Why are Cingular phones so expensive?
Can anybody tell me why Cingular phones are so expensive? I have been told that when cingular releases the V3i, the price could be 299.99 with a 2 year, and another store said 349.99 after a 50 dollar MIR with 2 years!!! The Verizon V3m is much cheaper than that, and I am aware that some of the capabilities of the V3m have been crippled, but still, it is only 99.99. Does the V3i justify a price of 299.99 or more? I dont think so. I really hope that when Cingular release this phone, it fails miserably. 😈 They have skrewed us for months, and for them to slap on a huge pricetag when the Krazr is just a few months away is absolutely ridiculous.
...
Buy unlocked phones. They are way better 🙂 I agree the prices Cingular charges are too much.
...
Cingular (and every other carrier) will charge you what ever they can get away with charging for phones. Don't pay it, and don't let your kids pay it, and if it doesn't sell well enough, Cingular (and every other carrier) will drop the price until it does sell. That's what all of them have been doing from day one.
...
Why would you tell people that. That is the problem with american consumers is that they come in and think every price we have is unfair. Did you realize that most people in sales take commission cuts if we reduce selling prices? I'm sick and tired of being harrassed for price issues. If you don't like the price then just shop online where they give sh!t away for free. But don't you dare come into my store when your phone has a problem. You may pay a higher price in the store but you are going to get personal service and keeping your money into your local economy.
...
right... 🙄
Motorola gives Cingy FREE phones!!!
Think about it, an ipod cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Well this is a phone, digital camera (grant it not the best mp), and ipod all in one.
Why wouldn't it cost 249 with a 2 yr? Why should it be 100 dollars? Walmart doesn't give people discounts on ipods when people get a 100 worth of groceries.
Motorola gives Cingy FREE phones!!!
Think about it, an ipod cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Well this is a phone, digital camera (grant it not the best mp), and ipod all in one.
Why wouldn't it cost 249 with a 2 yr? Why should it be 100 dollars? Walmart doesn't give people discounts on ipods when people get a 100 worth of groceries.
...
the reason why it shouldnt cost 299.99 is because it is not exactly an ipod!! ipods hold anywhere between 1000-15000 songs. this v3i only holds 100 songs. the camera is only 1.2mp which is not great at all. and there is no way you can charge 299 for a phone that was available from 8 months ago! also, some ppl are aware that the krazr will be released around christmas time. this should drive the price down.
...
I agree we have had a glut of people asking for gps. But people still pay for the v3i we get 2 in at a time and sell both within a day or 2 don't ask me why.
...
This is a rediculous thread. The V31 is priced at 299.99 prior to rebate because it costs Cingular 399.99 to purchase each device. two year contract = $100 off. Get over it. You want a cheap phone then buy what you can afford.
...
You're not far off with that pricing. They charge agents just a little under 399.99 to buy that phone from them, so they probably mark it up a little to make a profit.
...
Same here, plus shipping. We must be in the same market. I don't think I'm gonna sell that phone when it comes out.... *sigh*
...
I'm just expecting them to drop cost on it by about $40 a week after they release it so we'll take an instant depreciation on it.
...
HAHAHAH 🤣
You know they will totally do that too.
The real question here is "Why the heck do people still want anything associated with a Motorola?"
JUNK
😉
You know they will totally do that too.
The real question here is "Why the heck do people still want anything associated with a Motorola?"
JUNK
😉
...
Even though I make less on it, I'm still gonna push the LG 500 cus I know it works.
...
we buy it directly from moto for 279.99 you guys are getting gyped. oh yeah we are indirect. The v3i would have been such a good idea like 9 months ago last christmas now it just seems like old overpriced technology.
...
In being premiere we're supposed to by direct from Cingy. We've known they shaft us on it for awhile, not to mention after we buy it they'll drop the price and screw us over more.
...
verizon sucks! thats why they sell theirs for cheaper prices.compare the coverage from cingular to verizon.... there is a reason there are free phones and cheaper phones.
...
because motorola's SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! the nokia 6126 is a better phone with more features and no terrible itunes 100 song cap. Plus even the ipod nano holds more than 100 songs. give me a better analogy than that.
