Getting a 3GS IPhone in Belfast (O2)?

jenny-wren

Anyone managed to blag any extras or discounts when getting an 3GS IPhone through O2 in NI?

With the competition for contracts opening up recently with Orange and Vodafone offering the IPhone I thought there'd be deals to be had but it appears that O2 won't budge on the price of the contract. I'm loathed to switch networks and don't want the hassle of having to port my number so I'd prefer to stick with O2.

Perhaps someone has got a case or accessories thrown in? Surely there's moneysaving to be made?!

jclegs

Give retentions a ring and ask about refurbished iPhones. They're basically brand new, returned orders and come with a full warranty.

Rach39

I just bought a 3g on Vodafone and after going to Vodafone shop, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U I asked why no one would give me a deal to out do the others (were all the same price and deal). Was told that on all other phones they would but with the ipone Apple dictate the deals and the prices and they are not allowed to throw anything in or haggle with you in any way. I suppose they sell that many they don't need to!

jenny-wren

OK, if they won't budge on the price, what are my chances of getting a discounted AppleCare 2 year warranty on the phone. It's normally £59 and given that IPhones are known to have a few issues with cracking cases etc I'd want more than a year's warranty if I'm taking it on a contract.

Would O2 have any flexibility to discount AppleCare warranty prices?

Rach39

I couldn't get any but it's always worth a try!

jenny-wren

You'd think they'd offer some sort of loyalty discount or perks for existing customers. Staff in the Castle Lane store abruptly told me it's the same deal for new or existing customers. Their attitude was 'here's the brochure, that's the price, take it or leave it'.

Rach39

I know, I've been a Vodafone PAYG customer for over 6 years, this is my first time going to a contract and they are now getting more dosh off me per month than ever before and still it was like - yeah buy one if you want one, here's the price, here's the deal, no movement. BUT................................................... I really love my iphone! :heartpuls

jenny-wren

Well, O2 wouldn't budge on the price and no free accessories. I didn't need a new SIM (despite what I was told in another O2 store) and my brand new shiny IPhone is plugged in and getting ready to go.

I'll definately go back to O2 in Connswater. Much nicer staff and better service than the stores in Belfast City Centre. Thank you Jeff!

Jaime-V

Rach39 wrote: »

I just bought a 3g on Vodafone and after going to Vodafone shop, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U I asked why no one would give me a deal to out do the others (were all the same price and deal). Was told that on all other phones they would but with the ipone Apple dictate the deals and the prices and they are not allowed to throw anything in or haggle with you in any way. I suppose they sell that many they don't need to!

Same here, this is what I got from Orange, Vodafone and O2. Been with Orange for years, tried all the tricks and no movement at all. Went to vodafone as cheaper phone and better tariff. I totally :heartsmil my iPhone!

Spikie01

I have shopped around, and found that wherever you get an iPhone from, be it online, in Apple, Carphone, Phones 4U, Vodafone, O2 or Orange stores, they are always the same price.

Apparentely Apple have put a price fix on the handset.

i eventually ended up buying mine from Phones 4U as the chap in the store was helpful and explained that one of their stores discounted an iPhone for a customer and was abruptely banned from selling the phone, apparentely Apple have that sort of a hold on the market they can do what they want!!