SERO......... Attempts at getting the plan

[goat03]

My order status still shows Awaiting Fulfillment. I was out of town this weekend and couldn't stop thinking about my stupid phone/plan and whether I was going to get it early this week or not! :(

Mine said that up until the day before I got it..so don't believe that. When I bought my wifes phone in march, we had her phone before that page even updated. just FYI.

[jkay]

I have been using Sprint for 10 years and my contract has been up for a year. I had the 300 minutes for $30 plan.

Friday night I called and tried to sign up for SERO. After being put on hold for 5 minutes, they said I could get a SERO plan but it would not include text messaging or picture mail, $5 extra for each. I declined the offer.

I went online to the SERO site and used one of the e-mails mentioned here. I put in my existing Sprint number and it was accepted as a number that could be ported to a SERO plan. The website said I would be ported from Sprint to Nextel. I signed up for SERO 300 and ordered a Sanyo 8400 phone as well. Picture mail was included, text messaging is not.

I thought it was odd they would switch me from Sprint to Nextel but I figured it was no big deal since it is the same company. Maybe it was just internal paperwork shuffling.

This morning I recieved an e-mail from NEXTEL customer support regarding my order. I called in and they asked my some info to run a credit check on me. Then they asked me to confirm I wanted a Sprint phone, not a Nextel phone. I said Sprint. They put me on hold and contacted Sprint customer support.

Final result is I am signed up for SERO 300, shipping new phone out today and I remain on the Sprint billing system.

I will follow up on text messaging and we will see what happens to my 5% loyalty discount.

The process was clunky but in the end, I signed up for a great plan.

[Scoobmd]

Jkay-
Kind of a round about way but glad you got Sero. The text messaging shouldn't be a problem since it's apart of the Sero plan for now. Getting that discount may be difficult/based on luck since technically, Sero shouldn't have other discounts applied.
Good luck to ya.

[Twinsen]

Well, my order status finally went to Order is in Progress, and I received a WORKING tracking number! It's already here in Memphis! But the thing is, I won't get it until tonight or tomorrow because I work 3-11:30pm. And UPS always ships so late! :(

[Twinsen]

Final update. Confirmed. I have it in my hands and am loving it already! Just need to cross my fingers and hope it will activate with my number and on SERO...

[MTXR]

how long does it take to get the phone and get sero up and running? ITs been about 2 days and not even a change in my order status. Its "your order is in progress"....

I ordered online and added it to my existing account which just has a regular line on it.

Is sprint slow because i really want to get this thing going so i can ditch my regular line...

[karong]

I ordered online on the 24th. I got a Moto Q which is $99 plus tax, came out to $110.59. yesterday I noticed on my debit card there is a hold not only for the $110.59 but also a second hold of $99. I have no idea why they would do that, its obviously a mistake. I only ordered one phone. I emailed ecare last night but not heard back from them yet. Has this happened to anyone else? On another note my order says "order in process". After reading how long other people had to wait I shouldn't expect my phone anytime soon should I? I would at least like to have it by early next week. Do most phones come already activated or do i have to activate once I get it? I hope I dont because that might be another long headache.

[coranger]

Just my 2nd post... read about SERO on here and decided to give it a go... Took 2 calls to reg cust service... 1 transfer to retentions... 1 to ecare.... both lines done, 30% discount on both lines. Guess i was lucky.

[Scoobmd]

Just my 2nd post... read about SERO on here and decided to give it a go... Took 2 calls to reg cust service... 1 transfer to retentions... 1 to ecare.... both lines done, 30% discount on both lines. Guess i was lucky.

Nice work, and you kept a juicy 30% discount too... :tu:

[Gottria]

Might be faster to just get the phone instore and have my account switched to Sero with in the first 2-3 days. The retail store said they can match price on the phone but can't give me the Sero plan.

[CrazyLuChO]

I just got the 49.99 SERO plan on my 4th try!!!! I tried calling regular customer service :td: & 2 of them had no idea what it was or how it worked {or they acted like it} :bang: , the 3rd person would not do it for me after 20 minutes of pleading with her & told me to do it on the site. :mad: I couldn't do it on the site since I purchased an M1 in April to replace my 5600 {I dropped it one too many times in 2 years & cracked the screen. Sanyos can take a beating!!} & I wanted to keep my # since I've been a customer for 8 years. My contract was up in May & thanks to SU I learned about SERO & the numbers to call. I called {Employee Accounts 888 876 8381} about 8:40 pm west coast time with no waiting time & the Rep was easy to work with & knew about the whole plan. He asked me if I wanted to wait til next week for the end of the billing cycle or if I wanted to start now, of course I said now. :headbang2 He repeated everything I was signing up for including the FREE UNLIMITED TEXT & VISION which I have been paying $15 for. I was paying $10 for vision & $5 for unlimited text along with $45 for 500 anytime minutes & $5 for my nite minutes to start at 7 for a total of $65 minus Nationwide Volume Program Discount plus taxes. Now I can get my $150 mail in rebate since I signed a 2 year contract. This is definetely an early birthday present & I'm about to party like a Rap Star this weekend :clap: :Party:

[karong]

Ok, so i contacted Ecare trying to find why they put 2 charges on my card for 1 phone. They charged me $110.59 for the Moto Q and put a hold for an additional $99. I emailed them asking whats up with the second hold. They emailed me back saying that they need more info my PCS #, email and mailing address, i gave them the email and mailing address and told them I dont have a PCS number yet because I didnt get my phone yet and its not activated. Now they email me back saying they need more info and I have to call in. What the hell?? Now I have to call and wait on hold for like a an hour which I'm not looking forward to. I heard if you order on the phone you get the phone quicker, hopefully whoever I talk to can push my order thru, the status hasn't changed in 3 days. I'm thinking it may have been easier to just get a regular Sprint account then trying to switch it to SERO.

[Lexxous]

Ok, so i contacted Ecare trying to find why they put 2 charges on my card for 1 phone. They charged me $110.59 for the Moto Q and put a hold for an additional $99. I emailed them asking whats up with the second hold. They emailed me back saying that they need more info my PCS #, email and mailing address, i gave them the email and mailing address and told them I dont have a PCS number yet because I didnt get my phone yet and its not activated. Now they email me back saying they need more info and I have to call in. What the hell?? Now I have to call and wait on hold for like a an hour which I'm not looking forward to. I heard if you order on the phone you get the phone quicker, hopefully whoever I talk to can push my order thru, the status hasn't changed in 3 days. I'm thinking it may have been easier to just get a regular Sprint account then trying to switch it to SERO.



Ordered mine over the phone at 3:45 on Wed last week, by 10;30 the following morning I had my new phone at my door step.

[cracker123]

ordered phone wednesday evening, the phone should be here today. ordered via the web .

[karong]

ordered phone wednesday evening, the phone should be here today. ordered via the web .

Damn. Im not hating on you guys but how the hell did your order go thru so smoothly. At least some people arent having problems. Gives me a little bit more faith. I should cancel this order, order again over the phone then it will be quicker,lol

[MTXR]

got my mogul today and it came activated, all i gotta do now is call sprint cancel my regular line and then find a way to get a new number on the sero phone cause i can't use the area code they gave me...

[kesomo]

:mad:

I decided to switch to Sprint because of the great SERO plan. It has been nothing but a nightmare. They lost my first order, shipped me 4 phones, and overbilled me by $1500. When I activated my account it got switched to a Basic 200 minute plan. And I have been on the phone with them everyday trying to get my money they overcharged my card back. I thought I had finally got everything ironed out until this morning when I received the following email. This may just be the straw that breaks the camels back.

Thank you for contacting Sprint.

In reviewing your account, there are some details I must explain to you.

When you ordered your service with Sprint, you did so through the SERO program, which you are familiar with. This program requires that your account be built under a special type of account.

I see that you contacted us on 07/27/07, to get a corporate discount applied. Employee discounts also require a specific account type, and you are not able to get employee discounts on a SERO account.

To get the employee discount, your account type was changed to a corporate account, and the discount was applied. In eCare, we are able to make this change on request.

Now that your account is an corporate employee account, we are not able to make changes that are applicable to SERO customers. We are able to make this type of change only on accounts that are already of the SERO type. So your plan was changed to a comparable plan which is not a SERO plan. it is still $30.00 per month, has 500 flexible minutes, and it still includes free text messages, but it does not include 7:00PM nights or unlimited Power Vision.

The SERO account type is not something that we can change you to. These accounts are only established using the SERO web site. This restriction includes Customer Care, and our Account Services department. You may recall that the terms of service for the SERO program indicate that the plans may not be combined with any other offer or discount. This requirement is actually upheld by our systems, and not just our policies.

So at this point, you have a two choices. First, you can either keep your corporate discount and plan which closely mimics the SERO plan, but does not include 7:00PM nights or power vision. Alternatively, you can cancel your service, return your phone, and reorder through the SERO web site.

I realize this may be an awkward situation for you, but your request to have your corporate discount added to a service that is already discounted by over 50% is the reason for this situation.

Thank you for contacting us. Have a great day.

[Scoobmd]

Sorry for your woes :frustrate
I know of several people who have Sero- without going through the website and kept their discounts (which technically you aren't supposed to do).
That doesnt help your situation but know that it can be done.
Good luck.

[gcc5582]

Finally a Request handled correctly....No Corporate Discounts and must be done thru web site. Why does everyone keep trying to get something that they are not allowed to have?

