Where to Buy--Company Owned Store or Authorized Agent

Company-owned stores and authorized agents offer the same rate plans but equipment prices vary. Much depends on how much of the carrier kick-back the store uses to subsidize the equipment. The Chinese stores are notorious for sharing more of the kick-back with the customer. You don't have to be able to read Chinese to see the offers in the Chinese newspapers.

Non-company owned stores often offer much lower prices on equipment. However you lose some protection, such as Verizon's 15 day no-hassle return policy (it still applies but there may be fees to the dealer). Independent stores may offer phones not available in company owned stores, i.e. the top-rated Motorola 270C is not sold by Verizon stores in this area (other Verizon regions have this phone in their own stores) but it is available at authorized agents. Independent agents may buy phones from sources other than the carrier, especially the Chinese stores, so you can sometimes get newer models that have not yet been released by the carrier (and that will be unlocked), or classic older models that have been discontinued.

Check local papers for prices and promotions, and be sure to also check the Chinese newspapers (the Chinese stores often have much better prices on equipment).

Radio Shack carries Verizon and Sprint, and often has better deals than the Verizon stores. You can sometimes luck into finding a Radio Shack with a very 'cellular knowledgeable' employee. However there are reports of problems obtaining warranty service from Radio Shack, including problems even when the customer purchased the extended warranty provided by Radio Shack.

Costco carries Sprint; they offer good deals on equipment, with accessories included, and no activation fee.

Circuit City will be offering T-Mobile and Verizon, see article.

Watch out for potential warranty issues. The only warranty that covers everything is the $4.99/month warranty from Verizon. Other warranties have so many exclusions that they are not worth buying.

Bottom Line on Where to Buy
Check the prices at both company owned stores and authorized agents, and read the fine print at the authorized agents. You get a better price at the authorized agents, but it may be more costly to cancel within the trial period. Don't forget to check the Chinese stores. For Verizon be sure to check out the discount under Special Rates.