Galaxy S4 possible price increase by Unlocked-Mobiles

Mike12421

Hi everyone,

I was hoping for some advice regarding unlocked-mobiles.com.

I placed an order with Carphonewarehouse for the new Galaxy S4 at a cost of £629. I looked around and everyone is selling (Pre-order) for the same price.

However I then found Unlocked-mobiles.com was selling the exact same phone for £100 cheaper. I cancelled my order with Carphonewarehouse and gave Unlocked-mobiles my money instead. I have had my confirmation email through etc.

http://www.unlocked-mobiles.com/sim-free-mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s4-sim-free-p-84354.html

I have since been browsing their site and found the following "Pre-order policy";
"Pre Order Information:
Please note: Pre Order availability and pricing can change prior to a product coming into stock. Pre Orders can be cancelled at any time by emailing us."

I emailed them to query if the price I have paid is correct or will they charge me more nearer the time and they stated that the price can change.

I'm not trying to get something for nothing, but can a company advertise a product for a lower price in order to "hook" people in, then increase the price at a later date (on release day for example)?

Thanks for reading.

mije1983

Mike12421 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I was hoping for some advice regarding unlocked-mobiles.com.

I placed an order with Carphonewarehouse for the new Galaxy S4 at a cost of £629. I looked around and everyone is selling (Pre-order) for the same price.

However I then found Unlocked-mobiles.com was selling the exact same phone for £100 cheaper. I cancelled my order with Carphonewarehouse and gave Unlocked-mobiles my money instead. I have had my confirmation email through etc.

http://www.unlocked-mobiles.com/sim-free-mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s4-sim-free-p-84354.html

I have since been browsing their site and found the following "Pre-order policy";
"Pre Order Information:
Please note: Pre Order availability and pricing can change prior to a product coming into stock. Pre Orders can be cancelled at any time by emailing us."

I emailed them to query if the price I have paid is correct or will they charge me more nearer the time and they stated that the price can change.

I'm not trying to get something for nothing, but can a company advertise a product for a lower price in order to "hook" people in, then increase the price at a later date (on release day for example)?

Thanks for reading.

Have Samsung released the price details yet? If not retailers may just be guessing.

If you click on the 'Pre-Order' link next to the price, it does say:

Please note: Pre Order availability and pricing can change prior to a product coming into stock. Pre Orders can be cancelled at any time by emailing us.
Unlocked Mobiles will endeavour to deliver products on time. Should availability or price changes occur, we will inform all customers as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the Pre Order process, please Contact Us.

I'm not saying it is right, but they can do it. Have they taken payment yet?

Mike12421

Hi,

Thanks for replying. From what I've read on the Internet Samsung have released the prices, allowing for tariffs etc to be advertised and sold. Everyone is advertising the exact same price except for this company whom are cheaper.

On a side note they have taken the full amount off my card.

I just thought it was a bit sneaky and underhanded to do what they are doing IF they do increase the price.

Mike12421

Hello,

Just a quick update; as expected, only a few days prior to release I have today had an email through from this site informing me that they are putting the price up by £15 even though I have already paid in full. They state that if this is not acceptable then they will issue a refund.

Surely they can't increase the price after payment has been taken??

DUTR

Mike12421 wrote: »

Hello,

Just a quick update; as expected, only a few days prior to release I have today had an email through from this site informing me that they are putting the price up by £15 even though I have already paid in full. They state that if this is not acceptable then they will issue a refund.

Surely they can't increase the price after payment has been taken??

Have you checked it is not a grey import?
Grey imports may not get updates as soon or at all, the warranty maybe less inclusive than elsewhere.

Mike12421

I've just emailed them to ask. There is nothing on the site to say that they are and all reviews I have read are positive, I'm just annoyed that they want to take more money off my card knowing that I'll say yes.

gfunkuk

Are you sure it's only £15? Mine has been increased to £554.98. £25 more than originally. If you look on their website the price for current pre-orders has increased to £574.98. Thing is, even though it's increased it is still £25 cheaper than anywhere else selling it, but looking at the Office of Fair Trading website it mentions that retailers who state in their terms that they have a right to increase the price maybe breaking the law and to get in touch.

Check out this leaflet at the OFT website (I can't post links as I'm a new user). Anyone else any thoughts?

Mike12421

Apologies, your right it has increased by £25

As you say they are still cheaper than elsewhere however I wanted to check here before committing "agreeing" to the price increase incase I was able to demand or request the phone at the original price or something.

gfunkuk

I'm in the same position as you. I spoke to them on the phone and said they'd even send them out special delivery to ensure people got them on Saturday which is pretty sweet. Obviously though if I can get it for the price I assumed was going to be charged I'll be happier. Normally I'd just accept it but my housemate called trading standards when carphone warehouse promised a Galaxy Tab 2 as part of his pre-order then went back on their word and told him they didn't have any available. After a call to TS about them recording the call and him mentioning it to them, hey presto.. a Galaxy Tab 2 is winging its way to him after all. So, the motto - 'don't ask, don't get' definitely applies now!

I'll call them first thing in the morning as they've gone home now.

Mike12421

I'll hang fire then to see what the outcome of your call is.

Cheers.

mhs1981

I would have no issue with a price increase if they hadn't taken the money in full when I preordered, but what they are doing does seem to be bad practice. Although I have the option to cancel, I can imagine that it'll take some time for the money to actually be refunded, which would then prevent me from buying the phone from elsewhere.
Also, how are they going to get the extra £25? Do we have to phone up or will they just take the money off the card, after receiving the email confirmation?