T-Mobile today introduced a new Jump on Demand smartphone trade-in program that enables customers to upgrade their smartphone up to three times per year with no fees or waiting times. The new program provides customers with a new smartphone with $0 due at signing in return for 18 monthly payments alongside the standard cost of a service plan. The smartphone can then be upgraded up to 3 times in a 12-month period at no cost.
"With Jump! On Demand, you make payments on your phone for 18 months. After 18 months, you can simply turn in your phone with nothing more to pay, or upgrade to your next new phone and start a new plan, or make a final payment and keep your phone. If you keep your phone and make the final payment, the total of your payments will equal the retail price of the phone. In addition, customers can pay off their JUMP! On Demand plan at any time by paying the remaining payments in advance, and keep their phone without penalty."
Customers that cancel their T-Mobile wireless service in less than 18 months must pay the sum of their final monthly payments and return the working smartphone, or purchase the smartphone outright for a fee, such as $164 for the iPhone 6. Jump on Demand will be available for eligible devices at participating T-Mobile stores in the United States beginning Sunday, June 28.
T-Mobile is offering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus through Jump On Demand for just $15 and $19 per month respectively for a limited time, prices that are unmatched by competing carriers. T-Mobile customers interested in the deal can sign up to receive updates about Jump On Demand through the carrier's website.
Top Rated Comments
1. You sign up for the JUMP program - pick the phone you want - use it for 6 months (or till you pay half with the updated JUMP)
2. After the first 6 months, you walk into T-mobile - hand them the phone (don't need packaging or chargers etc, just the phone).
3. They will inspect it - scratches don't seem to bother them but if you have a cracked screen, you will have to pay $175 (for flagship phones) for the insurance claim.
4. After you hand in your old phone, they close out the remaining balance.
5. You pick a new phone, pay taxes upfront (~$60), sign a new contract for 24 mths and walk out with a new phone.
6. Repeat every 6 months (or one year if you are on the updated plan)
To answer your specific questions
But what if it's scratched, wouldn't you get fined for that?
- Scratches and minor dings don't seem to bother them. Cracked screens do.
What about the original packaging?
- Don't need it. Sell it on craigslist/swappa.
Would it have to be in pristine condition?
- Scratches and minor dings don't seem to bother them. Cracked screens do.
Who would judge whether or not it's acceptable?
- The person at the counter. I think they do a diagnostics later on, but I've never had a problem with my 4 JUMPs.
What happens to the old phones?
- No idea, they prob sell it through an ebay store or sell them as certified refurb etc to score customers.
I wish T-Mobile would simplify this program even further and offer automatic iPhone or Android (Galaxy or whatever strikes you fancy) upgrade plan. Just pay whatever necessary downpayment (if you want most costly model), $15/month, and get a new phone shipped to you automatically every year (with a convenient return box for older model).
It's pretty good if you lose your phone though. Their claim process is pretty seamless and swift.