$40 One Time Device Handling fee

[Aptic]

So I am confused.  I went in to a Bell store to buy a new phone - outright - and the rep refused to sell me one without a new plan attached to the phone.  I told him I have a BYOD plan with Bell and don't need to change my plan.  After some discussion and listening to his sales pitch, he finally agreed and wanted to charge me for the price of the phone, plus a one-time device handling charge ($40).  What is that?  Since I am buying the phone outright there is no processing work for Bell; did it cost $40 for him to walk into the back room and bring the phone to me?  Anyway, I refused and walked across to the Apple Store and bought the same phone without the extra $40.  

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

Good Day.

The Bell $40 one-time device handling fee is a charge applied when purchasing or upgrading a phone. Bell introduced it to cover the fulfillment and order-processing costs for new devices. It is applied to orders placed in-store, online, or by phone.

The implementation of this charge is currently being discussed with Bell & the CRTC.

Take care.

[Aptic]

Sure.