subject: How You Can Get The Cheapest Mobile Deal Possible [print this page] Mobile phones are something that the vast majority of us use on a regular basis. Their usage is so extensive that according to IEEE Computer, at the end of 2009 there were 4.6 billion mobile phone users worldwide - the equivalent to just short of three quarters of the global population.
Whilst mobile phones are made in a vast amount of different shapes and sizes, with an array of different features and in a way that a wide selection is available to you even if you have a small budget, they can still be a costly regular outgoing.
Therefore, if you want to get the cheapest mobile deal possible, check out these following 5 tips that should help you save money next time you buy a mobile phone.
1. Trade in your old phones - with the whole world seeming to be going through an immense recycling stage at the moment, there are many companies around the world who will give you instant cash for your old mobiles.
How much money you receive does depend on the phone itself and as would be expected, newer models are going to go for more than older ones, but if you've got a phone from the last 2 or 3 years, you should be expecting to receive around 50 pounds minimum.
2. Use free sim cards - for many, the most costly part of owning a mobile phone isn't the initial outlay (in several instances with monthly contracts, the phone is free), but the monthly fee and therefore one of the cheapest ways to own a mobile phone is once your contract has run out, cancel it, keep the phone and use free sim cards in it.
Available from most carriers, free sim cards work on a Pay As You Go Basis and they will more often than not provide you with bonuses, such as additional texts or minutes, if you top up regularly.
3. Take out a long contract - if you're looking to take out a contract with a set number of inclusive texts and minutes and aren't overly bothered about having the latest phone, it could be worthwhile looking at a long term contract.
18 and 24 month contracts are currently the most popular options, but there are more and more carriers who are offering 36 month contracts with reduced monthly fees.
4. Haggle - if you're in the process of buying a new mobile and/or contract, don't be afraid to haggle with the salesperson.
It's not something that a lot of people do as it can be difficult to get any form of discount, but it's worthwhile trying. Simply say that you can't afford the monthly amount but that you would like all the benefits - they may not be able to reduce it massively, but reducing it by 10% wouldn't be surprising.
5. Renew - when they get to the end of their contract, a lot of people head straight out to a mobile phone shop to take out a brand new one.
The truth is that unless the shop has a fantastic promotion on, you're likely to receive a better deal by phoning your current carrier and explaining that you're looking to leave. The reason behind this is that they are then likely to transfer you to the retention department, who will be able to offer you some fantastic deals, such as heavily reduced monthly fees or the latest phone for no additional cost to what you're already paying.
