Anyone know how to get out of the edge program?

Question

I dropped my old phone in the toilet and it was not time for an upgrade. Therefore, I went to the get a phone under the Edge Program. I specifically asked the rep at the store if I could go back to two year contract after I paid off the 50% of the program and he said yes. I hate this program. I only did it because I needed a phone and was not due an upgrade.  Now I understand that the only way I can get out of the Edge Program is to pay off the entire balance of the phone...which is outrageous. I no longer want to pay monthly installments. I want to pay a one time 2-year upgrade fee and start a new contract. It is my understanding my only choice is to pay off the entire edge or return the phone to Edge up. Problem is my phone has a small crack that I didn't realize was there until my son told me about it.  If you look at the phone normal you don't see it but if you look at it from an angle you can see the crack.
I only want to get out of Edge. I will have paid off 50% by January and want to go back to a normal 2-year agreement...but I do not want to return the phone although I will if I have to, that is if they will take it back with a crack.  Otherwise, I would need to pay the insurance to get a new phone and then turn it in. This still cost me money. I am contemplating just paying off the rest of the balance and then maybe it will say I can get a new two-year contract, like it does for the other phones on my account.
I have been a verizon customer way back when it was called Bell Atlantic Mobile and you would think they could do something for me since I have been a good customer all these years.  I don't want to leave because I have four other phones and a tablet with Verizon but I will if I have too. I would obviously go to AT&T. 
Does anyone, maybe a verizon rep, have any options for me?

Answer 1

rellis64 wrote:
... I only want to get out of Edge. I will have paid off 50% by January and want to go back to a normal 2-year agreement...but I do not want to return the phone although I will if I have to, that is if they will take it back with a crack. 
Does anyone, maybe a verizon rep, have any options for me?
I'm not a Verizon rep, just another customer like you. EDGE is a payment plan, or Rent to Own, or a lease program if you intend to keep upgrading.  If you want off the EDGE program, you can pay off the total balance due on the phone and keep it, and then you can start a new two year contract with a different phone. 
In order to return the phone at the 50% point, and be done with EDGE, the phone has to be in good working condition.  The crack means it's not in good condition, so you will be charged the full price, whether you plan to EDGE up or go contract.  Either way, you'll end up paying for the EDGE phone, over time or in a lump sum.  It was one way to get a new phone when you were not eligible for the discounted price on your previous phone, but you need to fulfill that obligation before you can get another discounted phone.
Do you want a new phone/different phone?  Look at eBay or swappa, or check with your friends who may have something you can borrow.  Or simply keep using the EDGE phone until it's paid for, then look at options at that time.