MSE News: New 'build your own contract' tool for mobile phones launches

Former_MSE_Nick

Mobile comparison site MobilePhoneChecker has released a first-of-its-kind tool that allows you to compare the cost of different ways of buying a mobile phone – including pairing mix-and-match financing options for a handset with a Sim-only plan...

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Roland_Sausage

Link doesn't work

AndyPK

https://www.mobilephonechecker.co.uk/bespoke



network selection in advanced options. i.e EE, O2, vodafone, 3

AndyPK

BTTT

How come this isn't a sticky?

Seams very difficult to find

Atasas

"attempt to patch up money printing business"...
for a millionth time- never under no circumstance take no long finance on no item or "service", it will cost you more! just because!

Buy, what you can afford, what is really needed- A PHONE and SIM separately for coverage, as other-ways, really outdated idea isn't working, can not work and people WILL end up paying over the odds, scammed, trapped in one sense or the other eventually regardless...

MSE would be of better service in drawing up ways as how to enforce networks- contract designers to be fair to its victims, instead of recommending something, that is never clearly explained to non professional lawyers (customers) to be dealing with scams("contracts") legitimized by Trading Standards, OFCOM, credit agencies and obviously networks....

meh

mobilejunkie

A non-professional lawyer? Interesting concept. However, I believe in freedom of choice and the right to decide what is best for me - which is why I always take anything MSE advises with a large dose of salt. My choice are contracts every time - and the only side who lose out in my case are the dealers I use to buy the contracts provided I do my own research, which is why I won't be using the new "tool".

AndyPK

I find tools are interesting to find good value deals, and then follow up with your own research and calc's.

I haven't used the tool really. I would be interested to know what you think is wrong with it though ?

Atasas

mobilejunkie wrote: »

A non-professional lawyer? Interesting concept. However, I believe in freedom of choice and the right to decide what is best for me - which is why I always take anything MSE advises with a large dose of salt. My choice are contracts every time - and the only side who lose out in my case are the dealers I use to buy the contracts provided I do my own research, which is why I won't be using the new "tool".

Not me either, as I had done loads of "hard labour" to conclude, that contracts are horrid, "overhyped" way in business- get money of less weary, by introducing charges- rules- fees, where people are forced to pay for, without being aware the final costs or implementations.

AndyPK wrote: »

I find tools are interesting to find good value deals, and then follow up with your own research and calc's.

I haven't used the tool really. I would be interested to know what you think is wrong with it though ?

it encourages people (normal ones) to get contracts, by NOT disclosing the other- small print- side and consequences of "contracts" (scheme as how to make money)

Ordinary Joe, not a geek or a lawyer is set to loose.


Bottom line on this issue- yes, everyone can see, read and commit to certain "product", not many do (read) and end up trapped.

"tool"? ... yep, it is!

mobilejunkie

AndyPK wrote: »

I find tools are interesting to find good value deals, and then follow up with your own research and calc's.

I haven't used the tool really. I would be interested to know what you think is wrong with it though ?

That would be hard wince I haven't even looked at it.

There are many comparison sites which I do use in combination before checking on an individual deal. Though someof the MSE advice on here is useful it has often to be taken with a huge pinch of salt. Take the group energy switch; actually advertised on the radio. I have no doubt MSE makes a lot of money out of it, but despite claiming it's always cheaper than any existing tariff I find that is untrue. It may be cheapest if going for a dual fuel tariff but in my experience that has never been cheaper than two separate tariffs, which also often have other advantages. That's before cashback for switching - something which goes to MSE, no doubt, not us, when switching as a group.

Like Topcashback and Quidco, MSE is now a business. I have also read people on here finding not all offers are covered on other tools and that some links don't work and that companies listed on tools sometimes turn out to be crooks. Given that MSE reckons you should actually pay a (limited) amount for a mobile contract and that for the last ten years I make a profit on mine the pinch of salt becomes a bucket.

AndyPK

Yes the collective energy switches didn't offer me a better deal than I was already on. I'm don't recall them making quite so bold claims.
Although I'm sure if you were on a standard tariff there would have been lots of savings.

mobilejunkie

That would apply to most switches.

The adverts were frequently on local radio during August (I was in Cornwall at the time) with Martin Lewis making that statement. Bold and completely untrue.

Whilst none of the sites for switching which I use are entirely accurate and comprehensive I think people on here are under the illusion that MSE is completely altruistic and accurate. They aren't. If any tool - including this one - works as a starting point then it might be useful, but appears to be catering more to people who want the latest high-end phones and are happy to pay for the privilage. That's not me.