[kesomo]

Finally a Request handled correctly....No Corporate Discounts and must be done thru web site. Why does everyone keep trying to get something that they are not allowed to have?
I have no problem not getting the discount on top of the SERO plan...as it is a great deal to begin with. But you consider this handled correctly??
I did place my order via the web, and then requested the discount after the fact via eCare...they should have just told me NO.....not screw up my account!!

[blacksr]

I have no problem not getting the discount on top of the SERO plan...as it is a great deal to begin with. But you consider this handled correctly??
I did place my order via the web, and then requested the discount after the fact via eCare...they should have just told me NO.....not screw up my account!!
i agree with you but i almost wish this would happen to more people that try to get discounts they are not entitled to. then maybe there wouldn't be so many folks trying to scam sprint.

[kesomo]

i agree with you but i almost wish this would happen to more people that try to get discounts they are not entitled to. then maybe there wouldn't be so many folks trying to scam sprint.
I agree with you there. The inconsistency on what discounts people are able to get seems rediculous. It all depends on who you happen to contact.

[Gottria]

Well I think I'm going into a Corp store and pick up a 755p today and then try on Monday to get it switched over to the Sero 500 plan. It's probably not the best way to do it but the Corp store said they can price match everything from Sero and I can switch over within 30 days. I figure if I just can't get it switched I'll cancel and sign up on the Sero site.

[goat03]

Alright well, I ordered SERO a few weeks ago and applied the Mogul $288.99 to my bill, my invoice was $304.02. So I get my bill yesterday and it shows $549.99 and then they gave me $150 rebate/credit b.s. Only making the phone $399.99, I email ecare, they email back with contact the rebate processing center. I sent an email back today stating that this is not a friggin rebate, its supposed to be instant. I should only be getting charged $304.02. I attached my invoice for the order so hopefully that will help them better understand what the heck I am talking about, I also put in the sero website link so maybe that will help guide them along as well. Anyone else have an issue like this? It really sucks buying a new phone and plan and then having to go through all this trouble to get it at the price you are supposed to be buying it for.

[Gottria]

Thats why I'm thinking it might be better just getting it in a Corp store and have your plan switched to Sero within 30 days.

[chessx]

ok so my contract is up in 3 days but i wanna switch to sero but none of the emails i have work anymore to access the site any suggestions?

[PintaC]

Use this email address tristan.kime@sprint.com

[TEK2TIRADO]

just got on sero first try with out any etp or changin my number
only thing is i gotta wait till august 22 for it 2 take effect since i just started a new billin cycle ...i couldnt get the unlimited txt msg either
ill call back when the sero plan is active and try and get it on there

:D

[PintaC]

It took me 5 calls and 7 hours on the phone today to transfer my parent's 2 family plan lines to seperate SERO 500 lines. I kept running into the same problem. The customer service would try and transfer me to employee accounts. But since their account is just a regular account when I went through the employee accounts prompt, it would just send me back to regular CS. Finally I got to speak to a supervisor who got it taken care of in about 10 minutes. I almost quit but I guess now I am glad that I didn't.

On that note, the supervisor said that the plan change would take place on August 4th. I looked on their account online and nothing has changed. Does it normally take until a while for the changes to show up online? Or do you think that they will not show up until August 4th when the plan is set to change?

[scane]

ive been with sprint for almost a decade and never had any problems. the last few months though have been a nightmare. i wont go into the details but i have had over a dozen calls into their customer service center and a dozen emails to them. they gave me 100 free minutes one month but the problem has not been resovled (i suddenly cant get service at my house). i just found out about the Sero program and emailed the rep ive been working with and flat out demanded that i be offered the sero pricing as compensation for my patience and trouble for the last several months. i hope it works. currently i do not have a plan that allows me to download ringers and wallpaper and i would love to do so.

[KTorak]

ive been with sprint for almost a decade and never had any problems. the last few months though have been a nightmare. i wont go into the details but i have had over a dozen calls into their customer service center and a dozen emails to them. they gave me 100 free minutes one month but the problem has not been resovled (i suddenly cant get service at my house). i just found out about the Sero program and emailed the rep ive been working with and flat out demanded that i be offered the sero pricing as compensation for my patience and trouble for the last several months. i hope it works. currently i do not have a plan that allows me to download ringers and wallpaper and i would love to do so.

If you can't get service, go to a tech center. I visited them today, about 45 minutes for them to look at the phone (I left). Came back, they said it failed a post test or something and they would have to order a new one. Turns out they had one that a customer didn't pick up in the store. So I walked out the door with a brand new phone for $30 with the problem resolved.

[scane]

yeah ive tried that..i have the samsung a920 and taken it in many times. Ive also tried to troubleshoot/update/etc with them from a landline. i dont want to hijack this thread and make it abut the trouble of my phone but i will keep you guys up to date on the status of Sero. You think I should/could call sprint and try to talk them into givingme the Sero plan? Right now I also have a discount through UPS since I work(ed) for them.

[danza]

So I currently have a Family plan that includes 2 lines total. It expires in november. I was planning on getting 2 sero lines added to my account and then "moving" the phone numbers on the original plan to each sero line (who cares what happens to the original sero numbers). Then I'd cancel (or wait for it to expire) the family plan and stay with the sero accounts.

Do you guys see any problem with the transfer of phone numbers?

I'd appreciate any help.

[chessx]

also wanted to know the chances of me keepin the same number when i switch

[yourbuddy]

This is what finally got me Sero without having to start a new line... NOTE: This was all true and they DO note everything to your account so don't try this one if your going to lie lol.

"I have been calling all day, for seven hours sir and I have just been transfered around all day. What happened was, I was supposed to be switched to a Sero plan I was promised by a CSR and then I called back to ask when it would be active and the lady told me that I couldn't do that and that it was not possible for my account to switch to Sero and that it would not change to a Sero because that's not how the system works! She got really angry with me and told me that she was removing it and that I was lied to. I don't know what is going on anymore, what happened to the plan I was promised? Please do not transfer me, I am tired of this...."

The CSR proceded to ask me my #, Name and Password (which was weird because they usually ask for that first, but this guy was being nice =])

So after a few seconds he said "Ok Mr. _____ I just re-added that to your account, Is there anything else I can help you with?"

I was suprized!
Me: "No... thank you. but That's it?, That's all you had to do? Thank you VERY MUCH sir!, have a nice day."


I was really on the phone with them all day! It was frustrating and I got angry, which is BAD if your asking for something but he still gave it to me... =]

[kesomo]

So after several emails back and forth between eCare, I have ended up with the following plan, which I am told is NOT SERO, but a similar plan that includes my corp. discount. (Because as one rep replied to me "I can confirm that no Sprint account is able to have a corporate discount and the SERO plan effective at the same time.") Besides the Nights & Wknds starting at 9pm instead of 7pm, what is different than a SERO plan??

Fair & Flexible Plan 500- $30.0
Plan Features:
Sprint Fair & Flexible Plan
Unlimited Mobile to Mobile
Adjustable Anytime Minutes
Caller ID
$30.00 Minimum Monthly Charge
Call Waiting
AMERICA - ROAMING Included
Three-way Calling
Nationwide Long Distance Included
Voicemail
Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins. Included
Nights: M-Th 9PM-7AM Wknd: F 9PM-M 7AM
Unlimited Vision Access
Unlimited Text Messaging for $0

This plan was forced onto my account and they cancelled my SERO becasue I requested a corp. discount applied. If I want to revert back to SERO I have to return my phones and re-sign up on the website. I don't want to hassle with that if this plan is almost as good and includes my corp. discount.

Any feedback from you SERO experts??

[PintaC]

It looks like the same exact plan expect the nights start at 9 pm instead of 7. It doesn't have picture mail for free but I don't know if you use that or not. But if they let you have your corporate discount with the plan then I would stick with it. If the nights and picmail are important to you then just stay with SERO. But that is def a good plan.

[kesomo]

It looks like the same exact plan expect the nights start at 9 pm instead of 7. It doesn't have picture mail for free but I don't know if you use that or not. But if they let you have your corporate discount with the plan then I would stick with it. If the nights and picmail are important to you then just stay with SERO. But that is def a good plan.
I only occasionaly use picture mail. What is the charge per message when not included in the package? Iv'e had nights starting at 9 for years with my other carrier so I think I can live with it. Also the rep. told me the only other difference is my plan doesn't include Power Vision...what is that? Is it just a glorified version of the Vision Access that is included in my plan?

[PintaC]

Power vision is similar to vision...it basically allows you access to the internet just like vision does. Whether you use power vision or vision depends on the phone that you use. Most of the newer smartphones use power vision and can access the high speed EVDO network. If you have an older phone then it is probably not power vision capable so it just uses regular vision.

[kesomo]

Power vision is similar to vision...it basically allows you access to the internet just like vision does. Whether you use power vision or vision depends on the phone that you use. Most of the newer smartphones use power vision and can access the high speed EVDO network. If you have an older phone then it is probably not power vision capable so it just uses regular vision.
So I have a TREO 700wx, which I purchased when signing up for my SERO plan. It appears to use EVDO. Does that mean my Vision Access does not cover it's data usage and I am going to have to pay extra for that?

[Scoobmd]

So I have a TREO 700wx, which I purchased when signing up for my SERO plan. It appears to use EVDO. Does that mean my Vision Access does not cover it's data usage and I am going to have to pay extra for that?

I have a Treo 700wx on Sero as well.
It will use the power vision which is included in your plan to surf the net and stuff so you won't get billed extra.

