Cashback Guide for Dummies

Guys_Dad

I understand your strategy and why you don't broadcast deals on here. I have one genuine point of curiosity relating to your own deals.

Accepting that they are small bundles and the phones have sold at a profit, whet do you do with the minutes on all of these contracts?

I find it hard enough with a main, spare and one other Orange value promise sim, plus still some time left on PAYG sims from unlocked handsets I have bought to go with sim-only deals I have had in the past.

If I use one of the "spares" my friends don't recognise the number. ( Can use PAYGs for 08xx calls to use the credit ).

Just curious.

mobilejunkie

That's fine. I am well used to running multiple contracts and find it a highly useful system.

I use one for my main number (and switch to the one with the longest contract duration and other suitable criteria when that comes to its prompt end). It's the only one I can remember the number for, but have one list which gives all the others on various networks and another which gives the bundles for each contract in date order (bundle renew date). I also have a huge fleet of (all but one) unlocked phones to use according to the number of contracts I have.

I have one (free and good) smartphone I keep in the car for rare internet use with a suitable bundle of mb but only 50 minutes (I don't use that for calls). I usually have one of the other phones with me, rotating according to the bundle dates; when I get within 50 minutes of the allowance I switch to the next one in chronological order. I reset the data and text logs at the start of each bundle date and check them regularly (the smartphone has an excellent app which automatically updates the bundle allowance on the relevant date and I can set it according to both the date and bundle for a given contract).

My T-mobile contracts provide ALL 08 numbers as part of the bundle so I use them to make calls to those numbers. Having at least two phones with me when I am working means that I often have two networks, which helps if reception is non-existent on one. I use the second (rotating) phone to make outgoing calls. The battery life on my main phone (used mainly for incoming calls and texting) lasts at least a week despite being on most days and evenings and being at least 6-7 years old. I have other phones if a battery goes flat and only charge them when the batteries get low.

At other times I've found contracts which (not now) include picture messaging as part of the bundle. Sometimes it may also be useful to call someone using one of the other numbers and if I am forced to give a number when taking advantage of other freebies I can use one of the phones which is rarely on.

It may sound a little complicated, but it isn't and has provided not only free mobile use for years but all sorts of unexpected benefits (a real bonus) like the 08 numbers.

Unless someone really needs a lot of mobile internet useage I never understand why people actually PAY for theirs (and most of my people would say the same now!) and would find it almost impossible (and a LOT harder) to just work with one smartphone.

Guys_Dad

Certainly works for anyone willing to be meticulous and organised - as you are with your cashback dates etc.

Shame that the deals are drying up and have been for a while. But glad you are still getting deals personally and for friends.

xeena

Thanks mobilejunkie, good to know there are still the odd deals out there. And yes, it's very handy having several different sims - I think that I have at least one on each network (apart from O2, but the bf is with them anyway), which comes in really handy when we're working in remote areas!

mobilejunkie

They are, but you have to be very light-footed and not worry too much about their limitations. If they're free overall grab them while they're there and look out for the next. Never failed me yet and I've been using them for years!

mobilejunkie

A warning; Buymobiles.net are paying late (again) despite allowing themselves an age to pay in the first place. If they don't pay on time, send the LBA and without delay, ignoring promises and excuses. Last time they did this was some time ago but this time it is a longer period without payment.

Meanwhile, if you have multiple contracts on a single bill Mobiles.co automatically reject the claim because of a system fault. Of course, they can readily be persuaded in the usual way...!

Never any room for leniency or complacency with dealers on cashback deals - unless you're prepared to let them do whatever they like, regardless of the contract you have with them.

Dreamscometrue

mobilejunkie wrote: »

A warning; Buymobiles.net are paying late (again) despite allowing themselves an age to pay in the first place. If they don't pay on time, send the LBA and without delay, ignoring promises and excuses. Last time they did this was some time ago but this time it is a longer period without payment.

Meanwhile, if you have multiple contracts on a single bill Mobiles.co automatically reject the claim because of a system fault. Of course, they can readily be persuaded in the usual way...!

Never any room for leniency or complacency with dealers on cashback deals - unless you're prepared to let them do whatever they like, regardless of the contract you have with them.

I'm getting really annoyed with them now. I used E2save twice before without hitch. I sent my first Buymobiles.net claim in a while back & had an email to say that it was received and accepted on March 28th. I've contacted them via their online 'contact us' but no response. I will look into the LBA, it's a new thing for me.

mobilejunkie

I've reached the point of instigating action. They plainly have no intention of paying on time any more and I'm not going to mess around. It suggests they are in difficulties and I won't be ordering from them for myself or others any time soon.

Dreamscometrue

An update from buymobiles.net

Thank you for your email.
With regards to your query, we have experienced unforeseen problems with our payments system. This has lead to delays with all customers payments, not just your own.

Our accounts team are not able to process the funds any quicker than our systems allow but all amounts outstanding should clear by 4th June at the latest.
Please accept my apologies for this inconvenience.

That old chestnut! Looking at various forums they've been telling people the same thing for months now!

mobilejunkie

I know of several instances, including two of my own. Not a good sign and the excuses simply don't wash.

An LBA is straightforward, as is what follows (MCOL). Draw a line in the sand; this is a well-trodden path.