...
i for got to mention that the 6126 will launch at $179.99 after a $50MIR. Moto v3i, $369.99 after $50MIR! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...
Totally I'm super excited for the 6126. I don't know who has the v3i for that much we do ours for 219.99 after $50 MIR.
...
i completely agree!!! People want the cheaper price and go online but if they have a problem they want to come in the store and blame it on us.. you didnt get it from store and bring us money so dont get mad if we dont help you the same way we help others
...
I have customers that come in all the time telling me how great i am at helping with their issues, yet they still go online! Wheres a little understanding? Can anyone say cake and eat it too?
...
Maybe you all should start that revolution. Round up the troops and form a militia. Arm yourselves with 1992-1997 year model cell phones for weapons then head to Atlanta to bust some heads. Literally! I'd pay good money to see that 🤣
...
i would like to treat people the same if they got their phone online, cuz i know its good for the company, but man it makes me mad when they come in and want you to assemble their phone for them
...
However, it is how American commerce works, if you think something is too expensive, don't pay it. If the price doesn't come down, then decide again how bad you need it. Geez. Whining about the prices doesn't do anything but hack off the sales person.
...
krickt, the question is an inquiry into why cingular phones are so expensive in comparison to other carriers? we all know "if its too expensive, dont buy it". but why are cingular phones more expensive than other carriers?
...
thats a good question its hard to say when the carriers don't all use the same phones. I guess comparable models varry in pricing. I guess you would have to know the price the manufacturers sell them for to give an honest answer.
...
Because people will pay it. That's the simple answer. If people refused to pay, the prices come down. It's that simple. They charge what they think they can get away with, capitalism and all.
...
I appreciate all the answers and information guys. I didnt kno it cost you 350 bucks for the V3i. I figured it would cost you much less because even the unlocked ones go for ~$250. And I figured buying in bulk would give you guys a price break or something. I always thought it was Cingular who was the culprit, not the agents. I know the agents get shafted ( carriers always switching up policies and commission rates etc). I understand you guys are trying to make a profit, which is perfectly understandable. I always figured that the reason the V3i was delayed for so long was the fact that Cingular was milking the V3. Maybe that is true, maybe there was an actual technical glitch, who knows?
Bottom line, the prices for the cingular V3i are ...
(continues)
Bottom line, the prices for the cingular V3i are ...
(continues)
...
man i agree!!!!! i have been waiting to hear someone else say that for 2 yrs now!!
...
That is the current price based on costs and projected rebates. Could be lower in some markets and, depending on supply, could also be higher.
Fair?
Supply and demand there guy. Apple also wants their share of the pie. Plus, it IS more capable.
People paid more for the RAZR when it was new because... IT WAS NEW. People will pay more for the V3i when it is new because... IT WILL BE NEW.
Fair?
Supply and demand there guy. Apple also wants their share of the pie. Plus, it IS more capable.
People paid more for the RAZR when it was new because... IT WAS NEW. People will pay more for the V3i when it is new because... IT WILL BE NEW.
...
The question seems to be whether cingular is inflating the price. The answer is No. I will lose money activating this device as i do all devices. they are all priced lower that cost when activating or upgrading.
...
Is Cingular inflating the cost on this item as well? I say no (at least not too much). Motorola is trying to make some scratch as well here. Nothing wrong with making some money.
...
Well, there are a few reasons why it is more expensive. Only very few stores even have the phone so there is demand for it and low supply=high price because we can. Once it is readily available it will be around 199.99-149.99 after rebate. The other reason. the v3i unlike the v3m comes with everything you need for it to be a i-tunes phone. It comes with the phone, the headset, the data cable, the software, and the 512mb memory card. With verizon you have to purchase a separate package to utilize the multimedia funtions. And lastly from reviews the i-tunes is much easier to use than using windows media player to transfer files and an overall better solution for audio. But from the phones we have sold there have been a few issues with i-tunes ...
(continues)
(continues)
...
Cingular has to worry about the iTunes thing, which will make the phone more expensive. (Hello, anyone here besides me know the price of an iPod, and how Apple controls that price?)
