When buying a cell phone, many people are still very much in the dark. It seems hard to believe in the cell phone crazy world that we live in today, but it is true. Buying a cell phone can be stressful with all the questions and ins and outs of cell phone plans even for the most experienced cell phone user. With that said, here are five questions that you must ask every time you buy a cell phone:
1. Do I pay extra for anything? This is without a doubt a must. If you do not ask, then they will often not tell you. Texting, video, audio, Internet usage, ring tones, games, and all the other cell phone features you sometimes get with a phone are often not free. Ask about each and every one of them. As a matter of fact, get it in writing. (It should be in your contract)
2. Who fixes the phone when it is broken, and who pays for it? This is another cell phone question that will often be avoided. They often offer an extended service plan, and it is one of the few that is actually recommended in most cases. A cell phone will usually have some type of issues, and the extended plan can save you a ton of money with most companies.
3. If I break my contract, what will it cost me? Contracts are a necessary evil in the cell phone world, and you should know what you are committed to and for how long. When problems arise, you need to know what a broken contract could cost you. You do not want to find that out after the fact.
4. Who can I talk to for free? Some cell phone companies offer a plan that allows you to talk to friends and family for free up to a limit, while others only offer free calls to other people on the same service. Clarify this before making the purchase and compare your options. Finding a service that covers most of who you talk to can save you a fortune.
5. What will it cost me to add other phones later? This is another big catch point with cell phone companies. Family plans are as wide and sweeping as the regular service, and you need to fully understand them if there is even a small chance that you might want to add phones later. Ask this question before signing the contract, and make sure the terms are acceptable.
As mentioned, each of these questions are vital to having a good cell phone experience. If you ask them all, and get everything in writing, then you will be in great shape with your new cell phone contract.
An excellent post! I don’t know why some people are hesitant to ask questions like this. It’s their money and their cellphone and these are important questions to know the answers to!
Comment by Amy Hass — May 27, 2009 @ 3:00 pm