Phones4u buying out my contract?

LisaB85

Had a call from Phones4u today offering to buy me out of my contract with Orange, I have asked them to call back.

Some of you may remember this post....https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4050005

Well the problems are still not rectified and my account now still shows -£10 and the bill which should include a refund of my £10 and £10 towards bank charges shows £30 and £20 so will have to wait and see how much they are really going to take As you can understand after 5 years with Orange I have lost all trust and although I do like the service something needs to be done I realise this leaves me in a good place to haggle a better deal IF I decide to stay.

So I have asked phones4u to call back on Thursday, I am interested in O2 despite recent problems (Orange too have had the same problem)

Years ago I got a great deal through phones4u when the brought me out of a rip off Tmobile contract and gave me cash back.

What is the best way to haggle? tips please.
What are the best smart phones out at the moment? (currently have a sony X10)
Would it be better to go and do it in store?

LisaB85

99 views and nobody has any advice at all

Buzby

I wouldn't touch them with a barge-pole. They don;t really 'buy out' your contract, they factor in your cost to terminate early (which can vary, and you still have to pay depending on when the crossover happens).

You are then entering into a NEW contract, with a new minimum term for 18/24 months, and unless you have 100% clairvoyancy on how you;re future pans out, this is never a good idea.

LisaB85

Buzby wrote: »

I wouldn't touch them with a barge-pole. They don;t really 'buy out' your contract, they factor in your cost to terminate early (which can vary, and you still have to pay depending on when the crossover happens).

You are then entering into a NEW contract, with a new minimum term for 18/24 months, and unless you have 100% clairvoyancy on how you;re future pans out, this is never a good idea.

I am unemployed at the moment and can afford my contract so would be looking at a lower cost one anyway but after this mess with Orange I am wary of entering a new 18 month contract with them, unless they can make it worth the risk.

latecomer

I'm not sure how these contract buyouts work but I'd imagine they would only buy out a contract if they were getting a lot of commission which presumably means a new contract at a reasonable monthly amount.

Personally I'd be looking not to tie into a long term contract if I didn't have a job - If you have a decent phone have you considered selling your phone and using the proceeds to pay of the contract? I'd rather have a budget phone and no contract hanging round my neck.