What Is The Difference Between Verizon Store Vs. Verizon Authorized Retailer? (Detailed Guide)

I’ve previously visited both a Verizon store and a Verizon-authorized retailer to get my phone plans in order.

My usual store was an authorized retailer, and they were the ones who directed me to the nearest Verizon store when they couldn’t fix the problem I was having.

I’ve always wondered why Verizon has two types of stores and what the distinction between a regular store and an authorized retailer is.

I went online and combed through Verizon’s website to find out. I also visited some user forums to gain a better understanding of the nuances.

I wrote this article based on my research to help you understand what a regular Verizon store is and how it differs from an authorized retailer.

The distinction between a Verizon store and a Verizon Authorized retailer is that Verizon stores are owned by Verizon, whereas authorized retailers are owned by third parties under license from Verizon.

Troubleshooting: Issues on Verizon Store Vs. Verizon Authorized Retailer

Issue	Solution
Ownership	Verizon stores are owned and operated by Verizon, while authorized retailers are independently owned businesses that are authorized to sell Verizon products and services.
Return Policy	Verizon stores have a standardized return policy, while authorized retailers may have their own return policies.
Warranty	Verizon stores can offer Verizon’s standard warranty on products sold, while authorized retailers may offer their own warranty or no warranty at all.
Knowledge	Verizon employees are typically more knowledgeable about Verizon products and services than authorized retailer employees.
Pricing	Verizon stores typically offer the same prices as authorized retailers, but there may be some exceptions.

CORPORATE VERIZON STORES

A corporate Verizon store, also known as a regular Verizon store, is owned and operated by Verizon. These stores are specifically for Verizon, and Verizon works with them to provide you with the best possible experience.

Verizon also hires its own employees in order to have more control over the store’s staff. Verizon receives all of the store’s profits, and as a result, the company will be held accountable for everything that occurs in the store.

Returns and warranty claims are simpler to make at a corporate store because their return policy is consistent across the country.

AUTHORIZED VERIZON RETAILER

An authorized Verizon retailer is a privately owned business that has been granted the right to sell Verizon products and services. These stores are not owned by Verizon, but rather by an individual or a group of individuals who employ their own staff.

The owners can earn a sizable commission on all sales made in the store. In exchange for the store’s profit margin on sales, Verizon also pays the maintenance fee and co-accruals on all customers.

The owners have more freedom to run the business and the store as they see fit, but because they are working on behalf of Verizon, they must adhere to a set of terms and conditions.

Verizon also handles all billing and collection of your monthly subscription fees, as well as the activation of new accounts with the assistance of the authorized store where you set up the plan.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VERIZON STORE VS VERIZON AUTHORIZED RETAILER?

There are a number of distinctions between a Verizon store and a Verizon authorized retailer. Verizon stores are entirely owned by Verizon, whereas authorized retailers are privately owned by individuals who are authorized to sell Verizon products.

Another distinction is the return policy. All Verizon-owned stores have the same return policy. Any wireless device or accessory can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a $50 restocking fee.

This is true for every Verizon store in the country (excluding Hawaii). Authorized retailers are free to set their own return policies.

Most stores only allow you 14 days to return a device, but this varies by store. If you are returning a device to an authorized retailer, you must first visit their website and read their return policy.

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DO THEY LOOK DIFFERENT?

All authorized retailers must display a Verizon banner in front of their establishment. As a result, both stores appear similar from the outside, and it would be difficult to tell which one was which.

It’s difficult to tell the difference between the two unless you go to their official store locator and look at their map.

WHO OWNS THE STORES?

An authorized service retailer is owned by an individual business owner. Rent and employee costs will be borne by the owner.

The owner enters into an agreement with Verizon that allows them to sell Verizon-branded products while adhering to a set of terms and conditions.

The owners will be able to be their own bosses, but Verizon will have some control. Verizon corporate stores, on the other hand, are entirely owned by the company.

