Mobile phone providers probably have the best marketing teams out there. They’ll use every technique to get you to sign the dotted line on an expensive two-year contract. Well, it may be a good deal, but there’s always room for better. A few tips can help you say good bye to debt with better value for money on your mobile deal.
Shop Around
If your contract is coming to an end, you have an opportunity to shop around and even change carriers penalty free. When shopping around, leverage various sources to get the best deals. Don’t stick to carrier websites. Check retail locations in your areas and read through flyers. Comparison sites can also be valuable sources for great deals.
Don’t Just Settle For the Cheapest Deal
Cheap is expensive may be a cliché phrase, but one that has plenty of truth in it. If a deal seems too good, read the fine print. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest offer, but plenty of things could go wrong. For instance, the charges for going off-tariff could be over the roof which can add to a massive bill especially if you’re an international student or frequent overseas traveller. It’s crucial to look at how many minutes and data you actually use in order to get the best deal. The last thing you need is to pay through the nose for something you don’t really need.
Consider a SIM-Only Contract
If you already have a decent phone and you’re not too keen on upgrading to the latest gadget in the market, a SIM-only deal could save you plenty. As you won’t be paying for the phone on your contract, you can get some serious savings with a SIM-only deal. Once your contract lapses, you may opt to keep your phone and switch to a SIM-only deal. Alternatively, you can change carriers, get a good phone at an online store, and find the best deal for a SIM-only contract.
Negotiate
Negotiating for a better deal is all about getting the perfect haggling technique. Rarely will your carrier be ready to let you go, so the chances of getting a better deal through negotiation are relatively high. You’re in an even better position to get more minutes, data, texts, cut your phone charges or even score a handset upgrade if your contract is about to end. It helps to be armed with comparable deals from other providers.
Don’t Be Afraid To Go With a Smaller Company
The mobile phone industry is filled with big players, but don’t be afraid to try a smaller network. There’s nothing wrong with a smaller network as long as they can guarantee good network coverage and deliver on promised internet speeds. You may want to check the network coverage on their website just to confirm that the phone will work in your area. Smaller companies often have great contract deals with the added benefit of not getting locked into a long term contract. The secret is to do thorough research and work out what’s best for you.
Watch Out For Special Deals
Most mobile providers will have special deals that they offer to loyal customers such as reduced fees for renewing a contract. Phone shops will also offer incentives such as bonuses and gift cards for phone contracts bought during festive holidays or within mentioned periods. The gift cards can be used for shopping hence saving you some cash. Many employers will also have arrangements with mobile phone providers for discounts on their employee’s plans. So, it pays to check with your employer if they have such an arrangement and point it out when negotiation for a better deal.
Don’t Neglect Prepaid Phones
There’s so much focus on contract phones that it’s easy to overlook prepaid phones when shopping around and comparing options. You will be surprised that prepaid phones have very competitive pricing structures and many of them are directly linked to larger providers. Check out and compare prepaid offers available on online stores then research the providers before settling for an offer. Many people have saved by getting a reliable prepaid phone that matches their needs at much lower rates, and without having to commit to a contract.