HOWTO: Buy a New Cellphone
Here's our tricked-out version of a Dealhack guide to buying a new cell phone.
1. Figure out what you need before you start shopping.
How big do you want the hole in your head to be?
2. Find the right phone.
Does it shoot starbrite pony lasers?
3. Consider the network technology.
Can I hack my microwaved pancakes with it?
4. Look at the service providers.
Which of these suitors would I feel most comfortable with raping me once a month?
5. Whenever possible, test before you buy.
Nothing like a good dry hump.
6. Save big by signing up for new service.
The first hit is always free.
7. Buy through a third-party merchant.
Benefit from the the path trod by the suckers who came before.
8. Look for "free after rebate" deals.
What? Did someone say free masticating?
9. Consider canceling an existing plan to upgrade.
Especially if you find being fined a couple of Grant notes titillating.
10. Return the phone if it doesn't work for you.
Whoop that trick! Kick it to the curb and stompity stomp stomp.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Cell Phone, Plan and Deal [Dealhack]
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Comments:
5. Whenever possible, test before you buy.
Make sure to use the phone in all the spots you frequent because the coverage map on their website is actually just a big coffee stain on a piece of paper that some engineer posted as a joke...but I'm not bitter...really...I'm ok.
Someday a law will pass that requires wireless phone companies to disclose their true coverage maps. All the carriers know the specific boundaries of their networks (they have independent testing by companies like LCC International) but they hid these maps and instead try to confuse you into buying their products with celebrity endorsements and stupid slogans. Where you at?
Adam writes:
Hi gang- I read the site fairly religiously, but this time I felt compelled to chime in. As you can probably tell from my e-mail address [ed. cingular.com], I work for a major wireless provider. Needless to say, I deal with folks who are shopping around quite a bit. The advice to buy through 3rd party vendors I have to disagree with. There are some reputable companies out there, but there are others that will nail you hard, especially online. Websites like Wirefly.com and Inphonic.com are two of the worst. They offer the world but deliver nothing. There are literally thousands of complaints on file with the BBB about these guys...here's the link to a recent report.
http://www.dc.bbb.org/report.html?national=Y&compid=230041...
In short, there may be some good potential buys out there, but it really boils down to knowing the company that you're doing business with and understanding the risks that you're taking. Just thought I should throw that out there. The advice overall is pretty solid, but I think that one bit needs some qualification.
Cheers,
Adam
P.S. Thanks for the great website!
I disagree with buying from third party vendors. If I have an issue in the future, does Best Buy give a crap if I keep my service? No. The provider is going to want me to keep my service, but If I show up there with a Best Buy reciept, they will be less likely to help. Plus best Buy will try and get you to buy the extended warranty, that only covers certain occurances, even though the manufacturer only gives a 1 year warranty. I always tell people to go straight to the source when buying a phone. But if you want to cut corners to save a few bucks, you'll end up paying for it in the end, and taking it there too while you're at it.