How do I go about buying a new cell phone from outside my provider's store?

I've seen people buying cell phones on ebay and other stores outside of the wireless service's store. But i wonder, how does it work once you get it. Can you buy a phone on ebay and take it to your local wireless provider's store, and they'll activate it with your old cell number? Can they just transfer over your old plan you want to keep onto your new phone?

Or is the only way i can get a new phone (with Verizon Wireless service) is through their retail store or on their site?

Thanks.

You can buy a phone from eBay, Amazon, or whatever.

As long as you provide your own equipment for activation there are NO activation fees or any other kind of fee.

Just make sure the phone is not on a lost or stolen list by calling Verizon and confirming with them it's not.

Verizon Customer Service #: 1 800 922 0204

The ESN or MEID number is what you want. Ask the seller for it.

It can be activated with your old number. It can be on your old plan too! It won't even extend your contract.

The above is IF AND ONLY IF you provide your own equipment, not buying directly from Verizon.