To get my phone plans in order, I’ve gone to both a Verizon shop and a Verizon-approved reseller before. I went to a shop that was an approved retailer, and they were the ones who sent me to the closest Verizon store when they were unable to resolve the problem I was experiencing.
If there is a distinction between a normal shop and an authorized merchant, I’ve always puzzled why Verizon has two sets of storefronts. My investigation began with a search of Verizon’s website, which I found very comprehensive and informative.
I also visited a few user discussion boards for a more complete picture and understanding of the subtleties. My research helped me create this post, which I used to explain the differences between a typical Verizon shop and an approved merchant.
Verizon shops are owned by the company that operates them instead of third-party owners of approved merchants that are licensed to do business with Verizon.
Corporate Verizon Stores
Verizon is the company that owns and operates both corporate and ordinary Verizon stores. These Verizon-only shops are operated by Verizon especially to provide you with the finest possible service.
As a result, Verizon has more control over the retail employees since they are all employed directly by the company. Verizon keeps all of the store’s revenues; thus, it will be held responsible for whatever occurs.
Since corporate stores have the same return policy across the nation, making returns and warranty claims is much simpler.
Authorized Verizon Retailer
Retailers who are licensed to offer Verizon goods and services are known as approved Verizon retailers. They aren’t owned by Verizon and may be operated by a single person or a group of people who then hire their own employees. All sales made through the shop may earn the owners a sizable commission.
In exchange for the store’s profit margin on sales, Verizon additionally pays for the store’s maintenance charge and co-accruals on all customers that come to that location. The owners have greater flexibility to run their company and their shop as they see appropriate, but since they are working on behalf of Verizon, they are required to adhere to a set of rules and regulations. Verizon also takes care of all of the invoicing and collection of your monthly subscription payments, as well as the activation of new accounts with the assistance of the approved shop from where you purchased your plan.
What Is the Difference Between Verizon And Verizon Authorized Retailer?
An approved Verizon shop differs significantly from a Verizon store when it comes to features and services.
Whereas Verizon shops are operated entirely by Verizon, approved merchants are run by private people who have been granted permission to sell Verizon items. The policy on returns is another point of differentiation. All Verizon-owned shops have the same return policy. Within 30 days of purchase, you may return any wireless device or accessory for a refund minus a $50 restocking charge. Every Verizon shop in the nation has this policy (excluding Hawaii). Returned merchandise may be handled independently by authorized merchants.
In general, shops allow you 14 days to return an item; however, policies vary widely. Returning a gadget to an authorized store necessitates checking the shop’s website to see their return policy.
Do They Look Different?
Verizon banners must be displayed in front of all approved merchants’ establishments. So, both shops appear identical from the outside, making it difficult to tell which one is which.
It’s difficult to tell one from the other unless you use their official shop locator and look at their map.
Who Owns the Stores?
Service retailers are owned by individuals who work for themselves. It’s the owner’s responsibility to pay the rent and cover the expenditures of the employees. To sell Verizon-branded goods, the owner signs a contract with the carrier, agreeing to a set of restrictions. Owners may run their businesses as they see fit, but Verizon will have some say in how things are run. Verizon, on the other hand, owns the whole chain of corporate-owned retail locations. They’re in charge of the whole business, including the land it’s on. Their support section receives complaints and support tickets, which are then sent to the appropriate people.
Advantages of Buying From a Verizon Corporate Store
Both types of shops have pros and disadvantages, but in this article, we’ll focus on the advantages of shopping at a corporate store. You may return your smartphone to any Verizon corporate shop since the return policy is consistent. This is particularly vital information for those who’ve already relocated but wish to return their Verizon equipment. You may return the equipment to the closest Verizon corporate store using the store finder in your new location. Only the corporate shop provides an extended warranty, which you may choose to purchase. In addition, they provide you with perks like higher data limits on your phone or exclusive discounts accessible only at corporate outlets. Another benefit of using Verizon is that it will respond promptly to any issues you may have. Because Verizon owns these locations, customers may expect quick service.
Advantages of Buying From an Authorized Verizon Retailer
Purchasing from a reputable store offers additional benefits. Due to the fact that these businesses are locally owned, you may develop a stronger bond with them as a result. The majority of Verizon shops you’ll come across are officially licensed, merchants.
There would be much fewer locations to purchase or have your Verizon devices examined if they weren’t sold through authorized shops. Apart from that, shops may provide insurance plans or financing alternatives that corporate stores cannot provide in certain instances. Specifically, Verizon allows smaller companies to sell their goods since they aim to broaden their customer base throughout the nation.
Return and Warranty Policies
Corporate shops all across the nation have the same return and warranty procedures. As corporate shops, Verizon offers a 30-day return policy and an option to extend your device’s warranty. However, authorized merchants often have a 14-day return window and may not provide warranty extensions.
Ensure what you want from the Verizon shop before choosing whether to go to a corporate store or an authorized merchant since both kinds of stores are designed to fit various individuals and their requirements.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
