Can I get a new plan, get a discount new phone and sell it? (Verizon, activate)

[jobaba]

It's pretty simple.

I want to sign up for a new 2-year plan, get a new phone at a discount, then switch back to my current phone which I like, and sell the brand spanking new (or 1 day used) phone on eBay.

Can I do this with Verizon, or will the phone be locked in to me? Is it legal and doable?

If I can do it, does the phone need to be opened and activated?

I have seen on eBay that people appear to be doing just that, but I want to make sure it is legit.

[Skunk Workz]

Yep, as long as you keep the plan then you can. I believe you will have to activate the phone though.