Networks bettering retailers?

Atomicbudgieman

Can you use an offer from a retailer (Carphone Warehouse, mobilephonesdirect, etc) to try and leverage a better deal from the network itself if you are already on the network?

Example: Vodafone is offering a contract at £49 a month but a retailer is offering a similar deal but for £42. Will Vodafone try to give you a better offer for whatever reason or just tell you to go with that because all they are fussed about is that you will still be on their network?

Is the threat of leaving the network the only bargaining tool?

Nebulous2

I haven't tried that recently - but I have previously found networks would match deals - but not cashback deals. Are you sure the retailer deal is an upgrade one and not a new customer one?

mobilejunkie

£7 is hardly a super saving and easily paid for by a dealer's commission. It's incomprehensible to me why anyone would pay for a contract, that alone that much.

bengalknights

I find to that the networks will match the deal or generally beat it (as its direct with them so less cost involved)

MataNui

Unlikely to work with EE. Last time i tried they wouldnt go close to what CPW offered.