Limited Time Phone Offers

When you buy a phone from a kiosk in the local mall or from an online mobile phone offer through a company other than the cell phone provider, you should understand the tradeoffs.

It is often tempting to take a limited time offer you see walking through a mall. Certified retailers offer mobile phone offers and can arrange to have your service activated but if you have any problems with the phone or the service, you will be directed to the mobile phone service provider.  

Online discount cell phone retailers can offer you deep discounts on batteries, phones, headsets, chargers and other products. These products will be suitable for your use with certain products, but may or may not be reliable or warranted.   

When the limited time offer tempts you to buy, be sure you understand what you get and what you do not get from the purchase. Are there differences in service, contract, warranty or access to technical or customer service representatives? If you make your monthly payments to the partner company, what happens if the company goes out of business? 

Mobile phone offers are everywhere! Protect yourself by understanding the consequences, if any, of dealing with someone other than the cell phone company. Before you take the deal, go to the web site of the mobile phone service provider and check their deals. You might find something equally compelling on the cell phone company web site.  

If you want to explore a prepaid cell phone or a disposable mobile phone offer, read the guidelines carefully. How and when can you recharge the prepaid phone? Can you look to the retailer for assistance or do you have to call a toll-free number?  

While none of the restrictions you discover may dissuade you from accepting the phone offer, it is always wise to understand your obligations and rights and the ease with which you can use the phone.