Thanks below; I'm not a business user but I have 5 lines, 4 of them smartphones...I'm hoping to get a little break when I do upgrade. Seems ridiculous to have to pay them a fee just to buy something.

Since the upgrade fee started last year, I have never seen the fee waived without very specific system issues. I have seen people upset, scream, yell , and even cry because they could not get around them. I have seen people get demoted and fired for discounting the fee. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who will even think about it.

If you go to a corporate store there is no way it will be waived and they will not do anything to offset the cost. There is so much pressure to not discount things from upper management it is crazy.

Good Luck.

Not entirely correct. A rep can't simply waive the upgrade fee without supervisor approval. Here's what you do: Have the rep start the upgrade, make sure it's multiple lines because a single line upgrade won't get it done. Make sure you add additional accessories to the order (case, screen protectors, earbuds, car chargers, etc), at least one accessory per line being upgraded. That'll grease the wheels for later. Ask the rep to give you a final total and to explain each part, which is when they advise of the $30 upgrade fee. Then complain, not loudly or in a hostile way, just say something like "Hey, c'mon, I'm upgrading a bunch of phones here, can't you help me out?" Give the rep a chance to get permission. If their supervisor says...
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verizon will not waive the fees...period. Businesses only. AT&T waive them left and friggin right. AT&T and Verizon are side by side by service coverage...But AT&T customer service hands down is way way waayyyy better...and I am a Sprint customer. I work for AT&T tho.