[kesomo]

I have a Treo 700wx on Sero as well.
It will use the power vision which is included in your plan to surf the net and stuff so you won't get billed extra.
Please see my post above...apparently my plan (similar to SERO...but not) does not include Power Vision, but does include Unlimited Vision Access. According to another discussion within this forum, Power Vision Phones do not require Power Vision for data acess, only for TV and such additional options.

Is that right?

[PintaC]

I am pretty sure that if you have a power vision phone you have to have a power vision plan. Some people have gotten around this because of grand fathered plans that are similar to yours. But normally if you call and try to activate a power vision phone on a vision plan, they will make you upgrade to a power vision plan.

[nixiemaiden]

If I were to sign up right now for SERO and choose the option for a phone as the LG Fusic which right now is free, would I be able to swap the number over to a phone I already have and then return the phone to sprint to get some sort of credit to offset the cost of ETF? I'm just trying to avoid trying to sell the phone on ebay. Less than a month ago I purchased a Sanyo M1 with absolutely no discounts and then I find out about this plan (I was trying to figure out how to get ringtones on it) and sign up for it and will have an extra LG Fusic and a $200 ETF on top of the almost $300 I spent on the M1. If I have to go the ebay route to get rid of the extra phone that is fine but if there is a way around it please let me know.

[Scoobmd]

Please see my post above...apparently my plan (similar to SERO...but not) does not include Power Vision, but does include Unlimited Vision Access. According to another discussion within this forum, Power Vision Phones do not require Power Vision for data acess, only for TV and such additional options.

Is that right?
Sorry for the confusion.
Funny thing is, I was in a similar situation but opposite of yours.
I couldnt get Sero back in Feb 2007 so the rep make a "Sero Like plan" with the minutes, roaming and vision for my Treo. I used the internet without problems or extra bills for data access. I managed to get onto Sero last month...

If you are worried, you can always shoot an email to ecare and have it in writing that you are set up correctly in case there are problems in the future with your plan.

[blacksr]

what makes people who are not friends/family of sprint employees (especially existing customers who don't want to add a line) feel entitled to a sero plan. it creates a huge headache in the store with customers who read about it on some forum. i can't imagine the number of calls constantly flowing in to care regarding sero from people that are not supposed to benefit from this plan. sprint really should have been and should be much more strict on who is able to get this plan. just wait until all these people with $30 sero plans want an upgrade. plan must be 35 or more to qualify for a discount but i bet everyone will feel like they should get the equipment discount anyway...while sprint is losing money on them.

[PintaC]

Sprint is the one setting the precedent. All the company had to say was no. Gaining a customer by saying yes to SERO is almost like not gaining a customer at all because the profit margin is so low. In my opinion, Sprint is the one digging their own grave. The fact that people like to pay the lowest price possible is just human nature. It is Sprint's fault for allowing it.

[kesomo]

what makes people who are not friends/family of sprint employees (especially existing customers who don't want to add a line) feel entitled to a sero plan. it creates a huge headache in the store with customers who read about it on some forum. i can't imagine the number of calls constantly flowing in to care regarding sero from people that are not supposed to benefit from this plan. sprint really should have been and should be much more strict on who is able to get this plan. just wait until all these people with $30 sero plans want an upgrade. plan must be 35 or more to qualify for a discount but i bet everyone will feel like they should get the equipment discount anyway...while sprint is losing money on them.

From this At A Glance - it appears to me that Sprint employees can refer anyone they want, and offer an unlimited amount of referrals.....

Sprint Employee Referral Offer (SERO) at a Glance
Overview
Target Customer Anyone you know or meet
Liability Subscriber liable
Credit Check Required
Channel Online only
Contract Two-year contract required
Limitations Unlimited referrals
Who places the order End user
Shop Now! www.sprint.com/sero
At least that what is shown here: SERO at a Glance (http://santafemods.com/Forum/HowardForums/SERO/SERO_details.pdf)

:confused:

[jumonjii]

buzzaboutwireless.com

Tristen posted his/her address to use for sero.

Why you think people are trying to scam Sprint is beyond me. You want to plan sero police, go ahead. Just make sure you have all the correct information.

[Scoobmd]

This was discussed/cuss'd at before but Sero users are a very small portion of Sprint's total customer base- no one I've talked too has even heard of Sero. I didn't know about it until I found SU a few months ago...
Sprint isn't losing money on us Sero people, they are getting my money...
Besides, if Sero ever becomes a losing venture- Sprint can just shut it down.

[MTXR]

I think they are making money... The goal of a business is to create and maintain customers. They are creating customers for sure with the sero plan. I doubt that the costs are that high for them to keep sero customers.

[blacksr]

This was discussed/cuss'd at before but Sero users are a very small portion of Sprint's total customer base- no one I've talked too has even heard of Sero. I didn't know about it until I found SU a few months ago...
Sprint isn't losing money on us Sero people, they are getting my money...
Besides, if Sero ever becomes a losing venture- Sprint can just shut it down.
do you have a clue how much it costs to maintain a wireless subscription each month? not to mention how much data sero users consume (most people hear about it online and are usually data/power users) and how many times people with sero plans are calling care to try to get something else for free...or get their msl to disable modem nai so they can steal more bandwidth. sprint cannot just shut down sero. they can discontinue new adds to the plan but that is a huge blow to employees. meanwhile, people who hear about it on the internet and call 50 times until they get their plan changed are paying $21/month after a corporate discount. ultimately, i think they will discontinue sero and sprint employees will lose.

[LoDown3]

Itssss REALLY not that serious.
Sprint knows what its doing, some of you act like Sprint is running around screaming like, OH THESE SERO PEOPLE! ITS SO HARD TO DEAL WITH!

Why get mad at something that SPRINT offers?? If u can benefit from Sprint, then why the hell not? Sprint isnt ur mother, brother, sister, etc, u dont OWE sprint anything just as they dont OWE you anything. Sprint is a corporate entity, a business: businesses' prime concern is MAKING MONEY. When not making money, they stop.

PERIOD.

I dont even have SERO, but i'm looking into taking my line off the plan i share and starting a SERO account...why?? because the price is sick, the phone prices are aslo bananas and I'd like to better myself if i can. And if i can, then please ttry and tell me why the hell not??? :lol:
I'm not trying to scam or anything. I just know about it and thus am interested in using that knowledge. IF something is offered, then how am i cheating or scamming? Psh...
SERO is what it is, and dont let FORUMS fool u. Forums are a pretty small percent and DO NOT represent the vast majority of sprint subscribers.

[Scoobmd]

do you have a clue how much it costs to maintain a wireless subscription each month? not to mention how much data sero users consume (most people hear about it online and are usually data/power users) and how many times people with sero plans are calling care to try to get something else for free...or get their msl to disable modem nai so they can steal more bandwidth. sprint cannot just shut down sero. they can discontinue new adds to the plan but that is a huge blow to employees. meanwhile, people who hear about it on the internet and call 50 times until they get their plan changed are paying $21/month after a corporate discount. ultimately, i think they will discontinue sero and sprint employees will lose.

I am wondering why you are so upset that people have the Sero plan? or is it that you see those same people as milking Sprint and cheating Sprint.
If Sprint allows one to get a good deal- why not take advantage of it?
Just curious as to where you come from...

[Gottria]

4 days into my regular contract, 2 calls to CS and no go on the Sero plan. Called 866-250-2221 and landed in the phillipines who tried to add but couldn't. 888-876-8381 and landed in Texas? CS couldn't switch either. CS told to me take the phone back and just reorder through the Sero site. I'll try again tommorow :)

[djjp0811]

my contract ends at the end of the month after several call to the retention dept. i just gave up, they try to offer my simillar plans but now as good. so i just ended up opening a new line with a sero plan ,and will cancell my old line, i'm hopping i can get a nice rep to port my number to the new line , here the confirmation for my new plan that i got from sprint

Package 1 Qty: 1

Phone Price/Each Total
PPC6800SP 288.99 288.99

Rate Plan Price/Each Total
Employee Referral Offer 1250 0.0 0.00

Services Price/Each Total
America - Roaming Included Included Included
Caller ID Included Included
Domestic LD Rate $0 Included Included
Picture Mail Service Included Included
Fair and Flexible Minutes Included Included
SMS Text Messages Included Included
Anytime Minutes Included Included
Long Distance While Roaming Included Included
Data Usage Included Included
Mobile To Mobile Minutes Included Included
Video Mail Included Included
VISION Included Included
Enhanced VoiceMail Included Included
Total Equipment Protection Included Included

Accessories Qty Price/Each Total

[BrucePDA]

TEP included? How did you manage that?

[djjp0811]

i don't know, i added it to my plan, so i'll probably get billed for it..i think

[BrucePDA]

Thought you meant that you were getting it for free.

[anskY]

You can't get TEP free. Not even you're corperate discount takes off from TEP anymore

[PintaC]

Yeah TEP is one of those things that Sprint offers their customers as a courtesy. They don't make any money off of it but they offer it as an additional service. They charge you the same rate that Asurion charges them.

[radcaligirl]

Sprint is definitely making money off of SERO in the long run. I switched to SERO two months ago and I just upped my plan to the 50 dollar/1250 min. I was out of contract and retentions didn't even ask for me to sign a new contract...or I would have been gone. So by keeping customers from leaving and reducing their churn rate they are making money!

[fresh2deff36]

Is there a way I can port my Nextel number over to a Sero plan by ordering a new line and phone through sero and in-turn cancel my existing plan?

