Anyone Know How to Get Verizon to Waive the Activation Fee?

General Discussion
1

I’ve been looking into signing up for Verizon and I’m kind of bummed about the activation fee they usually charge. I really want to avoid paying that extra cost when I’m getting a new phone. Has anyone had success getting Verizon to waive that fee?

Here’s What I’m Considering:

  • Promotions: Are there any current deals or promotions that could help in waiving the activation fee?
  • Negotiation Tips: Has anyone tried negotiating with customer service? What worked for you?
  • Existing Plans: If I already have a Verizon plan, is there any chance they might waive the fee for upgrades?

I’d love to hear anyone’s personal experiences or strategies! Maybe there are some tricks I’m not aware of, or maybe others have some horror stories to share.

Thanks in advance for the help!

2

Verizon typically charges an activation fee of around $40 for new lines. This fee covers the costs associated with setting up your account and provisioning the device. It’s pretty standard across carriers, unfortunately.

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3

[quote=“pamelagonzalez, post:1, topic:1566”]Verizon typically charges an activation fee of around $40 for new lines…[quote] That’s true, and many people have successfully negotiated to waive this fee! It helps to mention any loyalty to the brand or if you’re changing from another provider.

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4

I think the activation fee is just a way for Verizon to recover some of their setup costs. It can be frustrating since we’re already paying a monthly fee. Do you really have to pay it if you’re switching from another provider?

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[quote=“matthew39, post:3, topic:1566”]It can be frustrating since we’re already paying a monthly fee…[quote] Totally agree! Some reps have been known to waive it if you’re persistent enough or if you ask for any promotions they might have.

6

A little tip: if you go to a store rather than doing it online, you might have better luck negotiating the fee. The activation fee seems unfair, especially if you consider customer loyalty is important to them.

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[quote=“alyssaconrad, post:4, topic:1566”]Some reps have been known to waive it if you’re persistent enough…[quote] That’s good to know! Has anyone tried calling customer service, though? Sometimes they can be more flexible than store employees.

8

The activation fee is a bit of a joke honestly. Paying extra to start a service you’re already paying for seems silly. I wonder how much of that fee goes towards actual service setup versus just adding to their revenue.

9

Hey, I totally feel you on this! :smile: Just remind them you’re considering other carriers too. That usually works to get some perks. Activation fees shouldn’t be carved in stone!

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[quote=“matthewtran, post:7, topic:1566”]I wonder how much of that fee goes towards actual service setup…[quote] It’s definitely worth asking! Activation fees do cover costs, but some of it likely pads the company’s profits. It’s a common discussion among users.

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In the end, it might just take some negotiation skill. We’ve all heard horror stories about fees like these, but with some charm and reminders of their competition, you stand a good chance! :crossed_fingers:

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I recently got Verizon to waive my activation fee by mentioning a competitor’s promotion. It works like a charm! Always be ready to negotiate.

13

Great tip! Another thing I did was ask about any loyalty incentives for long-term customers. They were more than willing to help.

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14

If you call customer service, try to speak to someone in the loyalty department. They often have more flexibility than regular reps.

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That’s a solid idea, justinsmith! I’ve found being friendly and respectful gets you a long way with customer service.

16

Sometimes they have promotions not visible on the website. Just ask them directly if there are any waivers available. Don’t hesitate!

17

Great suggestions! I’m curious, has anyone tried getting a waiver during a store visit rather than over the phone?

18

Fgarcia, yes! I did get my fee waived in-store. It felt more personal, and I felt I connected with the rep better.

19

Another point: I told them I was considering switching to another provider. That usually raises their attention and urgency.

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Haha, that’s a classic move, twhite! Kind of like a game of chicken with your service provider.

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