As noted by BGR, an entry in Verizon's iPhone 4 FAQ reveals that the company is offering a couple of minor breaks to existing customers who recently purchased a Verizon phone but are looking to switch to the iPhone 4 when it launches on the carrier on February 10th.
According to the FAQ entry, customers who purchased a Verizon phone between November 26th and January 10th can return the phone and receive up to a $200 debit card if they switch to an iPhone.
I just purchased a new smartphone during the holiday season, but if I knew that iPhone 4 was going to be available soon I would have waited. What are my options now?
Current Verizon customers who purchased and activated new smartphones, feature phones or certified pre-owned phones between 11/26/2010, and 01/10/2011, are eligible to receive up to a $200 Visa debit card when they purchase an iPhone 4 at full retail price by 02/28/2011 and return their existing phone. Note: This offer is only available on consumer accounts with five lines or less, who are purchasing iPhone 4 through Verizon Wireless retail stores, telesales, or through verizon.com.
But considering that the full retail price of the Verizon iPhone 4 is $649.99 for the 16 GB model and $749.99 for the 32 GB model, the offer still leaves those customers on the hook for an extra $250 above and beyond what a customer signing a new contract would pay for the device.
But those customers who purchased a Verizon phone even closer to the iPhone 4 announcement date may also be able to return their existing phone entirely, as the company allows for returns or exchanges on all wireless devices and accessories within 30 days of purchase, provided that all parts and the original packaging are included.
Of course, with the Verizon iPhone not launching until February 10th, customers who purchased their Verizon phone before January 11th and who are still in the return window would have to return their phones before that window closes and wait for the iPhone to become available.