The v3m is similar yes..but the software Vzw uses takes up much more memory on the phone than ANY other carrier..and that just their "V-Cast" which you can get music from for $4-6 a song. Or they will "sell" you the software, data cable, and the memry card...each having their own price and the cheapest you can get the software is around 30 and the 512 cards they sell are still around 79-99. So buying everything for the v3m will be the same price...if not more expensive than buying the V3i with everything included..as stated above.
(sides...VZW's network...
(continues)
The v3m is similar yes..but the software Vzw uses takes up much more memory on the phone than ANY other carrier..and that just their "V-Cast" which you can get music from for $4-6 a song. Or they will "sell" you the software, data cable, and the memry card...each having their own price and the cheapest you can get the software is around 30 and the 512 cards they sell are still around 79-99. So buying everything for the v3m will be the same price...if not more expensive than buying the V3i with everything included..as stated above.
(sides...VZW's network...
(continues)
...
I totally agree with you!!
Cingular is trying desperately to raise their profits. I think they are going about it the wrong way. Charging too much for phones that are barely worth $200 retail is a good way to loose customers. They seem to have switched places with VZW. Cingy's phones are being released much later than everyone elses & prices are too high.
Cingular is trying desperately to raise their profits. I think they are going about it the wrong way. Charging too much for phones that are barely worth $200 retail is a good way to loose customers. They seem to have switched places with VZW. Cingy's phones are being released much later than everyone elses & prices are too high.
...
Do you think phones have remained the same price from the manufactures. Handset subsidies have remained the same for years but the phones are actually costing more to purchase. People seem to want highend phones but don't want to pay for them. But I agree the v3i is stupid no one should pay that kind of money
...
Razr still 100 dollars after like 2 yrs lmao u would think the the price would go down? 👿 😈
...
I understand Crapbag because he works for a Cingular. He has to defend them somewhat. I on the other hand, have no allegiances to any carrier. Cingular has delayed new phones for so long. An unlocked razr goes for about 250. How can a cingular branded phone with a 2 yr agreement command a price of 300 bucks? I hope Verizon takes advantage of this by running Cingular v. Verizon commercials ( like the Mac v. Pc ones). I personally think that being the Number 1 carrier in america has gone to Cingular's head. They think they can get away with murder. I sure hope verizon pulls up quickly and humbles Cingular. Tmobile which is the 4th carrier in America (i think) gives better commissions to their agents than does Cingular. Tmobile needs more cust...
(continues)
(continues)
...
I meant to say:
An unlocked V3i goes for 250
A locked Cingular branded V3i for 299.99 with a 2 year?
RIDICULOUS!!!
An unlocked V3i goes for 250
A locked Cingular branded V3i for 299.99 with a 2 year?
RIDICULOUS!!!
...
Like I said before. The unlocked v3i you buy online doesn't have any of the media stuff with it. No memory card, data cable, software, headset. The stores that mark the price up to 299.99 are only doing it because the demand is there and people will pay it. We buy the phone for less then that but if you could charge more why wouldn't you? It will come down to around 199.99 in a month just watch. I agree on the v3 though I can't believe people are still willing to pay 99.99 on a 2 year especially for such a POS they just have it stuck in their head as a status symbol. Unlocked phones are sweet I just wish they were all quadband.
...
i was holding an unlocked v3i yesterday, it was in the motorola box, and it had a usb cable, headset, memory card, and other crap. the guy said he could give it to me for 250 no contract. if i opened a tmobile contract, he would give it to me for 50 bucks.
he then said, however, i must warn u, this phone will not be covered under tmobile warranty because it is an unlocked phone, and motorola wont fix it if there is anything wrong with it. so beware.
im not going to get that phone if its not covered. same thing with the nokia 6131.
he then said, however, i must warn u, this phone will not be covered under tmobile warranty because it is an unlocked phone, and motorola wont fix it if there is anything wrong with it. so beware.
im not going to get that phone if its not covered. same thing with the nokia 6131.
...
$250 is below cost on the phone. I hate having to buy phones from the carrier instead of direct.
...
I agree I wish the manufacturers would open retail shops for their phones around here I hate buying online.
...
Can you access MediaNet on an unlocked phone? Or Cingular Video? Can it be added if they don't?
Somebody let me know....
Somebody let me know....
...
