Can we have a "contracts for dummies" sticky at the top of the thread?

anonymousie

Long time lurker, occasional poster who has learned a lot on the forum, I'd love it if one of the really knowledgeable regulars could do something like this. THere are SOOOO many recurring themes, and tears/hair pulling because " well I didn't know"...

I'd vote to include:

It's a contract. You sign it, you pay it. Yes for the FULL term unless you buy out of it. Loosing your income I'm afraid doesn't get you out of this.

The phone is not part of the contract. It is a " gift" or " reduced price purchase". If the phone is lost/stolen/breaks you are still stuck with paying the contract.

There is usually NOT a cooling off/get out clause especially if you use the phone (I know this is odd because the phone isn't part of the contract etc)

DON'T default on a direct debit for a contract.

Do not take on a contract for anyone else, EVER EVER EVER. Especially not minors or enfeebled relatives (or a "friend" who can't get a contract themselves).

Dissuade your 18yr old from taking a contract out the moment they are old enough.This is a bad move (generally..)

Read the contract. If it is for X mins Y texts and Z data. That is what you get. Charges outside these WILL be silly money. Monitor and don't exceed the limits. If you can cap it do, if you can't then the provider isn't responsible for over use.

Find out how to turn OFF data roaming or failing that the whole phone when abroad (or be really sensible and take a cheapy that doesn't even " do" data).

If you go abroad nothing on your contract "allowance" will apply unless specifically stated on the contract paperwork.

A contract may be the cheapest way over all to get your phone and the allowances you need, but really - think of the risks.

OK not having a contract may mean not having the latest trendy phone, but it doesn't mean not having a phone that is good enough to satisfy what you need it to do- my DH has a samsung galaxy Y- it does calls, test, internet, music, maps, apps, email for £80 total. It doesn't do TV or sat nav and has a poor screen/camera (but he can still take snaps). It's " good enough" and there are many more around.

Buy a phone and get a decent pay as you go package. Pay monthly deals are generally great. Again though if you take a " get more if you sign up for 12 months" package that is a contract and you'll end up tied in and paying the £x12 total - though this is not going to be prohibitive sum if you need to buy out.

Harsh but fair summary I think?

Quentin

Unnecessarily harsh on 18 year olds! They are adults who are considered old enough to go to war and die, so having a mobile contract should be allowed!!

anonymousie

Quentin wrote: »

Unnecessarily harsh on 18 year olds! They are adults who are considered old enough to go to war and die, so having a mobile contract should be allowed!!

Maybe but there are real grown up adults on here that are coming to grief daily and posting about it. I'd rather my 18yr old stayed away from at least one thing that could avoid serious financial stress (she's already taking on rent/bills/feeding herself etc which seems such a lot to juggle on a limited income ) , especially as there are viable alternatives to contracts- OK a degree of delayed gratification to save up for a phone, but still.

Earthworm

In theory your idea is great... In practice may not be as helpful. You tend to find the following occurs on this forum:

Person A goes abroad... Uses internet despite receiving an SMS of their charges... Assumes it will be fine... Gets home... Sees a £1000 bill and quickly points the blame at their network... Doesn't get a full refund... Searches the internet for this issue to be directed to this forum... Gets told its their own fault (sometimes) lol.

Unfortunately a lot of people don't consider the potential outcome of what they do before they do it and only come to this forum once they've been stung by the cost of it... People would save a lot of money if they used this forum every day.

Jon_01

Also people don't read the forum before posting.

It not unusually to see the same question on page one twice worded very similarly, sometimes next to each other posted within minutes of each other...

So while it's a good idea, it would be of limited use I'm afraid.

Browntoa

we are only allowed so many sticky threads

and as pointed out people don't read threads

eg... the non nokia unlock thread says do not ask for codes at the start, people still do on a regular basis

[Deleted User]

i like them rules too many people play the thick card when it comes to contracts

the 18yo bit can be taken two ways, some 18's really dont understand and would take a £50 contract as long as they get the phone free. Where others will get a SIMO or a cheap contact and "plan ahead"

Guys_Dad

Browntoa wrote: »

we are only allowed so many sticky threads

and as pointed out people don't read threads

eg... the non nokia unlock thread says do not ask for codes at the start, people still do on a regular basis

Well, I think you ought to revise the sticky list that you have currently and unstick a couple.

1. Free Unlock codes for Nokia Phones 8 (U.K. Networks Only). Started in 2007 when Nokia were a dominant force. Is this still worthy of a sticky in our Android/Iphone world?

2. 3 is the cheapest, but is it best. Started in 2004 when 3 was markedly cheaper and the new kid on the block. But why retain it today when 3 is one of the big 5 and have generally sorted out their 2004 level of coverage???? I could understand Giff-Gaff is the cheapest, but is it best but 3 is no longer the cheapest, is it?

Unstick that pair at least and put a couple of more relevant threads as replacements. This thread seems to be sensible and more relevant for 2012.

grumbler

Guys_Dad wrote: »

Well, I think you ought to revise the sticky list that you have currently and unstick a couple.

1. Free Unlock codes for Nokia Phones 8 (U.K. Networks Only). Started in 2007 when Nokia were a dominant force. Is this still worthy of a sticky in our Android/Iphone world?

Both 'Unlock' threads can be unstuck and replaced with one locked sticky containing one post with some comments and links to two floating threads.