[bleepjay]

Ok, I'm hoping that somebody can help me out here or has been through this before. I am currently a sprint customer and when I go to the SERO website, I can enter my phone number for porting and it says that it is eligible. I continue and add phones and I can even assign my 'ported' numbers to these phones.

When I get to Checkout Part 2, it says my number to port and it says 'Approved from SPRINT', and I can apply it to the phone that I just selected.

I am currently under contract w/ Sprint with these phone numbers. Will it be possible to do this port without paying the ETF for these two phones if I do this online?

The reason I'm doing it is to get a discount on the phones that I am choosing. I'm afraid to pull the trigger, as I may be causing an ETF that I'm not sure I want

[BrucePDA]

Read the first page of the SERO site.

It states:
Available to new Sprint customers or existing customers adding a new line (no migrations from existing lines)

Why does everyone keep coming asing if they can migrate their current account over?

[Tekara]

Because there are a lot of folks like me that have changed a current account over to a SERO account.

And for the post before that asked that question, you will have to call into employee accounts and hope that you get a CS rep that is nice enough tol move your existing account over. It may take several tries, as not all reps will bend the rules and do it.

[fresh2deff36]

I want to port my Nextel number over but I'm not sure if it will work and if an ic902 is considered Sprint or Nextel.

[Lapis Lazuli]

Sprint is definitely making money off of SERO in the long run. I switched to SERO two months ago and I just upped my plan to the 50 dollar/1250 min. I was out of contract and retentions didn't even ask for me to sign a new contract...or I would have been gone. So by keeping customers from leaving and reducing their churn rate they are making money!

You were out of contract with Sprint and got switched to SERO through the retentions dept.? Were you able to get a new phone and keep your same number?

[leicabug]

For those of you who just add a line to your account, you can received $50 by dialing #733 from your newly activated phone within 15 days of activation. Then follow the voice prompts. Be sure to enter your current number when prompted for the customer that referred you. It works like referring yourself to Sprint. I just received $50 reward by doing so.
My questions are: How does it work if you open a new line for datacard since you can't dial #733 from a datacard? Will it work for people who open two lines at the same time?

[Lexxous]

For those of you who just add a line to your account, you can received $50 by dialing #733 from your newly activated phone within 15 days of activation. Then follow the voice prompts. Be sure to enter your current number when prompted for the customer that referred you. It works like referring yourself to Sprint. I just received $50 reward by doing so.
My questions are: How does it work if you open a new line for datacard since you can't dial #733 from a datacard? Will it work for people who open two lines at the same time?


You get a $25 Visa debit card for yourself and one for the person who referred you.
And it arrives in 8 weeks.

[PintaC]

Hey, I just had my Sprint plan converted to SERO 500 this month. When I go to plan details here is what it says:

Sprint Fair & Flexible Plan

* Adjustable Anytime Minutes
* $30 Minimum Monthly Charge
* AMERICA - ROAMING Included
* Nationwide Long Distance Included
* Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins. Included
* Nights: M-Th 7PM-7AM Wknd: F 7PM-M 7AM
* Unlimited Vision Access
* Unlimited Mobile to Mobile
* Caller ID, Call Waiting
* Three-way Calling
* Voicemail

But when I look under current usage this is what I see:
Minutes in Plan: Sprint PCS Fair and Flexible Plan
Off peak option: Unlimited
Sprint PCS to PCS Calling Minutes: Unlimited
Text Messages: Unlimited

The thing that I thought was weird is that it says unlimited vision in the plan details but it doesn't show data usage under current usage. Can anyone with SERO tell me if I am set up ok? Thank you in advance for the help.

[nowires]

Hey, I just had my Sprint plan converted to SERO 500 this month. When I go to plan details here is what it says:

Sprint Fair & Flexible Plan

* Adjustable Anytime Minutes
* $30 Minimum Monthly Charge
* AMERICA - ROAMING Included
* Nationwide Long Distance Included
* Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins. Included
* Nights: M-Th 7PM-7AM Wknd: F 7PM-M 7AM
* Unlimited Vision Access
* Unlimited Mobile to Mobile
* Caller ID, Call Waiting
* Three-way Calling
* Voicemail

But when I look under current usage this is what I see:
Minutes in Plan: Sprint PCS Fair and Flexible Plan
Off peak option: Unlimited
Sprint PCS to PCS Calling Minutes: Unlimited
Text Messages: Unlimited

The thing that I thought was weird is that it says unlimited vision in the plan details but it doesn't show data usage under current usage. Can anyone with SERO tell me if I am set up ok? Thank you in advance for the help.
I have SERO and my online usage has the same items you listed in your post. It appears your SERO is setup correctly. Picture Mail may need to be added to your account since it does not show-up in the Plan or Current Usage. You will have to take a picture with your phone and setup your Picture Mail account. Then check if Sprint charged you for Picture Mail.

[PintaC]

Thanks alot. I don't really need the pic mail. I was just making sure my data was included before I started using it.

[thomas71]

tristan.kime@sprint.com is the emp. address that is saying it's OK to use her email address. I found it after searching on google and the other website someone said they saw her comment in.

and then use sprint.com/sero



***donate to the needy***

[cali99boy]

i ordered my SERO plan from the Sprint website (new customer). Ordered on July 30th, got my phone on Aug 3rd :D It was a pain in the butt getting it activated though. Was transferred about 3 times then I hung up after waiting for 15 mins. Called back and got a rep that sounded like he was from India. He told me to do a few commands on the phone, my phone was activated and he even threw in my discounts and added the unlimited txt :tu: Been going good so far, wished I could have tried asking for free 6pm or some other perk :hee: :D

[DragonXJC]

tristan.kime@sprint.com is the emp. address that is saying it's OK to use her email address. I found it after searching on google and the other website someone said they saw her comment in.

and then use sprint.com/sero



***donate to the needy***

Thanks :tu: , but I guess the SERO site is down, I keep getting
We're sorry...but this feature is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
I'll just wait a bit :wiggle:

[druwhall]

I currently have a 2000 minute family plan with four phones thats running me around $200's a month. Is there any way that I could switch these over to SERO? The contracts on two of the phones ends in a couple months but the other two still have over a year.

[MidwestDrummer]

I currently have a 2000 minute family plan with four phones thats running me around $200's a month. Is there any way that I could switch these over to SERO? The contracts on two of the phones ends in a couple months but the other two still have over a year.
Possible? Yes. Probable? No.

[mpeters13]

Be careful with using these sero accounts. Should an account audit ever take place, it would really suck to have to pay sprint all of the money due because of ill-obtained discounts.

[Lexxous]

Be careful with using these sero accounts. Should an account audit ever take place, it would really suck to have to pay sprint all of the money due because of ill-obtained discounts.



What is it with all these replies ......

Sprint asked me NO questions about how I got the Enterprise number(which is easily obtainable using Google) or anything.
I called in, pressed option 1, an agent came on the line, I asked about the SERO plan and how to get one. She said she would run a credit check and if I passed it I could get whatever I was qualified for. A few mins later I was in business.
She didn't ask me if I worked for Sprint or knew anyone who worked for Sprint, nothing.

[Scoobmd]

What is it with all these replies ......

Sprint asked me NO questions about how I got the Enterprise number(which is easily obtainable using Google) or anything.
I called in, pressed option 1, an agent came on the line, I asked about the SERO plan and how to get one. She said she would run a credit check and if I passed it I could get whatever I was qualified for. A few mins later I was in business.
She didn't ask me if I worked for Sprint or knew anyone who worked for Sprint, nothing.
Well, congrats on getting the plan. A few people at SU have had their Sero taken away or other silly things have happened to their accounts so they are just being cautious...
Enjoy what you have! :D

[nixiemaiden]

do you have a clue how much it costs to maintain a wireless subscription each month? not to mention how much data sero users consume (most people hear about it online and are usually data/power users) and how many times people with sero plans are calling care to try to get something else for free...or get their msl to disable modem nai so they can steal more bandwidth. sprint cannot just shut down sero. they can discontinue new adds to the plan but that is a huge blow to employees. meanwhile, people who hear about it on the internet and call 50 times until they get their plan changed are paying $21/month after a corporate discount. ultimately, i think they will discontinue sero and sprint employees will lose.

I do not think that everyone who wants a SERO plan is like that. I do want to be able to access the internet from my phone so I can maybe download a ringtone every now and then and not have to pay $10 for the ringtone or $15 a mo for vision. Without having vision on my phone I downloaded one ringtone (i'm not including the price of the ringtone here either) and my phone bill came to $30 for the data usage to go to the store and then the download of the ringtone. That is completely ridiculous!

I use maybe 30 minutes a month of my anytime minutes and maybe 100 minutes a month of nights & weekends so for me to have a $50 phone bill every month is insane.

I think that sprint will still be making money off of me because I was spending about $20 a month with virgin mobile and that was including buying ringtones every once in a while. The only reason I went with a contract service is so I wouldn't feel guilty picking up the phone and count every second I'm on it.

Also I signed up for a Sero plan last Sunday ( July 29 ) and I was told I would receive confirmation in 2 to 4 days. I haven't heard anything back and nothing on my account has changed so did they reject me? I don't want to sign up again.

[Scoobmd]

I do not think that everyone who wants a SERO plan is like that. I do want to be able to access the internet from my phone so I can maybe download a ringtone every now and then and not have to pay $10 for the ringtone or $15 a mo for vision. Without having vision on my phone I downloaded one ringtone (i'm not including the price of the ringtone here either) and my phone bill came to $30 for the data usage to go to the store and then the download of the ringtone. That is completely ridiculous!

