Why can't we buy newer carrier phones on Amazon?

[libra89]

Looking at Amazon, I have noticed that any of the Windows phones released this year (the 435, 735, 640, 640 XL) do not have their carrier versions available to buy on Amazon. You can only buy the international versions.

It's strange because that is part of the reason why the 520/521 was a hit, IMO. You can buy it on Amazon, walk into a carrier store and sign up for service (which is something that I have done).

Does anyone have any guesses why this is? Do you think this will be a regular thing for future Windows phones that come out?

 

[xrs22]

I did when the 928 came out, bought through Newegg.com and did the service over the phone. Plus it was cheaper than the retail store. Usually we go through Costco because they are cheaper too and you get extra items with it. But sadly there aren't any windows phones at Costco do to the pushing of all android and iPhones, go figure right. The local Verizon store I go to, the sales rep already knows I'm a windows phone guy. Sadly only the 735 is the only representative there, which looks like the 928 in my opinion.

 

[libra89]

I did when the 928 came out, bought through Newegg.com and did the service over the phone. Plus it was cheaper than the retail store. Usually we go through Costco because they are cheaper too and you get extra items with it. But sadly there aren't any windows phones at Costco do to the pushing of all android and iPhones, go figure right. The local Verizon store I go to, the sales rep already knows I'm a windows phone guy. Sadly only the 735 is the only representative there, which looks like the 928 in my opinion.

Your reply brings another point that I completely forgot about. Aside from Amazon, I don;t get why online vendors, such as Newegg, B&H Photo Video, etc also can't either. I remember seeing the carrier variants of the 520/521 on sites like that. It makes me wonder what changed.

 

[xrs22]

I still check all those sites but I'm up to speed on the windows stuff and where they're headed to.