EXTENDED: You've got another week to add your travel & holiday deals questions for expert MSE Oli as part of the latest Ask An Expert event.

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

edited 8 August 2016 at 10:17AM in Mobiles
10 replies 2K views
Former_MSE_NickFormer_MSE_Nick Former MSE
463 Posts
I've been Money Tipped!
Forumite
edited 8 August 2016 at 10:17AM in Mobiles
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...
Read the full story:

OfficialStamp.gif
Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply. If you aren’t sure how it all works, read our New to Forum? Intro Guide.

Replies

  • Roland_SausageRoland_Sausage Forumite
    721 Posts
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts
    Forumite
    Link doesn't work
  • edited 5 August 2016 at 9:47PM
    AndyPKAndyPK Forumite
    4.2K Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Forumite
    edited 5 August 2016 at 9:47PM
    https://www.mobilephonechecker.co.uk/bespoke



    network selection in advanced options. i.e EE, O2, vodafone, 3
  • AndyPKAndyPK Forumite
    4.2K Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Forumite
    BTTT

    How come this isn't a sticky?

    Seams very difficult to find
  • edited 10 September 2016 at 4:42PM
    AtasasAtasas Forumite
    753 Posts
    edited 10 September 2016 at 4:42PM
    "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    Buy, what you can afford, what is really needed- A PHONE and SIM separately for coverage, as other-ways, really outdated idea isn't working, can not work and people WILL end up paying over the odds, scammed, trapped in one sense or the other eventually regardless...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
  • 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".
  • AndyPKAndyPK Forumite
    4.2K Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Forumite
    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 ?
  • edited 10 September 2016 at 6:31PM
    AtasasAtasas Forumite
    753 Posts
    edited 10 September 2016 at 6:31PM
    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!
  • 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.
  • AndyPKAndyPK Forumite
    4.2K Posts
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    Forumite
    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.
  • edited 11 September 2016 at 12:18PM
    mobilejunkiemobilejunkie Forumite
    8.5K Posts
    edited 11 September 2016 at 12:18PM
    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.
This discussion has been closed.
Latest MSE News and Guides

Energy Price Cap change

Martin Lewis on what it means for you

MSE News

Best £1 you've ever spent?

Share your most impressive bargains

MSE Forum