I don't know about cingular video. But I know with any nokia you can go to their website and send the media net and mms settings to any nokia phone. Other phones such as moto and samsung are much more difficult to program but it is possible. Once again. Nokia is the best it gives me chub!!!!!! 😲
...
again, i will not help someone who does not buy something from a store. just because it is cheaper online. if you want to be stupid and buy phones unlocked or online, dont come to me when it doesnt work right. again, you get what you pay for. i know that sounds mean, but that is taking away from our stores option to sell to someone who actually wants to buy from us. we have bills too!!
...
Is this device refurbished? I find it highly unlikely that a random dealer online would sell this device for less that dealer cost. let alone more that $100 less.
...
I can't, well not at work. I'm not suggesting you are paying a different rate, I'm simply suggesting the reason behind this phones cost.
...
This phone costs my store $375 prior to shipping and handling. so you want me to take a $275 cut on this phone? this wouldn't even cover the comp on a high end upgrade!
...
http://www.myworldphone.com/v3i.html »
http://www.myworldphone.com/v3i.html »
http://www.myworldphone.com/v3i.html »
v3i 219.99 w/o memory card.
your prices may say you buy them for 375.00 but ours say we buy them for a lot more than we actually do. we buy ours for around 279!!!
http://www.myworldphone.com/v3i.html »
http://www.myworldphone.com/v3i.html »
v3i 219.99 w/o memory card.
your prices may say you buy them for 375.00 but ours say we buy them for a lot more than we actually do. we buy ours for around 279!!!
...
I appreciate this but i price phones by what i pay and lose. If you can beat my price let them go there but i'm not taking a 175 loss to sell this for 200!
...
I respect you chainsaw. I think you give fair and accurate information and have thus far liked you as a result.
...
the price has gone down. temendously. when the razr first came out, it was 399.99 on a 2 yr! and 599.99 outright. quit complaining all you tightwads! you all want something for nothing.
...
Well, in a way Cingy and VZW have switched places. Sure VZW may be offering phones cheaper...but they don't come whith ANYTHING except the home charger (due to legal restraints)
The MP3 and iTunes phones (which iTunes is ONLY on Cingular) cost more due to contracts with places like Apple, and the fact that they come with everything needed, including headphones.
The big switch I've seen between VZW and Cingular is that Cingular NOW has a larger network than VZW's shirnking coverage. Just read the PRL information available on the net. Theres a nice site based on Canadian servers that shows you EVERYTHING.
(BTW-GSM doesn't require the PRL. It's only a CDMA thing. The PRL is a file on the CDMA phone that decipers their coverage. ...
(continues)
The MP3 and iTunes phones (which iTunes is ONLY on Cingular) cost more due to contracts with places like Apple, and the fact that they come with everything needed, including headphones.
The big switch I've seen between VZW and Cingular is that Cingular NOW has a larger network than VZW's shirnking coverage. Just read the PRL information available on the net. Theres a nice site based on Canadian servers that shows you EVERYTHING.
(BTW-GSM doesn't require the PRL. It's only a CDMA thing. The PRL is a file on the CDMA phone that decipers their coverage. ...
(continues)
...
This thread is stupid. I would like to end it there but I just can't. If you want to skip all this, scroll to the bottom I'll sum it up.
The price of a phone is not just made up. It is based off the price of the parts and the price and time it takes to put it together. The parts price is based off how much it costs to develop all sorts of wonderful parts (a camera CCD that is the side of the head of a finishing nail? an LCD that fits inside of the thin casing, and hell, the casing itself.)
When a new product comes out they are trying to comp. the loses they take in producing it (before they start selling the unit they have to make enough to meet the assumed demand which costs money so they start in the whole) each phone is sold at a p...
(continues)
The price of a phone is not just made up. It is based off the price of the parts and the price and time it takes to put it together. The parts price is based off how much it costs to develop all sorts of wonderful parts (a camera CCD that is the side of the head of a finishing nail? an LCD that fits inside of the thin casing, and hell, the casing itself.)
When a new product comes out they are trying to comp. the loses they take in producing it (before they start selling the unit they have to make enough to meet the assumed demand which costs money so they start in the whole) each phone is sold at a p...
(continues)
...
