Looks like there's yet another charge Sprint lets its retail stores charge you that is totally unnecessary.

In-store, Sprint will charge you a $36 activation fee if you get a new plan. If you call up Sprint, however, and request it, they will waive this charge.

Here's a recording (1:23) reader Tedonion made of a Sprint rep revealing the unnecessary fee.

Moral of the story seems to be to never purchase Sprint products inside a Sprint store. Go straight to source and order online or over the phone.

P.S. Love the slew of phone calls you guys are sending in. Keep 'em coming!