because you can select the 29.99 plan, but then the rebate is not applicable (plan must be 39.99 or higher).
Paying 29.99 over 2 years is still more interesting than 39.99 with $150 rebate.

Their rebates come quick, at least in my experience. You could sign up for the $39.99, then drop down to the $29.99 plan when the rebate comes. I don't imagine you'd spend more than 3 mos. on the $39.99 plan.

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: MaDJoE
But I will activate it, just after change the new plan into a family plan.

You shouldn't have a problem. The normal problem with that is that you usualy then disqualify yourself for any rebates invovled...but since there are none....

I actually bought my wife a phone from amazon.com, switched it to a family plan, and still got both the amazon and tmobile rebates. This was becuase the family plan was above the $39.99 threshhold for the rebate. Before I did this I went and talked to the Tmobile people in the mall to make sure and they said it should work.... and it did

-spike

 

[imported_ssm0002]

FAQ: What to do if Wirefly screws up your order....the story...I order (2) LG VX3200 on the Verizon Wireless America's Choice Family SharePlan 1000 w/ 2 Lines of Service on 4/3/05. Decided to port two numbers, home phone number and another Verizon cell number. Verizon ported the home phone number after calling me and I received the phone on 4/5/05. Wirefly then called and said there was a problem with porting number for phone #2 saying that Verizon wouldn't let it go through. I said fine, just get a new number and send the phone. On 4/8/05 had not received phone yet and called Wirefly CS who is based in India @ 1-800-986-0697 and the CS said the order was locked up in the system and would xfer to a Verizon specialist and I would get the phone overnighted free. On 4/12/05 still had not received phone so called again. Totally clueless CS in India once again stated phone was locked up in order system and would xfer to specialist and asked that I give them 24-48hrs to fix. Today, 4/15/05 noticed no change in order status and I decided I'd had it with Wirefly India based CS so decided to hunt down Wirefly US based CS. Called 202-333-0001 which is an InPhonic number and was xfered to 1-800-444-9543 (or) 301-883-0400 x 330 and got to speak w/ a US based CS. Hopefully this time things will be resolved.

- Steve

 

[TEEZLE]

Originally posted by: ssm0002
FAQ: What to do if Wirefly screws up your order....the story...I order (2) LG VX3200 on the Verizon Wireless America's Choice Family SharePlan 1000 w/ 2 Lines of Service on 4/3/05. Decided to port two numbers, home phone number and another Verizon cell number. Verizon ported the home phone number after calling me and I received the phone on 4/5/05. Wirefly then called and said there was a problem with porting number for phone #2 saying that Verizon wouldn't let it go through. I said fine, just get a new number and send the phone. On 4/8/05 had not received phone yet and called Wirefly CS who is based in India @ 1-800-986-0697 and the CS said the order was locked up in the system and would xfer to a Verizon specialist and I would get the phone overnighted free. On 4/12/05 still had not received phone so called again. Totally clueless CS in India once again stated phone was locked up in order system and would xfer to specialist and asked that I give them 24-48hrs to fix. Today, 4/15/05 noticed no change in order status and I decided I'd had it with Wirefly India based CS so decided to hunt down Wirefly US based CS. Called 202-333-0001 which is an InPhonic number and was xfered to 1-800-444-9543 (or) 301-883-0400 x 330 and got to speak w/ a US based CS. Hopefully this time things will be resolved.

- Steve

Good luck to you! I didn't get my car charger or belt clip from Wirefly for my A630 phone. They reccently sent out two cheap assed belt clips that stick to the phone with doubled sided tape!!! LOLOLOL Still no car charger. After calling Wirefly a total of times, I just gave up. But, I did end up filing a dispute with my credit card company (for not receiving full order). Still waiting for a response from them though (should be this week).

 

[Java Cafe]

Today, I got an RMA from Wirefly, to return the Motorola V551 I got from them. Then, I went and picked up the same model from the local Cingular store. It will cost me a little more this way, but at least I will have the quad-band phone acting like a quad-band phone.

Interestingly, now I can see that the phone that Wirefly sent me *was* refurbished. The phone that I picked up today also has quite a few very subtle differences in the menus and the layout of the display in it. Most significantly, the keys feel a lot more firm on the new phone.

Cingular took my request to unlock the new phone. I expect them to get this done in another couple of days.

May be it is me . . . but, this is the seocnd hot deal that I got burnt by. Just a little.

~ JC ~

 

[dragonlord2112]

I'm really thinking about pulling the trigger on this deal, but some experiences are making me nervous... Anyone else have an experience with this place?

 

[psiu]

Originally posted by: dragonlord2112
I'm really thinking about pulling the trigger on this deal, but some experiences are making me nervous... Anyone else have an experience with this place?

Well mine are probably a couple pages back, but went quick and easy, got the phones and more accesories than they even listed. Good job updating the status page online and sending out emails at various points of the order.

 

[Derektm]

I want to get the V551 phone. I read that you can buy the phone with a cheap plan and then add it to a Current family talk plan that you already have.

Heres my question...If I order the v551 phone will I be charged an activation fee? (I would switch it over to my family talk plan right away)

I can add a line for $10...so is that all it would cost? Or activation fee no matter?

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: Derektm
I want to get the V551 phone. I read that you can buy the phone with a cheap plan and then add it to a Current family talk plan that you already have.

Heres my question...If I order the v551 phone will I be charged an activation fee? (I would switch it over to my family talk plan right away)

I can add a line for $10...so is that all it would cost? Or activation fee no matter?

