Most smartphone users settle for a traditional mobile phone contract not knowing that it’s rarely the best option. Some mobile service providers offer low upfront costs but are actually breaking value in the long term.
Be a wise user and find the best mobile deals for your usage by following these tips.
1. Remember that not all contracts are economical
There are many traditional mobile contracts that offer deals which bundle the cost of a handset with a monthly payment for a certain service. This is the default way many users pay for their smartphone but, unfortunately, the cost of this is often inflated.
If you want a good mobile deal, consider first whether signing a contract is right for you. For instance, you may be better off buying the phone on your own than pairing it with a seemingly inexpensive mobile plan.
Once your mobile phone contract is nearing its end, your service provider will start to hound you to get an upgrade. They’ll try every trick in the book to convince you to lock into a new contract. Avoid the upgrade trap and don’t get lured by the ‘hassle-free’ upgrade process and the promise of a ‘great deal.’
It doesn’t mean that you can’t get a competitive offer from your current service provider. Keep your options open and see what else is out there from other service providers to get the best of the best deals.
3. Don’t get swayed by generous allowances
It’s easy to fall for service providers that offer large allowances. However, is it really something you’ll use or need? You may be paying for 7GB of data or unlimited minutes that you don’t actually consume.
Review your past mobile phone usage to evaluate whether a generous allowance would be useful to you.
4. Contact your service provider when your contract ends
Once your contract with your service provider reaches its end, keep in mind that payments won’t stop automatically. You may find out that your contract upturns and that you’re still paying for a phone which you should already own.
Now that you’re free to leave your contract, contact a mobile service provider if you plan to make a switch, or else, you’ll keep getting charges.
5. Assess whether you need the latest handset
Don’t easily get sucked in by the hype, and evaluate whether you really need a new phone when you are offered one. There are many options out there and the latest phone that your service provider is offering may not be a cost-effective choice.
Before you decide to get a new handset, consider the following:
* Go for an older version or a refurbished model that can be had at a much lower price.
* Check review sites that offer an in-depth phone buying guide.
* Take advantage of different apps that can improve your phone’s performance.
6. Check the signal in your area
Service providers have different coverages, so make sure to get an idea of the network’s signal strength in your area. You can ask your family and friends about which network has the best signal in your place. For a more accurate assessment, try buying a SIM card from the network you’re considering, then test it before making a commitment.
You may be able to get some extra savings through cashback on mobile deals. However, you should watch out for the catch and never think of this as something guaranteed. Normally, service providers offer three types of cashback which include:
Automatic Cashback – These deals are done via resellers where you get a check automatically within several months without the need to claim it personally. Though usually, these deals may not offer a big discount and can also be part automatic, part manual cashback.
Cashback Thru Cashback Sites – You can sometimes beat deals with some powerhouse offers thru dedicated cashback websites. But still, don’t think of this cashback as something guaranteed.
Redemption Cashback – These are deals through reseller sites that have the biggest discounts. You’ll have to send off your bills at specific points throughout your contract and receive payments in installments. Missing out on one may cause you to lose out.
The tips above are designed to serve as a guide to help you successfully navigate through the sticky world of mobile phone contracts. To ensure you won’t get sucked into availing of something that you don’t need, always take the time to evaluate all the flashy deals offered to you.
AUTHOR BIO
Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain, a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.
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