I use maybe 30 minutes a month of my anytime minutes and maybe 100 minutes a month of nights & weekends so for me to have a $50 phone bill every month is insane.

I think that sprint will still be making money off of me because I was spending about $20 a month with virgin mobile and that was including buying ringtones every once in a while. The only reason I went with a contract service is so I wouldn't feel guilty picking up the phone and count every second I'm on it.

Also I signed up for a Sero plan last Sunday ( July 29 ) and I was told I would receive confirmation in 2 to 4 days. I haven't heard anything back and nothing on my account has changed so did they reject me? I don't want to sign up again.

I think you should just give CS a call and see what happened to your plan. The new plan may not kick in until the next billing cycle.
Good luck to ya.

[ckplus2]

Tonight I was on the phone for 59 minutes trying to upgrade to sero. I had just upgraded to the family plan when I was telling my friend about it and she said call sprint and ask them about upgrading to sero. I had never heard of it. Anyway, I talked to Sam who said, I'm sorry sero is for employees only. I politely disagreed and then she told me I had to do it online. I told her I didn't want to get new phones and plans that I had just upgraded and she told me that was the only way to do it.

So, she transferred me to Roland in retentions. Roland, bless his heart, tried but couldn't figure it out. Again told me to go to the website, that would be easiest. Again I told him that I didn't need new phones. Just wanted to upgrade my currently upgraded plan. He told me I could ask my friend, but since she works for retail in the store and she's already told me I need to do it by phone, I don't see how that is going to help.

I emailed customer care. We will see how that goes.

l8r,
Kathy

[nixiemaiden]

I think you should just give CS a call and see what happened to your plan. The new plan may not kick in until the next billing cycle.
Good luck to ya.

I actually was wrong. After posting that I checked my account and the other line is showing up there. I also called it and got voicemail. I still didn't get any e-mails or a phone though. I did send a message to ecare so hopefully they will know where my phone is or something. I was told I would receive an e-mail before it was shipped but I think they would have shipped it by now if the number is already on my account.

[havalon]

I called in the other day to upgrade my second line of service to a SERO 500 plan. I dialed *2 and waited 30+ minutes for an agent. Once the agent came on I told him that my contract was just renewed about a month an a half ago (which it was) and that I wanted to transfer to the SERO plan. He did it no problem. Well, it took him about 15 minutes to do the upgrade.

My satisfaction level with Sprint has gone way up since I switched to the SERO plan.

[TooEarly]

I just recently heard about SERO from a friend. He seems to like it a lot since he didn't have a cell phone before, and now he has a Treo of some sort.
My family has been with Sprint for over 7 years. And my plan includes all of the following:

# Line 1 $109.99 Minimum Monthly Charge
# Line 2 Free
# Line 3-5 $9.99 Each
# 2200 Included Anytime Minutes
# Nationwide Long Distance Included
# Unlimited Night & Weekend Mins. Included
# Unlimited SMS Messages
# Sprint Power Pack Vision Plus Pack
# Night & Weekends - 7 p.m.


There are four phones on the plan, all but one are Samsung A900's. Which is a pretty nice phone. The other one is an older phone for my grandma who needed something simple.

Our total bill for these four phones is only $94.57. I was thinking that the SERO plan isn't going to help me out much is it?

[PintaC]

No, the SERO plan usually isn't that great if you need a bunch of lines. The grandfathered plan that you have is great. If you tried to switch to individual SERO lines you would get less total minutes for almost $30 more a month. You have the SMS and Vision for free already. I would stick with what you've got.

[y2kbugger]

$109.99 Minimum Monthly Charge

Our total bill for these four phones is only $94.57.

how?

[TooEarly]

I was thinking that too. Thanks

Now I just have to decide on a phone since my A900 is broken from water damage :(

[TooEarly]

$109.99 Minimum Monthly Charge

Our total bill for these four phones is only $94.57.

how?

Monthly Service Charges $183.97
Additional Usage Charges & Purchases 0.15
Other Credits & Adjustments -101.79
Taxes, Surcharges & Fees 11.75
---------
$94.08

We have some Nationwide Volume Program discount + 15% Credit + Evdo Service Credit + SMS Credit

Does that help any? I'm not sure what the NVP and Evdo is though.

[y2kbugger]

i like my Muziq

[LoDown3]

^...alllrighty.

But, yo TooEarly, hows u get all those discounts??
Was it through loyalty to sprint or through family members occupations, etc?

[SuperG]

Monthly Service Charges $183.97
Additional Usage Charges & Purchases 0.15
Other Credits & Adjustments -101.79
Taxes, Surcharges & Fees 11.75
---------
$94.08

We have some Nationwide Volume Program discount + 15% Credit + Evdo Service Credit + SMS Credit

Does that help any? I'm not sure what the NVP and Evdo is though.

If I had to guess, your bill is 109 + 9.99 + 9.99 + 9.99 = 138.97 Then they probably add Power Vision / Vision (EVDO) for $10 on the first line and $5 for each additional line. So, 10 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 30 Then you probably get $15 total for Unlimited SMS on all lines. So that would be $45 for the EVDO and SMS. So, 138.97 + 45 = $183.97. Then they give you an offsetting EVDO credit of $30 and an offsetting SMS credit of $15, so that would be $45 of the Credits. Then you add the 15% loyalty, which would give you another ~$28. Then you add your corp NVP discount, which also probably happens to be about 18%, or ~$28. That together is 45 + 28 + 28 = $101.

So, finally, we have $183.97 - ~$101 = ~$83 + ~$12 TAX = ~$95 TOTAL BILL

Those EVDO and SMS Credits are just sprints way of keeping customers. This person probably got it through retentions or something.

Also, I see nothing you gain by getting SERO. You already have unlimited data and unlimited SMS, and N&W at 7pm. Basically you have SERO with maybe the exception of ROAMING being included. Even if you were to go with the SERO 500 min plan for $30, you are talking about $30 x 5 = $150 + TAX for 2500 mins, which is not much more then you have now, and you can't share them. It is 500 per person basically. On top of that, you would probably loose your 15% loyalty discount and would have a hard time getting your corp disc to stay on.

5 lines with unlimited data and unlimited txt for ~$100 per month including tax is AWESOME!!! Whatever you do, IMHO, just don't change the plan. Sorry for the long post, but I hope it was useful...

SuperG

[istrategist]

Just a quick question - can anyone tell me what the total cost with taxes is for the $49.99 SERO plan without any additional % discounts applied (I am in NJ, and know that taxes vary based on state, but am looking for a ball park figure to compare against my current NON SERO plan). Thanks

[preciousmami]

I know that this might be a stupid question but is ready link included on sero plan I'm asking because i have the M1 and if its free why not

[Lexxous]

Just a quick question - can anyone tell me what the total cost with taxes is for the $49.99 SERO plan without any additional % discounts applied (I am in NJ, and know that taxes vary based on state, but am looking for a ball park figure to compare against my current NON SERO plan). Thanks


I have the $7 insurance on mine with no other options and mine came in
just under $61... so $53-54 is probably a good guess.

[istrategist]

appreciate it!

I have the $7 insurance on mine with no other options and mine came in
just under $61... so $53-54 is probably a good guess.

[PintaC]

istrategist, here is a link that gives you the exact taxes for cell phones per state:
http://www.forbes.com/media/flash/flashTest.html?flashURL=http://www.forbes.com/static_html/misc/wirelesstaxes.shtml

[HiLiteOfTheNite]

So Sero is in fact still going on? I went into a Sprint store yesterday because I'm wanting to add a new plan to my account for my girlfriend, and I asked if she could have the plan that I have too. The lady said "We don't carry that plan anymore." I figured it was a lie, but went on with it anyway.

So what should I do? Should I go to the store and get a plan added that way and then call Sprint and change it? Could I avoid the activation fee if I call and get the plan added through the phone? My girlfriend already has a phone we are going to use, and the lady at the store said that all I would have to pay would be the plan plus first month activation fee.

Thanks for any help!

[PintaC]

So Sero is in fact still going on? I went into a Sprint store yesterday because I'm wanting to add a new plan to my account for my girlfriend, and I asked if she could have the plan that I have too. The lady said "We don't carry that plan anymore." I figured it was a lie, but went on with it anyway.

So what should I do? Should I go to the store and get a plan added that way and then call Sprint and change it? Could I avoid the activation fee if I call and get the plan added through the phone? My girlfriend already has a phone we are going to use, and the lady at the store said that all I would have to pay would be the plan plus first month activation fee.

Thanks for any help!

They won't let you activate a SERO plan in the store. I would go to the SERO website and call the telesales number that is on there. You can then order the plan over the phone and they will ship her a phone (you can just get a free one) and then switch to the phone that you want. I am pretty sure that you avoid the $18 activation fee if you order online or over the internet. You can also ask them to apply the URANG coupon code for a $50 service credit. I would do it over the phone because the websales have been very very slow.

[HiLiteOfTheNite]

They won't let you activate a SERO plan in the store. I would go to the SERO website and call the telesales number that is on there. You can then order the plan over the phone and they will ship her a phone (you can just get a free one) and then switch to the phone that you want. I am pretty sure that you avoid the $18 activation fee if you order online or over the internet. You can also ask them to apply the URANG coupon code for a $50 service credit. I would do it over the phone because the websales have been very very slow.
I don't see a number on the SERO website.

And is there a site with the URANG coupon code?

