Be careful with mobile phone purchase via the site.

Paul2102

Hi all. 

I recently purchased an iPhone 15 via the site with a redirect to mobile phones direct. Anyone doing so would need to be extremely careful as what you think you're getting isn't always what you end up with. 
Let me explain. I seen a really good deal where you could get the iPhone 15, 150gb data with free calls and texts for £149 upfront and £32 a month for 24 months. That's a cracking deal. Thing is, when filling in the actual page something changed and I ended up with a plan that was offering me 200gb, £139 upfront and £37 per month (an extra £110). 
Didn't realise this had happened until it was too late. Once clicked there was no going back. Rang customer services immediately and was told "computer says no'.
I have absolutely no idea how it jumps from one plan to another without warning but I've done it a few times since and it's happened again (I obviously haven't completed the purchase). 

Just want to impress on people that I'm completely computer literate, not stupid and have bought countless contracts in the past. This isn't nice and there should be some sort of warning that you are having things changed without your knowledge. You really have to be ultra sharp to notice when it happens so if you're busy filling in the form you won't see it. 

I've had no choice but to accept the deal that I inadvertently signed up to which has left a bad taste in my mouth. Just want to highlight it to others. 

Be very careful when purchasing via mobile phones direct through this site. 

oldernonethewiser

Just had a look and I can't make it jump to a higher tariff after selecting the deal you mention.

Something odd going on.

elsien

Is there not a cancellation period - there is usually a 14 day cooling off period for phone contracts? 

 From their own terms and conditions

13.3.          Exercising your right to change your mind (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013). For most products bought online you have a legal right to change your mind within 14 days and receive a refund. These rights, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, are explained in more detail in these terms.

https://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/information/terms

How long after the order did you try to cancel?

Paul2102

I think I may have seen what it is. The offer defaults to a black colour. My daughter was after the green and I'm thinking it may be that. 
To answer other questions I tried to find a way online to cancel immediately and they're was nothing. I placed the order at around 7.30 pm and the customer services stop at 7 so 9am the following day was the fastest I could get to them but even by that it was too late. 

Yeah I did have 14 days to cancel but there was nothing for me to gain by doing that as I still needed the phone and I wouldn't have been able to re-order again within a 30 day period as the network provider would have declined the order. I did try to purchase again on the £32 per month with the intention of sending the first one back but it was declined. 

A balls all round really. 

Paul2102

Update.....

Just tried again (twice) and on both occasions it did it again but there's an added twist. 

If you are happy enough with the black handset and don't change anything on the page this deal will go through. However if you're after a different colour and highlight any of the others (don't forget you're still on the £32 per month page) it immediately bumps the contact up to the more expensive deal without any warning but wait for this......if you them go back and choose the black again it still stays on the higher tariff!!!

I knew I couldn't have been such an idiot when ordering. I was beginning to question my sanity. 

Not cool mobile phones direct, not cool at all. 

elsien

Except you did still have the option to cancel and you chose not to take it.
Although I agree that when you go back to the black handset the price should go back down again. 

Paul2102

elsien said:

Except you did still have the option to cancel and you chose not to take it.
Although I agree that when you go back to the black handset the price should go back down again. 

Maybe you didn't see the rest of the thread but I didn't have that option because I needed the phone (on 02) for my daughter's upcoming birthday. If I'd returned it I wouldn't have passed a credit check for another within 30 days. Hey I still have the phone to give her but it does leave a sour taste when you didn't get the deal you clicked on to but instead get stung for an additional £110. 

Not the end of the world but disappointing 

Paul2102

oldernonethewiser said:

Just had a look and I can't make it jump to a higher tariff after selecting the deal you mention.

Something odd going on.

Hi. 
Go back in and change the colour of the handset (it's defaulted to black). The plan will immediately change. The astonishing thing is when you change back to black the plan stays on the higher tariff and doesn't revert back to the original. Definitely an issue that will catch many people out. 

oldernonethewiser

I see what you mean, very sneaky.

You have to really be careful with everything these days.

webwiz

Slightly different question but this is the closest thread I could find. If I get a phone with no upfront cost what happens at the end of the contract? Can I keep the phone for nowt and find another sim only provider? Seems too good to be true unless they are relying on apathy. 

jon81uk

webwiz said:

Slightly different question but this is the closest thread I could find. If I get a phone with no upfront cost what happens at the end of the contract? Can I keep the phone for nowt and find another sim only provider? Seems too good to be true unless they are relying on apathy. 

Depends exactly on the terms but yes on most contracts at the end of the minimum term you are free to switch to another tariff.

It used to be that the cost of the contract over the minimum term was the same or more than the similar SIM only plus a loan for the phone, but some of the smaller virtual networks are offering better deals.