Avoiding the Early Termination Fee

About two weeks ago I decided to say goodbye to Alltel and pony up the $200 termination fee to rid myself of an expensive commitment (smart phone cell plan). I called the company to end the contract and was transferred over to a very nice young man by the name of Joseph. Joseph did his best to convince me not to end the contact. When he realized that wasn't going to work he pointed me in a different direction, one that I didn't know existed. He informed me that I could find someone to take over the existing contract, thus relieving myself of the monthly expense and circumventing the $200 termination fee.

I immediately placed (free) ads on a local site and craigslist. It didn't take long before I found someone willing to accept this exchange. So, long story short, as of yesterday I am out of the contract for no extra fees!

I still have the second line on the Alltel account. It would have been an additional $200 to terminate that line also. Since that contract expires at the beginning of December it is simply cheaper for me to continue that plan for another month and then cancel it for no cost. I dropped it to the lowest plan available and will say goodbye to Alltel for good come December.

It was surprisingly easily to transfer the phone line. I guess they're just happy that they'll be socking someone else for the ridiculous amount I was paying. I have purchased my new Net10 Phone (package deal of $25 for the phone, a case, headset, and car charger + 300 free minutes at W***mart) and feel a bit lighter knowing that this monthy cell phone bill will soon be gone. A big thanks to Joseph for showing me a no cost way of eliminating this expense!