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I have been to both a Verizon store and a Verizon authorized retailer before to get my phone plans in order.
The store I usually go to was an authorized retailer, and they were the ones who pointed me to the nearest Verizon store when they couldn’t fix the issue I had.
I’ve always wondered why Verizon has two sets of stores and the difference between a regular store and an authorized retailer.
To find out, I went on the internet and scoured Verizon’s website.
I also went to some user forums to get a clearer picture and understand the nuances.
I made this article with the help of the research I did so that you can understand what a regular Verizon store is and how it is different from an authorized retailer.
The difference between a Verizon and Verizon Authorized retailer is that Verizon stores are owned by Verizon themselves, while third parties own authorized retailers under license from Verizon.
Corporate Verizon Stores
A corporate Verizon store or the regular store is owned and operated by Verizon themselves.
These stores work specifically for Verizon, which Verizon overseas to ensure the best possible experience for you.
Verizon also employs its own people so it can have greater control over the staff in the store.
All profits the store makes go to Verizon, and as a result, the company will be accountable for everything that happens in the store.
Returns and warranty claims are easier to do from a corporate store since their return policy is the same across the country.
Authorized Verizon Retailer
An authorized Verizon retailer is a privately owned retailer that has been licensed to sell Verizon products and services.
These stores are not owned by Verizon and can be owned by an individual or a group of individuals and, as a result, employ their own staff.
The owners can take out a hefty commission on all sales made from the store.
Verizon also pays for the maintenance fee and co-accruals on all customers to that store in return for the store’s profit margin on sales.
The owners have more freedom to conduct the business and the store as they see fit, but since they are operating on Verizon’s behalf, they have to follow a set of terms and conditions.
Verizon also handles all the billing and collection of your monthly subscription fees and activates new accounts with the help of the authorized store you set up the plan.
What Is the Difference Between Verizon And Verizon Authorized Retailer?
There are quite a few differences between a Verizon store and a Verizon authorized retailer.
Verizon stores are fully owned by Verizon themselves, whereas authorized retailers are owned by private individuals authorized to sell Verizon products.
Another difference is the return policy.
The return policy is uniform for all Verizon-owned stores.
You can return any wireless device or accessory within 30 days of purchase, with a restocking fee of $50.
This is the same for every Verizon store across the country (excluding Hawaii).
Authorized retailers can have their own return terms.
Most stores only give you 14 days to return a device, but it can vary from store to store.
Going to the retailer’s website and reading their return policy is a must if you are going to return a device to an authorized retailer.
Do They Look Different?
All authorized retailers need to put up a Verizon banner in front of their stores.
Because of this, both stores look similar from the outside, and you’d be hard-pressed to find out what kind of store it actually was.
Unless you go to theirofficial store locatorand check out their map, it isn’t easy to differentiate between the two.
Who Owns the Stores?
An individual business owner owns an authorized service retailer.
The owner will bear rent expenses and employee costs.
The owner goes into a contract with Verizon that lets them sell Verizon branded products while following a set of terms and conditions.
The owners have the freedom to be their own boss, but Verizon will have some oversight.
Verizon corporate stores, on the other hand, are completely owned by Verizon.
They are responsible for the entire store, including the property it’s on.
They employ their staff and route complaints and support tickets directly to their support department.
Advantages of Buying From a Verizon Corporate Store
There are quite a few advantages for both kinds of stores, but here we will look at the benefits you can enjoy at a corporate store.
Since the return policy is uniform, you can return your device to any Verizon corporate store.
This is especially important if you’ve already moved but want to return your Verizon equipment.
Return the equipment to your nearest Verizon corporate store at your new place, which you can find with the store locator.
You can also opt-in for an extended warranty, which is something only the corporate store offers.
They also offer you certain bonuses like extended data caps on your phone or discounts only available through corporate stores.
Another advantage is that Verizon will take care of your problems as quickly as possible.
These stores are Verizon-owned, so troubleshooting and fixing can happen much faster at these stores.
Advantages of Buying From an Authorized Verizon Retailer
Buying from an authorized retailer also has its advantages.
Since these stores are locally owned, there are chances of establishing a better customer relationship between you and the store.
Most Verizon stores that you will see will be authorized retailers.
Without authorized retailers, there would be way too few places for you to buy or get your Verizon products looked at.
Besides, in some cases, retailers may offer insurance schemes or financing options that corporate stores cannot.
Verizon authorizes smaller businesses to retail their products specifically because they want to increase their reach across the country.
Return and Warranty Policies
The return and warranty policies at corporate stores are uniform across the country.
Verizon has a 30-day return policy and allows you to extend your device warranty as corporate stores.
But most authorized retailers set their return window at 14 days and may not offer any warranty extensions.
Both types of stores are tailored to suit different people and their needs, so make sure what you want from the Verizon store before deciding to go to either a corporate store or an authorized retailer.
Final Thoughts
Verizon offers you the versatility to choose between store types, but it might not be very clear for some to know why they do it.
I’d suggest activating a new connection or getting a new phone contract from a corporate store.
Since they are Verizon-run, they can give you more insight into the contract terms if you want to.
Go to authorized retailers to get a new device or upgrade your plan.
I’d also suggest getting your devices serviced at the corporate store because there are more guarantees to get your devices fixed, and Verizon might even end up compensating you for your lost time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you upgrade at a Verizon authorized retailer?
You can upgrade at a Verizon authorized retailer.
It will not affect a later upgrade at a corporate store.
Is it cheaper to buy a Verizon phone online or in-store?
Buying your phone online will be cheaper, thanks to Verizon cutting their activation fees to $20.
Is Victra owned by Verizon?
Victra is a Verizon Authorized Retailer and completely independent from Verizon.
Does Verizon store fix screens?
Verizon does fix phone screens, although you have to pay.
Enroll in their device protection plans to get your screen repaired for free.