They are in charge of the entire store, including the land it sits on. They employ people and direct complaints and support tickets to their support department.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING FROM A VERIZON CORPORATE STORE

There are numerous advantages to both types of stores, but we will focus on the advantages of a corporate store here. You can return your device to any Verizon corporate store because the return policy is consistent.

This is especially important if you have already relocated but wish to return your Verizon equipment. Return the equipment to your local Verizon corporate store, which you can find using the store locator.

You can also choose an extended warranty, which is only available at the corporate store. They also provide you with additional benefits such as increased data caps on your phone or discounts only available at corporate stores.

Another benefit is that Verizon will resolve your issues as soon as possible. Because these stores are owned by Verizon, troubleshooting and repairs can be completed much more quickly.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING FROM AN AUTHORIZED VERIZON RETAILER

Purchasing from an authorized retailer has additional benefits. Because these stores are locally owned, there is a chance that you and the store will develop a better customer relationship.

The majority of Verizon stores will be authorized retailers. There would be far too few places for you to buy or have your Verizon products serviced if authorized retailers did not exist.

Furthermore, in some cases, retailers may provide insurance or financing options that corporate stores cannot. Verizon allows smaller businesses to sell their products because they want to expand their reach across the country.

RETURN AND WARRANTY POLICIES

Return and warranty policies are consistent across the country at corporate stores. Verizon has a 30-day return policy and allows you to extend the warranty on your device as corporate stores.

However, most authorized retailers have a 14-day return policy and may not offer warranty extensions.

Both types of stores are tailored to different people and their needs, so make sure you know what you want from a Verizon store before choosing between a corporate store and an authorized retailer.

CONCLUSION

Verizon gives you the option of choosing between store types, but it may be unclear to some why they do so. I’d recommend getting a new connection or a new phone contract from a corporate store.

Because they are run by Verizon, they can provide you with more information about the contract terms if you request it. To purchase a new device or upgrade your plan, visit an authorized retailer.

To learn more about each Verizon-authorized retailer’s specific offerings, go to their website. You can also learn more about the terms and conditions of Verizon corporate stores by visiting the official Verizon website.

On the official website, there is also a map that you can use to find your nearest stockist or to determine which stores near you are corporate stores and which are authorized retailers.

It’s important to know who you’re buying from, but even more important is that you fully understand the terms and conditions of your contract.

Whichever option you select, you should expect to benefit from high-quality wireless services and products. But, as we all know, technology can fail at any time, so knowing who to contact in the event of a problem with your product or a service outage is critical.

And that you understand whether the cost of repairs or replacement is your responsibility or that of the store.

Make sure you understand this and are satisfied with the price you’re paying, and there should be no reason for you to be concerned about whether to go with a Verizon corporate store or an authorized retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Who owns Verizon stores?	Verizon stores are owned and operated by Verizon.
Who owns Verizon authorized retailers?	Verizon authorized retailers are owned by private individuals or businesses.
What is the difference in return policies between Verizon stores and authorized retailers?	Verizon stores have a standardized return policy, while authorized retailers may have their own policies.
What is the difference in customer service between Verizon stores and authorized retailers?	Verizon stores are staffed by Verizon employees who are trained in Verizon products and services. Authorized retailers may be staffed by employees who are not as familiar with Verizon products and services.
What are the pros and cons of buying from a Verizon store?	Pros: You can be sure that the products you buy are genuine Verizon products. You will also have access to Verizon’s customer service if you need help. Cons: Verizon stores may be more expensive than authorized retailers.
What are the pros and cons of buying from a Verizon authorized retailer?	Pros: You may be able to find better deals on products and services at authorized retailers. You may also have more options to choose from, as there are more authorized retailers than Verizon stores. Cons: You may not have access to the same level of customer service as you would at a Verizon store.

References:

• What is the Difference Between Verizon and Verizon Authorized Retailer …
• What is a Verizon Corporate Store? Explained – World-Wire 
• Difference Between Verizon and Authorized Verizon Retailer – Speaker Form 
• Verizon Store Vs Authorized Retailer – ElectronicsHub