Thanks for your input .... I wish NewEgg would CLEARLY document the ATT upgrade process for customers, spelling out these issues, i.e.
1. Call ATT to verify upgrade eligibility
2. You wont (or will) be responsible for activation, etc. etc.
When you go through their checkout process, they don't spell out these issues BEFORE one clicks on "I accept the contract".
Bottom line - the policy needs to be clearly documented so that there is no ambiguity about various charges, etc.
Update: Newegg seems to be charging activation fees (its an ATT requirement) on existing lines, which humbly makes no sense to me.
Here is my chat with Newegg, which helps:
Please wait while we connect you to a Newegg representative.
Thank you for contacting Newegg. My name is Stephen. How may I assist you today?
Dan: Hi! I have some ATT cell phone upgrade questions
Stephen: No problem.
Dan: I want to upgrade 3 phones on a family plan and add 1 more line for a total of 4 (I am upgrade eligible per ATT)
Dan: Unfortunately, your ATT upgrade process is not clearly documented
Dan: When I tried to do this on newegg.com, it wants me to pay for activation fee for 4 lines
Dan: It took me to a "I accept" the contract, without clearly explaining what charges will be accrued or not
Stephen: Unfortunately, it is correct in that you will have to pay $18 per line for activation if you choose to upgrade your family plan through us. If this is a concern for you, you do have the option to contact AT&T directly for your upgrade. We apologize for the confusion.
Dan: hmmm .... why does one have to pay for activation if it is just an upgrade, I have never heard that one before?
Dan: I can understand if its a new line
Stephen: It is not just an upgrade, it is a 2 year extention to your current plan. That process includes activation per line that we cannot waive.
Dan: so is that Newegg specific?
Stephen: Yes, that is correct.
Dan: oh ok, thanks for the info
Dan: So its just a premium not an activation charge from ATT - it should be marked as such, because it seems misleading
Stephen: It actually is an activation charge from AT&T and it is stated as an activation fee.
Dan: hmmm but you just said it was newegg specific? no?
Stephen: They are activation fees that are charged on our site. If you have found another site or claim AT&T can waive your activation fee, you may want to contact AT&T for more details.
Dan: ok, thanks for your help!
Stephen: Do you have any other questions, or is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Dan: thats all ...thanks!!!