If you read the contract associated with the deal, the deal itself requires that you enter a 2 year contract with a monthly plan on $39.99/mo, with about $40-50 activation fee (depending on the carrier). The contract requires that you stay on the $39.99/mo plan for 180 days. If you change any part of the plan before the 180 days is up, you are billed for the full price of the phone. If you break contract, the fee for that is $250.

So all in all, you are looking at possibly paying the $250 contract breaking fee, a non-refundable $50 activation fee, and the full price of the phone if you enter this deal and attempt to change the contract.

This plan is designed to attract new customers, as previously stated in some of the previous pages. Whereas family plans are designed to get you to buy more phones at full price. This deal REQUIRES you to open up a new contract on a new account with a provider, and although you may have luck changing things when you get the phone, don't be surprised if you get burned for a couple hundred in attempting to weasel out of the contract you just signed.

 

[Namuna]

Sorry to bring back up an old thread...But I wanted to make sure and thank the original poster (Fis) for this. I just ordered 2 LG PM-325 with 800min Sprint Family Plan...$15 (for overnight) and no rebates to deal with.

Having to sign a 2yr contract seems the norm now, and an extra burn potential that the reseller charges for terminating before 181 days ($250 for us)...All in all it feels like I just signed with blood with a horned man. But at least this particular horned man is giving us the phones without the hassle of rebates. The Brick&Mortars are charging $50+ (and that's AFTER rebates). Amazon doesn't even have a decent deal on this phone and buy.com is free too (but again, after rebate).

We'll see how it goes.

Update: I just checked Reseller Ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7831-p1-s1-d1.html

Did I make a mistake buying from these guys?

 

[dragonlord2112]

Originally posted by: Namuna
Sorry to bring back up an old thread...But I wanted to make sure and thank the original poster (Fis) for this. I just ordered 2 LG PM-325 with 800min Sprint Family Plan...$15 (for overnight) and no rebates to deal with.

Having to sign a 2yr contract seems the norm now, and an extra burn potential that the reseller charges for terminating before 181 days ($250 for us)...All in all it feels like I just signed with blood with a horned man. But at least this particular horned man is giving us the phones without the hassle of rebates. The Brick&Mortars are charging $50+ (and that's AFTER rebates). Amazon doesn't even have a decent deal on this phone and buy.com is free too (but again, after rebate).

We'll see how it goes.

Update: I just checked Reseller Ratings:
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller7831-p1-s1-d1.html

Did I make a mistake buying from these guys?

OMG! A 1.61 6-month rating and a 2.26 lifetime? OK, that clinches it. I'm going through Amazon

 

[ezland00]

I don't recommend this company. They have the worst rebate service, my rebate never show up. ($300)

 

[blindspot]

I am currently the primary for a family plan with Tmobile. We are past the contract already (done the 2 years). We don't mind losing our current number. We have our eyes on the blackberry 7230 with Tmobile. Considering I'm not a new customer, can my wife instead avail from this offer? Thanks.

 

[psiu]

Remember that with the deal that the OP posted and which is still going on to some degree now, you don't have to deal with rebates (which is good).

I had no problems with my order.

 

[intention]

Ordered yestereday - May 31st - Cingular Family Plan with two Razr V3 (Camera) Phones. No rebates. We shall see.


Edit: I have an account in the Cingular system, and it looks like my number was ported over from Sprint since it's showing up in the system and the Sprint Website no longer recognizes the # when I try to sign into my account over there.

Since I signed up for the family plan, it does look like I have two phones, but they are not merged into one account. I called the rep and he "assured" me that it just looks like that in the system, but I have my doubts. It shows two phone #'s and each of them are showing $69.99 instead of one phone at $69.99 and the additional line at $9.99.

Edit2: Called another Cingular Rep. and she confirmed that although the website lists two phones at the full $69 price, that they are actually one phone at $69 and an additional line for $10 more. Hopefully my first bill will reflect the same.
Also, my order status has changed to "Shipped" on the website. Hopefully I'll have my phones soon!


Edit3: Phones showing as shipped. Trackng # has been received. Expected Delivery Date is 6/4/05.

Edit4: Received Phones yesterday. New in box as far as I can tell. Cingular packaging and branding all around. Already activated with SIM installed. A+ experience.


Can anyone confirm how a family plan shows up on the Cingular website?

And does anyone know how to get Cingular to let me choose my own phone # ? With Sprint I could pay a $50 "Vanity" fee and they would try phone #'s until I found one I liked. I've talked to three different people, and they all say they have a whopping list of ten whole #'s to pick from on their screen. They say there is a $39 charge to change the #.

 

[hawksballer]

If I already have a contract, is there a way I can still get these phones for such low prices?

 

[Protius1]

Originally posted by: hawksballer
If I already have a contract, is there a way I can still get these phones for such low prices?

I hear you on that one..I too am trying to find websites that have good deals on phones for those of us that already have service already through Cingular and are looking for deals on phones. Does Cingular ever offer good deals on phones to current members? I'm on a 2 yr contract

 

[Morpheux]

Add me to the list of those looking for new phones, luckally my current contract with Nextel expires in 40 days. The cingular store locally told me they have no problem with issuing a temporary number now and porting my Nextel number later.

So now it's just a matter of finding the phones on the cheap. After reading the thread, I'm seriously considering paying the extra $50 in-store for the V551, but not willing to pay the extra $130 for the 6230.

 

[bluegrass]

sweet motoroal RAZR now 99.99 with cingular!