If you’re the type of person who has to have the latest smartphone the day it’s released to the public (and you don’t mind paying whatever Apple, Samsung, or Nokia ask), you probably won’t get much out of the box. dealing with a new cell phone.
However, the market for mobile users is very competitive. If you’re willing to take the time to shop around, and you have no problem signing up for a plan that meets your specific needs but doesn’t offer services and options you’ll never use, you should be able to find a deal that falls through. well within your budget.
See Online
Many people start looking for a new phone at their local Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon store, a convenient option but not a cost-effective one. Here are some advantages of using the internet to find your next cell phone.
- You shop from the comfort of your home, and you save money on gas and wear and tear on your car.
- You don’t have to wait for the seller to help you.
- You will be able to make an informed decision based on your research, phone specifications and specific needs. The sales force’s job is to get you to spend as much money as possible, regardless of your budget or specific needs.
- Many online sites can give you great deals on new and used cell phones. Do some research, find these sites and see what they have to offer.
The Options You Need
Choosing a cell phone plan is like buying a car. The more options you choose, the more expensive the car will be. The same goes for mobile plans, so you should choose a plan that only gives you the options you think you need.
- If you use your phone only to make and receive calls, there’s no need to pay extra. Picture messaging, surfing the internet, and watching movies on your phone are great options, but not if you’re not using them.
- While most carriers now offer unlimited calling and texting, you can save money by limiting the number of minutes you spend on your phone each month.
- If you already have a plan with a carrier that gives you more service than you need, contact the company and tell them you need to cut your expenses and see if they can offer you a cheaper plan. If your carrier requires you to sign up for a new plan with a new termination date, make sure they don’t charge you a termination fee when you throw away your old plan. Also, as with bidding on a car, threatening to put a stop to your plans. Often there are deals they can offer you that may not be stated up front.
- If you already have a cell phone that meets your needs, see if you can get a cheaper plan that doesn’t include a free cell phone.
- Do you even need a plan? If you’re only going to use your phone for emergencies, you might think about buying no-plan minutes. You’ll probably pay more per minute, but you’ll probably save money in the long run. And keep in mind that if you have a cell phone, you don’t need a plan to make 911 calls. Carriers are required to provide this service free of charge.
- If you have a family or partner, consider combining your plans into one account.
- If you work for a large company, check with the HR department about discount plans arranged through the job.
Throw Out the Bells and Whistles
You can take a big chunk out of your cell phone bill if you can survive without the latest and greatest phones and plans that don’t offer all the bells and whistles. Here are some tips that will help you reduce your monthly expenses.
- Your money will go farther with a refurbished cell phone because you’ll pay a lot less for the phone and still get equipment with all the options you need. In most cases, most of the components of a refurbished phone are replaced, including the display and memory processor.
- Carriers usually offer big discounts on new phones if you buy them at the same time you sign up for a plan. Agreeing to a one or two year contract will probably make the phone cheaper (or free). At some providers, consumers can now get an iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy III for free when they sign up for the new two-year plan. Low-cost retailers like Costco may also be able to offer carrier-beating specials.
- However, don’t rule out buying a phone without a plan. You may pay more for the phone up front, but, without a contract, you can save money later by avoiding early termination fees if you decide to switch carriers.
- Do you really need to buy the latest model phone the week it’s released? As soon as this year’s model was released, the price of last year’s model dropped dramatically. You’re still buying a new phone – it’s not the newest on the market. The free iPhone 4S may suit your needs better than the regular iPhone 5S model.
Once considered a luxury item, mobile phones are now an essential part of staying connected with your friends, family members and business associates. If you take the time to do your research and shop around, you should be able to find a phone that fits your budget.