Thank you so much for your help!

[PintaC]

The SERO telesales number is:
1-888-882-4030
The coupon code is "URANG". Just tell them that you have a promotional code and it is U-R-A-N-G. And they should give you a $50 service credit for a new line activation.
You can use tristan.kime@sprint.com as the referrral email address.

[HiLiteOfTheNite]

The SERO telesales number is:
1-888-882-4030
The coupon code is "URANG". Just tell them that you have a promotional code and it is U-R-A-N-G. And they should give you a $50 service credit for a new line activation.
You can use tristan.kime@sprint.com as the referrral email address.
I want to get my bill and her bill on the same day. Is the only way for that to happen is to call them on the day my monthly service restarts? And then would they send the bill attached to my bill as one big bill?

[PintaC]

When you sign up for a new line, I am pretty sure that you have the option of picking what billing cycle your on. Beginning of the month, middle of the month, end of the month. You should just be able to add the line to your account so it is set on the same billing schedule and the same bill.

[HiLiteOfTheNite]

When you sign up for a new line, I am pretty sure that you have the option of picking what billing cycle your on. Beginning of the month, middle of the month, end of the month. You should just be able to add the line to your account so it is set on the same billing schedule and the same bill.
Thanks again for your help, man.

And we do have to pick a phone, correct? The free one, right? And then just take the free one we have to get and the phone she has (The Fusic) to the Sprint store and switch the numbers?

[PintaC]

Yeah you have to get it with a phone. The free phones right now are a Pink Sanyo flip and a red samsung m300. You don't have to go to the store to do the phone swap, you can call in and do it over the phone.

[istrategist]

v useful link!

istrategist, here is a link that gives you the exact taxes for cell phones per state:
http://www.forbes.com/media/flash/flashTest.html?flashURL=http://www.forbes.com/static_html/misc/wirelesstaxes.shtml

[flyboyiii]

Called retentions today.. finished my contract in march 07.. just called *2 and asked for retentions. talked to here told her i was happy with my service, but my family just switched to verision (the truth). wanted to see if there was a better and cheaper plan i could get on. Said i had heard of SERO. and also told her i was interested in getting the New Mogel, but got screwed when i activated my current a920 and was only "supposedly eligible for the $75 discount. she looked at my account, gave me the $150 rebate, the mogel for $299 after all rebates, and put me on a Sero 500 plan. No threats nothing. Cant wait to get my new mogel!!
she said text messaging was not free, and i could not get my goverment discount tho..
so im paying 30+10 1000 (text messages) and 7$ for phone insurance. :headbang2

[PintaC]

Called retentions today.. finished my contract in march 07.. just called *2 and asked for retentions. talked to here told her i was happy with my service, but my family just switched to verision (the truth). wanted to see if there was a better and cheaper plan i could get on. Said i had heard of SERO. and also told her i was interested in getting the New Mogel, but got screwed when i activated my current a920 and was only "supposedly eligible for the $75 discount. she looked at my account, gave me the $150 rebate, the mogel for $299 after all rebates, and put me on a Sero 500 plan. No threats nothing. Cant wait to get my new mogel!!
she said text messaging was not free, and i could not get my goverment discount tho..
so im paying 30+10 1000 (text messages) and 7$ for phone insurance. :headbang2
Once you get your phone and plan and it is all activated. Email eCare and tell them that you want the free unlimited text that is part of the SERO plan. They should take away the 1000 txt for $10 and add the unlimited for free no problem.

[flyboyiii]

Once you get your phone and plan and it is all activated. Email eCare and tell them that you want the free unlimited text that is part of the SERO plan. They should take away the 1000 txt for $10 and add the unlimited for free no problem.


Where is it in their sero website that text messaging is free? I couldnt find it.

[PintaC]

Go to the SERO site, log in with tristan.kime@sprint.com
Then it is in a gray box on the right side of the screen:

Your SERO Private Store Discounts

Purchase a new device and service plan through this SERO site and save!

* You'll find special discounts on many devices
* Select from three SERO voice plans starting at only $30/month
* Unlimited data services included with all plans
* Unlimited text messaging included with all plans through 9/29/07
* Unlimited Mobile Broadband service for only $49.99/month

[flyboyiii]

anyone know where i can get applications for the mogel?

[tien]

Go to the SERO site, log in with tristan.kime@sprint.com
Then it is in a gray box on the right side of the screen:

Your SERO Private Store Discounts

Purchase a new device and service plan through this SERO site and save!

* You'll find special discounts on many devices
* Select from three SERO voice plans starting at only $30/month
* Unlimited data services included with all plans
* Unlimited text messaging included with all plans through 9/29/07
* Unlimited Mobile Broadband service for only $49.99/month


I see it. Thanks for the hook up. The thing is that Unlimited SMS does not show up on shopping cart. What gives?

Tien

[PintaC]

It won't show up under plan details when you get the plan either. To check and see if it is part of your plan you have to long into your account online. Then you can check your "current usage" and it will show X amount of messages out of UNLIMITED.

[jumonjii]

The unlimited texting is a special promotional item so it will not show up as an option to add to your cart.

Ecare and CS have the code for it. They can add it to your account for you.

[tien]

So I should call CS to add it once i receive the phone?

[HiLiteOfTheNite]

I called and got the free phone and the 500 plan added for free, but the guy said that he couldn't use $50 service credit code. Said I needed to call somebody else to get it to work, if it can work. The guy sounded smart and sounded like he knew what he was doing, and he was in english. I love getting reps like that. Makes it so much easier.

[punchx]

So has anyone who's currently under contract tried to switch over to the SERO? I have a family fair and flexable plan but I'd save money by breaking my two lines up into two individual SERO plans.

I know this sounds like a long shot but I was wondering if anyone has tried doing this. Thanks!

Also if you were able to get into SERO as an existing under-contract sprint customer, did you get a crack at the phone discounts?

[jeastman14]

Called 8668819571 3 times and asked for SERO. Tried to play stupid because from what I understand they cater to them more they do the knowing. Wouldn't give me SERO but knocked $10 off of a $90 plan (so I'm at $80).

So now I get: 1000 anytime for 59.99, unlimited text for 8.00, insurance for 7.00, and power vision for 5.00

No Sprint to Sprint and just renewed my contract on 5/7/07 I also have a ppc6700.

Can anybody offer any insight? I know there is better out there.

Thank you for your time,
Jesse Eastman

[jumonjii]

3 times?!

Psh.....

That's hardly trying... just kidding. I would try again.

[Lapis Lazuli]

Would this possibly work? My S.O.'s contract is up, so if we buy a cheapy pre-paid phone, port his number over to the pre-paid, cancel his Sprint service (which I've read that porting does, but we'll call Sprint to make sure). Then we sign up as new customers for the SERO plan and port his phone number back to his new phone. How long would we have to wait before signing up? We definitely want to get in while unlimited text messaging is included! Any advice or suggestions? :confused:

[chucka]

FYI

my mom has had an account for 5 years with sprint and wanted to switch to sero. so what she did was sign up for the account on the sero website. then she got an email to call because they had a question about the order. they asked if she had another sprint account and she said yes, but she was going to cancel it when she got her phone. they said ok and sent it. she ordered it last thursday and received it 1 week later with a new number. this weekend we will be getting a pay as you go phone from at&t to port her old number out, and then we will port it back to her new account.

will post updates

[rotor nuts]

N/M

[Goodgyrl]

I'd give it a week after porting then sign up again.

[sideshowtodd]

why is everyone so crazy about SERO? like it's the new cocaine or something.

[Lexxous]

why is everyone so crazy about SERO? like it's the new cocaine or something.



If you happen to be fortunate enough to live/travel in a strong Sprint coverage area and Sprint carries a phone that you deem worry of carry there are no better plans on the market for ANY carrier than what Sero plans offer.
Get it while you can cuz tomorrow it may be gone!

[MidwestDrummer]

why is everyone so crazy about SERO? like it's the new cocaine or something.
Have you seen the plan, it's features, and the price? There is not a single plan offered by another carrier that can even begin to compare to the almighty SERO.

[Lapis Lazuli]

Would this possibly work? My S.O.'s contract is up, so if we buy a cheapy pre-paid phone, port his number over to the pre-paid, cancel his Sprint service (which I've read that porting does, but we'll call Sprint to make sure). Then we sign up as new customers for the SERO plan and port his phone number back to his new phone. How long would we have to wait before signing up? We definitely want to get in while unlimited text messaging is included! Any advice or suggestions? :confused:

I'd give it a week after porting then sign up again.
Goodgyrl, is this your answer to me or chucka?

If not me, anyone have any advice?

[MidwestDrummer]

I'm pretty sure she was referring to you Lapis.

[eirrom]

I'm just wondering if I should switch to a SERO plan or stay with my very good standard plan.

My Current Plan:

1000 anytime, free n&w @ 6pm, free FIMF, free 500 texts, free M2m, $10 PV TV pack + 23% work discount + 10% loyality discount = $55/mo w/ taxes.

I think my plan is pretty good, but my concern is that when it come time to renew my plan, I might not get as great a plan. Also my free items might have expiration dates, so I might lose those free items.

Should I attempt to get a SERO plan similar to mine? Will I be able to port my number over easily. I have always paid my bill on time (right from my credit card on file w/ Sprint) so no payment issues.

All help is appreciated. I keep debating this in my mind. THANKS!

[sde780]

So has anyone who's currently under contract tried to switch over to the SERO? I have a family fair and flexable plan but I'd save money by breaking my two lines up into two individual SERO plans.

