You, sir, are an idiot. VZW is charging the fee to encourage sales reps to get the right phone for the customer the first time and to prevent people who are repeatedly getting a phone and return it. Think about the storm which is getting ready to launch, VZW is already offering the phone at a great price and taking the hit on the cost. What happens if someone decides they don't like it enough to pay fpr the data package? They return it and that brand new phone has to be sent in to be used for parts or certified like new equipment. VZW just lost the data package that was supposed to make up for the cost of the phone and they lost what money they did get on thwe phone. People will always try to work the system, they talk about it on here all the time, and VZW is trying to discourage that.

Think about most any electronics stores, they have a ten, twenty, thirty percent restocking fee. No one is trying to charge you for trying something but no company can afford to eat the entire cost of a two to five hundred dollar piece of equipment. Next post I'm sure you will go on about how you think that restaurants should let you have a sample meal before you make dinner reservations.