Electronics

[stevieb]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@stevieb   Got it, thank you. We have a small VERIZON store front in town, maybe they can help me.  

He will never use data, he only wants to make and send calls...he likes his flip phone but I find it cumbersome and difficult to use....adding contacts is horrible.

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@Mom2Dogs  I tend to doubt the Verizon store is the way to go. They are more likely to want ot sell you more than you want and I'm not sure whether they offer TF at Verizon stores. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't. You might try Target. You can also buy via the TF site, on QVC, HSN or many retaill stores.

[geezerette]

Our Walmart doesn't even sell TracFones, just Straight Talk, which does require buying minutes monthly.  At least they used to years ago when I used them for a while.  

The employee may have been speaking of all the phones they carry require monthly purchases.

[geezerette]

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@stevieb wrote:

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@stevieb   Got it, thank you. We have a small VERIZON store front in town, maybe they can help me.  

He will never use data, he only wants to make and send calls...he likes his flip phone but I find it cumbersome and difficult to use....adding contacts is horrible.

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@Mom2Dogs  I tend to doubt the Verizon store is the way to go. They are more likely to want ot sell you more than you want and I'm not sure whether they offer TF at Verizon stores. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't. You might try Target. You can also buy via the TF site, on QVC, HSN or many retaill stores.

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They do not at my Verizon store.  They do have their own brand of prepaid phone service though.

[suzykee]

I have had a Tracfone for close to 25 years. I always buy a yearly plan (from Tracfone website) but the last 2 times I have bought a 2 year plan. The minutes, text & data that are not used at the end of the year(s) have always been added to a new plan as long as the new plan is purchased before the expiration date. I have had 3 phones (the last one is a smart phone) & everything has transfered to the new phone. I hate using a cell phone and basically use it for emergencies so it is rarely on. Tracfone does NOT have easy to understand customer service. I have hung up and called again to get a person I can understand. Tracfone has served my meager needs and it doesn't break the bank. Just remember to add a plan (minutes) BEFORE the expiration date.

[stevieb]

I too buy the annual service days option, but find that if I add one of the least costly minute/service days options first, the annual plan goes from about a hundred bucks down to about fifty and figure it's worth it to do so.

[Kachina624]

@Mom2Dogs.  Go to the TracFone website and read about all their plans.  In addition to buying minutes, you do have to pay an annual fee to use their service.   Most of their phones are "smart" phones and are somewhat more complicated to use than most flip phones, if this is an issue.

I've always gotten my phones from hsn as they seem to have the best deals.

[Mom2Dogs]

@suzykee   Thanks, I just did a live chat with TRACPHONE, whew, had to ask the same question several times...I will go to TARGET to purchase if my husband agrees.  

The one good thing is he can use his current phone, we just need to buy a SIM card.  Like you, he rarely uses a cell phone and only uses it to call and receive.  Sounds like a year plan will be the most economical.

[Nightowlz]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

@stevieb    Hmmm, Walmart employee must have mis spoke...she insisted ALL types of these phone are going to must buy minutes monthly

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@Mom2Dogs 

The only way you have to add monthly is if you buy the 30 day plan. 

You can add service with Tracfone on their website.

They have 30, 60, 90 or 365 day plans each come with different amounts of talk, text, data. 

They also have a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month or 12 month Unlimited plans to choose from. 

There's auto refill plans too. 

If you hook up with plan through Verizon it will cost more money.

It is easier if you buy one from Q or HSN that already comes with service. It's like getting a free phone.

Enter your zip code to make sure it works in your area.

None of them will work in my zip code anymore for some reason. I now have to buy unlocked phones to get service here with AT&T. 

I buy the 1 year plan. I add 5000 texts to my phone.

[SilleeMee]

I have a Tracfone flip phone and I buy a yearly service plan for $49. But to get that plan you have to add minutes to your phone first and then go back and then add the yearly $49 plan to your cart. It won't let you do that otherwise.

[FranandZoe]

If you deal with Tracfone online - I do - they have many different plans.  I currently add minutes every 3 months.  They have different deals/offers monthly too. Check them out - tracfonedotcom.

Consumer Cellular is supposed to be a very economical way to go.  You can use your own phone if it's compatible with their network.  Or something.  Check them out too.