I know this sounds like a long shot but I was wondering if anyone has tried doing this. Thanks!

Also if you were able to get into SERO as an existing under-contract sprint customer, did you get a crack at the phone discounts?
yes I switched a year ago when i was 2 months into my plan. took like 50 calls tho.

[sideshowtodd]

I'm just wondering if I should switch to a SERO plan or stay with my very good standard plan...

I sent an email to ecare and asked them the same question regarding my account. They told me "We currently do not offer a better family plan then the one you currently have...Our SERO plans are individual plans and do not share minutes."

slightly irrelevant because mine is a family plan.

[eirrom]

Maybe I should also try ecare and see what they say. I just do not want to rock the boat and screw up my account. I have not had any billing issues in months (knock on wood!) so not sure what to do!

[Scoobmd]

Maybe I should also try ecare and see what they say. I just do not want to rock the boat and screw up my account. I have not had any billing issues in months (knock on wood!) so not sure what to do!

I think you have a pretty good plan to begin with.
I would stick with your plan. You could try sending a note to ecare just to ask when/if your perks have an expiration date. These things are easily renewable from what I read as well.
There is no guarantee that you can get a Sero plan and if you do- then you may loose all your nice perks...

Trying for Sero should be left for someone with nothing to loose, you seem like you've got a lot to loose for little Sero gain...

[sideshowtodd]

...try sending a note to ecare just to ask when/if your perks have an expiration date. These things are easily renewable from what I read as well...
I agree. I thought it was strange when I saw that my "Loyalty Discount" had an expiration date. I called and asked if they planned on me being disloyal on that day, but the rep told me that the Loyalty Discount is reviewed and adjusted each year; nowhere to go but up. :tu:

[Scoobmd]

I called and asked if they planned on me being disloyal on that day :tu:

Good question :laughing:

[24Hr Z06]

A friend of mine was trying to switch to Sprint from Nextel and he wanted the blackberry 8830.. First they said since he was still under a contract with Nextel they wouldn't give him the SERO plan.. After some threats to cancel they gave up and gave him the SERO plan BUT they wouldn't give him a Black Berry.. They said they don't offer the SERO plan with the blackberry..

First, I think they're lying since its on the website... Yes, no?

Second.. I told him after he gets the phone to return it within the 30 days for the blackberry 8830..

Does anyone have better advice?

Btw.. Ive been a SERO Sprint member for the last 2 months and I love it.. Service has been great.. :tu:

Any help would be great..

Thanks

[PintaC]

A friend of mine was trying to switch to Sprint from Nextel and he wanted the blackberry 8830.. First they said since he was still under a contract with Nextel they wouldn't give him the SERO plan.. After some threats to cancel they gave up and gave him the SERO plan BUT they wouldn't give him a Black Berry.. They said they don't offer the SERO plan with the blackberry..

First, I think they're lying since its on the website... Yes, no?

Second.. I told him after he gets the phone to return it within the 30 days for the blackberry 8830..

Does anyone have better advice?

Btw.. Ive been a SERO Sprint member for the last 2 months and I love it.. Service has been great.. :tu:

Any help would be great..

Thanks

The Blackberry 8830 is currently on the SERO website. I have heard of people succeeded and failing when adding the BB data plan on top of the SERO plan. Here is a link to a whole thread about it:

http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138120&highlight=blackberry+sero

[JohnnyC]

I finally attempted SERO last night and receieved the SERO 1250 plan... couple things...

I know that people have been allowed to keep their NVP...I was not however...i remember when i first got that disc they had to convert my acct to a business one and changed my billing date from the 16th to the 28th..last night when i got sero they changed it to the 16th again.....can i call the business CS in a month and have them add it to the sero plan again or will they convert the acct again...and i lose the plan?? or can it convert back safely? The lady I called in employee accts was sooo nice and fast i didnt have the heart to argue with her...she was amazing!!

And the other thing I thought was super cool of her.... she did not make me resign anotehr 2 year agreement which I was fully ready to do...she said the system didn't make her do it when she finalized the SERO plan...nor did it reset my rebate...and she was like...i see no reason why if it didnt make me do it...why i should do you...i said no i do not lol.... which I thought was cool.

Nevertheless...things went smoothly...10 min later i was fully converted...and I have to say things went perfect. I verified my rebate and contract status and confirmed they didnt change...how cool. Sprint does have hope...although I have been an exceptional lucky one and never had a billing error or a single problem when calling them...i wish that same luck on to all of you guys....everyone have a good day today!! Just thought Id share this with ya.


ps and a side not...about the unlimited text...to add to the info on here that unlimited text may become a permenant part of SERO...the lady said she acknowledged the site has the date of ending on that to be 9/29...but all indicators say its gonna be a perm part of the plan...they are being advised its gonna stay that way... and she seemed to know this program inside and out!!! Go her!!

[berniez]

I finally attempted SERO last night and receieved the SERO 1250 plan... couple things...

I know that people have been allowed to keep their NVP...I was not however...i remember when i first got that disc they had to convert my acct to a business one and changed my billing date from the 16th to the 28th..last night when i got sero they changed it to the 16th again.....can i call the business CS in a month and have them add it to the sero plan again or will they convert the acct again...and i lose the plan?? or can it convert back safely? The lady I called in employee accts was sooo nice and fast i didnt have the heart to argue with her...she was amazing!!

And the other thing I thought was super cool of her.... she did not make me resign anotehr 2 year agreement which I was fully ready to do...she said the system didn't make her do it when she finalized the SERO plan...nor did it reset my rebate...and she was like...i see no reason why if it didnt make me do it...why i should do you...i said no i do not lol.... which I thought was cool.

Nevertheless...things went smoothly...10 min later i was fully converted...and I have to say things went perfect. I verified my rebate and contract status and confirmed they didnt change...how cool. Sprint does have hope...although I have been an exceptional lucky one and never had a billing error or a single problem when calling them...i wish that same luck on to all of you guys....everyone have a good day today!! Just thought Id share this with ya.


ps and a side not...about the unlimited text...to add to the info on here that unlimited text may become a permenant part of SERO...the lady said she acknowledged the site has the date of ending on that to be 9/29...but all indicators say its gonna be a perm part of the plan...they are being advised its gonna stay that way... and she seemed to know this program inside and out!!! Go her!!
What phone number did you call. Do you remember the extension or the lady's name. I am in a similar situation as you were and want to do the same thing.
Thanks
Bernie

[JohnnyC]

I called employee accts...i dont have the number handy....just do a quick search in teh search box for employee accts number and click on one of the threads ...itll be in there...and go from there!! Good Luck!!

[sideshowtodd]

Current Plan=SERO 1250 w/unlimited Power Vision,Pic n Vid Mail, text, m2m, roaming, etc included, TEP, -10% Loyalty Disc = $51.09 after taxes, IM HAPPY

I was told by a rep that if i went with the SERO plan that I would lose my 15% loyalty discount because sero is dicounted already. did they really let you keep your discount?

[PintaC]

Some people get to keep their business and loyalty discounts. It is really hit or miss. Depends on what rep you get to set up your account, etc. Another one of those Sprint inconsistencies.

[Scoobmd]

These perks/discounts may be a thing of the past.
There's another thread going on discussing the move to a new account manager program that is taking away the discounts deemed not legal by Sprint... :huh:

http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140539

[JohnnyC]

yeah i think it really is hit or miss...

this woman was very informative so she walked me through every step....

and it sounds like it comes down to how they manage to set up your account...there must be more than one way to do it and the way she did mine determined that she couldn't keep it on....and the way she explained it was that its not supposed to remain on there....so the way she did it was the correct way which means if u got the disc for nvp...ur lucky..

but yes i too have heard many places that anyone on sero with an NVP should expect to lose it in the next several months if they want to remain on sero.

either way for me...it results in my bill not being too much different than it was price was but i def. get more for the dollar....

does anyone suppose i could call business cs up in a month or so and try to have it re added (the nvp) again ??

If they left my loyalty discount on there then i dont really care....not to worried about the nvp and im not that greedy and im already pretty happy....

not to mention she didnt make me sign a new 2 year or reset my rebate....so i really can't complain!!

[KTorak]

I was looking into getting a cheap Sero plan for myself, however there is a little thing on the homepage (after logging in) that says free unlimited texting is only valid until the 29 of Sept. But once you add the plan to your cart, it expects you to add texting to it and pay for it. Is this one of those "call Sprint and say its not activated properly" like with the free picture mail or what?

[SuperG]

I was looking into getting a cheap Sero plan for myself, however there is a little thing on the homepage (after logging in) that says free unlimited texting is only valid until the 29 of Sept. But once you add the plan to your cart, it expects you to add texting to it and pay for it. Is this one of those "call Sprint and say its not activated properly" like with the free picture mail or what?

Essentially yes, you will have to call in if you order it on the website to get the unlimited text added. You could also email ecare instead. Or finally, you could call in to the number to place the order and make sure it is right from the start. Good Luck and let us know how it goes...

SuperG03

[eherberg]

Essentially yes, you will have to call in if you order it on the website to get the unlimited text added. You could also email ecare instead. Or finally, you could call in to the number to place the order and make sure it is right from the start. Good Luck and let us know how it goes...

SuperG03

I ordered off the website - and my phone arrived without activation. It took calling to 3 different numbers - but when I got my account activated, the unlimited text was already on my account, no asking about it required. Of course it took another 3 calls to get my number finally ported over ... :-)

We tried to call the number and place another order for my wife -- but when we got to the last part of the order where the rep asked for the specific employee's email, he would not take anything other than a legitimate employee email.

