Affordable Mobiles Important message for new contract....?

dariun

Hi all

I just ordered a contract phone from AffordableMobiles and weirdly the sim card pack came in a paper cd sleeve with a message on it saying:

"!!! IMPORTANT!!! Please read BEFORE opening!

By inserting the enclosed sim card into a phone/device and using it in any way, you are accepting the networks T&C's. By doing so, you accept that you cannot return your phone or cancel your airtime contract under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000."

Now I'm not the smartest person in the world but that to me sounds as if I can not return or cancel the phone/contract if I were to encounter service faults/phone faults etc. Nor would I be able to return the phone within the usual 7 day grace period if I just change my mind.

Also, by saying I am not allowed to cancel the contract would it mean I would have to stick by the contract provider even after the minimum term (24 months) has elapsed?

Thank you for all your help in advance.

mobilejunkie

It's normal. There are other things you should be concerned about if it's a cashback deal.

Faults with the phone are different - but you can't change your mind once you've used the phone and/or sim. It has nothing to do with the end of the contract; normal rules always apply. Maybe not being the smartest is why you've chosen this particular dealer!

dariun

Hi and thanks for your quick reply!

It wasn't a cashback deal, just a basic phone contract that was cheaper than what I could get in the high street...even after being a loyal customer to O2 for over 8 years!

Just to clarify, if I use the sim or phone I don't get the usual 7day grace period to change my mind etc? However, at the end of my contracted period of 24 months I can still cancel the contract and keep the phone no strings attached?

I saw the offer on moneysupermarket website, or similar, it was my mistake to assume that they only mention vetted companies with good customer service

I found this out when they didn't bother to tell me they had stock issues, even though their website didn't mention it either, 3 days after getting a confirmation email that my order would be sent to me soon! I subsequently emailed asking why I wasn't informed earlier and yet no reply although my phone has arrived 2 days later.

grumbler

"Usual 7 day period" applies only to unused goods and services unless the internal returns police says otherwise.
To check the service faults you can use a free PAYG sim.
Faults of the phone are covered by the SOG Act and the manufacturer's warranty.
Yes, after cancelling the contract in 24 months you keep the phone.

mobilejunkie

Although the phone belongs to you from day 1 so you can dispose of it or use it as you see fit. I normally sell mine, often before they actually arrive.

deadpixel

Sounds dodgy. most networks dont do that. You should at least be entitled to the "cooling off period" where you can cancel within 7 - 14 days

macman

Cooling off period does not apply to upgrades.

grumbler

deadpixel wrote: »

Sounds dodgy. most networks dont do that. You should at least be entitled to the "cooling off period" where you can cancel within 7 - 14 days

Just an example:

New and unused.

If you want to return or exchange your device, it must be in “as new” and "unused" condition, ...
...
When we say:
- “Used” we mean making or receiving calls (both voice and video) or texts or browsing the internet from your device.

www.three.co.uk/Support/Device_Support/Returns

robbies_gal

why is it dodgy they all have the same terms you use the phone then you cant send it back just if youve changed your mind

grumbler

It's not 'all' in fact. Some have less strict policies.