Phone contracts - just how cheeky can you be?

[jmsheahan]

I've been with 02 for donkeys years now, probably about 10. Always had a pay as you go sim up until around 3 years ago when I got a simplicity plan (rolling month contract with you supplying the handset). This has been fine however last week I broke my iphone 3g and I'm considering getting a proper contract.

Been having a gander at the phones available and I've been temped by an iphone 4 for a while (not interested in the 4s). They do a 18 month contract for £21.50 a month and a handset price of around £300 (too much).

Basically if I went into a store and said I want the £21.50 a month contract with 200 mins (instead of the 100 mins) and a discount on the handset would I have a chance or would they tell me to do one 

As you can tell I'm not particularly phone savvy but you hear of stories of people threatening to leave a provider and getting much better deals to stay a customer.

Any help appreciated 

[mcgee9t2]

Only way to find out is to go in.

try ringing up O2 and see what they say. that way theyl know youve been a customer for longer and might give you some deal. remember you dont have to stay witg O2 so look around for he best deal

[Jay]

Be as cheeky as you want, you'll never know how far you can push them until you try. I got £5 off each month for mine and my wife's contracts just by saying we had been with Vodafone a long time and would like a good deal (also 10+ years), straight away the guy said "No Worries Mr G, I'll give you a good discount" - not too bad as the contracts are worth less than £20 each per month so more than 25% off    oh and we got free handsets too (not as costly as an iphone but still worth well over £300 each if you bought them sim free)

[Adam]

http://giffgaff.com/goodybags/15pound-unlimited-web

If you don't care about a new phone...

[JulesS3]

The 4 price will drop once they announce prices for the 4S mate. Should drop to £100 i would imagine

[Winso]

I'm with Voda so not sure about O2 but I guess they're probably similar. I just phone and have a bit of a laugh with the person, I get the feeling they have a bit of discretion as to what/how much they give away. Been with them ages and just got a new phone/contract. Got £5 off the monthly cost, 100 extra minutes, more texts, and the phone for £18 instead of £100. I think you've just got to try it on a bit but not be a d*ck. 

[jnufcuk]

02 has always been very expensive for iphone tarrifs. If you shop around a bit more you can get a much better deal, eg, more mins, more texts, more mb etc.

[jmsheahan]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I wasn't sure if the 4 would drop in price or not. It's a bit annoying that I've broken the phone now as applemania is upon us currently so prices will remain strong. I might pop into an 02 shop over the weekend. I'm not paying £300 for a handset that's for sure 

Reason I stick with 02 is I get good signal in my house but will have a gander at the other providers. Is it best to go into the networks shop or Carphone warehouse etc? Also a slight side issue but if you are in a contract and your handset breaks/stolen etc is it covered or do you need separate insurance?

[Bellend]

02 has always been very expensive for iphone tarrifs. If you shop around a bit more you can get a much better deal, eg, more mins, more texts, more mb etc.

O2 best signal and customer services IMO.

[damien010685]

Theres no way the iphone 4 will drop down to £100 the 3g and 3gs still go for more than that...The iphone 4....8gb is on the apple website at £428 allready... i should think you will start seeing brand new iphone 4s on the bay for maybe around £300... Personally if it was me id stick  to a low cost plan and buy a phone outright if you can... Again though phone 02 you will always get a better deal over the phone as they can get away with more you want to speak to retentions... They have access to deals customer service and upgrades cant do anything is possible bud but very much doubt you will get a iphone 4 free on anything under £25

02 has always been very expensive for iphone tarrifs. If you shop around a bit more you can get a much better deal, eg, more mins, more texts, more mb etc.

That is true Youd would of thought since they no longer are exclusive to Iphone they would lower there tarriffs.... Hopefully they will soon