So - we've gone through the website again to order my wife's phone/plan. Hoping it comes out the same way again ...

[Mbrahv0528]

Hey guys first time poster, long time Lurker.

I have a few questions though. I called into Customer service via our dealer number (I work for an indirect Sprint dealer) and asked about Sero and if I could possibly be put onto the plan, the lady I spoke with said "of course" and we talked awhile about getting me set up on the plan. However, I wasn't ready to sign up just yet and had her notate my account for future references in case I had any problems with CSR's changing me over to SERO. Unfortunately I called in again a few days later and was told by a different rep that should couldn't set me up over the phone and that I would have to do it through the website (even though my account is notated to be switched to a sero 500 plan). A second call to a different rep achieved the same result.

I'm fine with this, I just have a few concerns.

1. I'm not currently under contract with my line (as of sometime in 05') but, I share minutes with my mom on a F&F family plan, but was assured that I could change my plan into a Sero one with a TOL (even after upgrading my phone/signing new 2 year).

2. I am upgrade eligible and was told by the last CSR I spoke with to upgrade my phone on this line before I switch to Sero so I don't lose my upgrade status or simply not be eligible at all (via the 34.99 upgrade limit). However this would require me to sign a new 2 year agreement and I'm unsure of how that would affect my line and it's status and #portability.

3. My moms' fiancee and her decided they want to cancel his contract with verizon and join our existing F&F family plan and possibly keeping his Phone # (although it is not a necessity), does his porting the number affect the situation at all (last CSR I spoke with told me to have us Add a line and have him get a new phone and number, but I forget why he told me to go about it that way)

4. As an indirect dealer, we do not have "Sprint" employee addresses, but our own company Email addresses, so I do not know if I should use the generic Email floating around in this thread or if there is someone I can call (i.e indirect sails rep possibly?).
*EDIT* I called our indirect dealer and all he could was give me his sprint Email address and said that he couldn't actually set me up on the plan, but to feel free and use his email.*

5. I absolutely do not want to lose my phone number.


Now my actual question is, what is the best way to go about all of what I want to accomplish (Upgrading my phone, then getting onto Sero and getting my moms' fiancee onto the plan without any hitches)?

The last CSR I spoke with explained to me that I should first; upgrade my phone, then add the third line and bring my moms' fiancee onto the account and then do a TOL for myself to my own line.

I asked him I couldn't just add the line, don't do a TOL, but then change my line into a SERO account (and possibly a chance at my moms 23% corporate discount)? He didn't know the answer for sure.

I know this is long, but any help is much appreciated, thanks guys.

[Krayoni]

Is there any direct numbers that will get me through to sprint.

[XxD]

Go to the SERO site, log in with tristan.kime@sprint.com
Then it is in a gray box on the right side of the screen:

Your SERO Private Store Discounts

Purchase a new device and service plan through this SERO site and save!

* You'll find special discounts on many devices
* Select from three SERO voice plans starting at only $30/month
* Unlimited data services included with all plans
* Unlimited text messaging included with all plans through 9/29/07
* Unlimited Mobile Broadband service for only $49.99/month

Can anyone use this email?

[Scoobmd]

Can anyone use this email?
I believe so he/she posted it on the Sprint Buzz website a few months ago for people to use in order to get Sero.
I bet they get a little commission or something...

[Krayoni]

so i guess sprint isn't giving this out to existing customers anymore....i feel juped..i talked 2 3 reps last night and no luck!

[AzTater]

Krayoni: Have you tried emailing them and giving them an employee email address and asking for the SERO plan? Tell them you are willing to renew your contract but that you wanted to change your plan to the SERO plan. It worked for me. When I was with Sprint.

[MidwestDrummer]

so i guess sprint isn't giving this out to existing customers anymore....i feel juped..i talked 2 3 reps last night and no luck!
So, are you saying that you just missed these requirements, which are clearly listed on the main SERO page (and have been listed there for quite some time).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/TampaBayDrummer/SEROeligibility.jpg

[Krayoni]

^^^ yeah...i just noticed that recently..i don't live on the sero site..but i'm still on a bizness account so i'm cool for now!

[datapusher]

I was successful at Getting Sero today.

You have to be persistent. I started calling at 9am and it's 3:30 now.

I was transferred all around, hung up on. Transferred to wrong numbers all over.

I tried talking to retentions. I talked to them not threatening to cancel, but explaining how frustrated I was with problems that were ongoing with my account. Issues that had been resolved and then reopened. I explained that I wanted to sty with Sprint, but I wanted more to be on Sero. They said they would do Sero and then transferred me to a vacuum cleaner company. Could have been an honest mistake. the vacuum cleaner guy says it happens all the time. my guess, it was an honest mistake.

Then I called x2. About 15 times. Each person told me a different thing. Some would put me on hold and then hang up on me. Everyone would either lie about something, transfer me to the wrong dept or tell me I HAD to use the Internet.

I called back saying that someone was setting me up for SERO, but i was disconnected. So she was very helpful and I told her how I had been transferred all over and she said she would have to put me on hold, but she would keep checking in on me. She did. She got a hold of what she called the specialty plans department.

This is where I was in. I was on hold for 30 minutes. their systems were down so they couldn't confirm anything. So i had her add a note to my account that Sero was going to be added to my account, but the system was down. Bingo. Now I wait.

I call x2 later and tell them I needed to complete my order. They said they needed a sprint email. i made one up. it worked, so they obviously didn't check. She set my current plan to expire on it's billing cycle and switch over to the $50 Sero plan then. then when I asked her to confirm i got free unlimited texts she put me on hold and Retentions picked up.

That's weird. i asked them to confirm that I was going to switch to Sero when my billing cycle restarted and they did. Then to be sure, because sprint has a way of messing things up, I called x2 and asked them to tell me what plan I had and what was going to be happeneing soon. They confirmed everything I mentioned above.

However, they claim not to be able to give me free unlimited texting and that that is a web only special.

And when i asked if I could get a deal on the Mogul, the best they could do was $300 after rebates.

I am thinking they could do better and that the text is available.

Morel of the story, don't give up. With a kid on the way, I can definitely use the $$$ I will save on my monthly bill. So my time was worth it today.

Oh yeah, they swore up and down that I could keep my number as I have had it for 7 years now. But we'll see.

Now to get a good deal on a phone and unlimeted texting...

[jumonjii]

ecare for the texting.

The promotional offer runs until Novemember

#C SERO SMS UNL $0

Tell them about your ordeal and that the rep couldn't confirm because the system was down.

[datapusher]

ecare for the texting.

The promotional offer runs until Novemember

#C SERO SMS UNL $0

Tell them about your ordeal and that the rep couldn't confirm because the system was down.

It was an ordeal, but at least I have the plan. Basically I was looking at going to Verizon so i could talk to family for free, but this is a little over half what I would pay there. So worth it when you're looking at tightening the belt.

So, I should tell ecare the code? or just what happened and that I was supposed to get unlimited texting anjd didn't.

[Foneman]

I read in another thread that Sprint is running free text on the SERO through September, but when I got mine a few months back, they said that the free texting was no longer in effect, so I've been paying $5 for 300 texts.

Any thoughts?

[SempreGatto]

Has anyone noticed the hidden .PDF file on the home page. One thing that caught my eye that it says that the data plans are $29.99 but they still didnt change the price on the SERO page.

Link to the PDF
btw look at the pic

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6667/serohiddenpdfpj1.th.jpg (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=serohiddenpdfpj1.jpg)


what exactly is in the hidden PDF?

[jumonjii]

It was an ordeal, but at least I have the plan. Basically I was looking at going to Verizon so i could talk to family for free, but this is a little over half what I would pay there. So worth it when you're looking at tightening the belt.

So, I should tell ecare the code? or just what happened and that I was supposed to get unlimited texting anjd didn't.


I would tell them the code and that the rep couldn't add it because their system was down.

As for talking to family for free, there is a way...sort of.

Using sprint to home and grandcentral.com, You could set it up so certain incoming calls (from grandcentral) are free.

There are a couple threads dedicated to this.

[jumonjii]

what exactly is in the hidden PDF?

It's in the source code still. Their web guy just commented it out.

The pdf file listed the data plan for $29.99 per month.

I think I checked it a feww weeks back and it no longer says that.

[dadaR6]

This is the link:
http://a676.g.akamaitech.net/f/676/773/60m/images.delivery.net/cm50content/1529/sero_redesign/SERO_details.pdf

[Scoobmd]

I read in another thread that Sprint is running free text on the SERO through September, but when I got mine a few months back, they said that the free texting was no longer in effect, so I've been paying $5 for 300 texts.

Any thoughts?
Why don't you call CS or send ecare an email and see if they can add it.
When the free text promo started, a lot of current Sero users were able to get the text promo added without much problems.
There's a thread somewhere if you want to search for it...

[Celsius]

i cant log into the sero website is that tristan.kime addy any good. Because i wanted to get that unlimited text that ends today. Or does it go on till next month. It says the page requires authorization.

[Scoobmd]

i cant log into the sero website is that tristan.kime addy any good. Because i wanted to get that unlimited text that ends today. Or does it go on till next month. It says the page requires authorization.

tristan.kime@sprint.com just worked for me and once you get in, on the left hand side, you'll see this:
Unlimited text messaging included with all plans through 9/29/07

so enjoy