Mobile phone deals with free gifts
At this time of year the mobile phone providers know consumers are looking to spend and so they make their handsets and contract deals that little bit more tempting by offering free gifts like TV's or games consoles.
Free gift deals are ideal if you are looking to both give and receive, or if you want to buy a new phone and replace or upgrade an existing gadget. These deals are especially popular with families over Christmas because, for example, Dad can get Mum that new iPhone she's been after and a free PlayStation for the kids - that's a saving of over £200.
Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk commented: "Free gift deals come in all shapes and sizes, from the expensive like a 50 inch TV to the more basic, such as a free phone case or a cheap speaker system. It's vital to establish the retail value of the free gift online before signing a new mobile phone deal or buying a pay-as-you-go phone. For example, a £50 contract for 24 months and paying £50 for the phone works out at £1,250 over the course of the contract. Even if you receive a free Wii console (retail value approximately £120), the cost of the phone or the long-term cost of an 18 or 24 month contract could actually outweigh the free gift's perceived value and you may not consider the deal such good value after all. Checking the retail value of a free TV or games console is easy to do using websites like Amazon.co.uk or Play.com or popping down to your local Argos or department store. It's also worth remembering that mobile phone contracts offering free gifts aren't always limited to gadgets. Some include cash-back offers and reduced line rental."
Mobilechoices.co.uk suggests three good reasons for buying a mobile with a free gift:
1) Paying for high-value gadgets, such as big-screen TVs, if your income is low or credit is bad can be tricky. A mobile phone deal with a free gift essentially allows you to pay monthly for a high-value gadget, while also getting the benefit of a mobile phone deal. Note: the value of the free gift usually increases with the monthly cost of the phone deal, so beware of paying more than you can afford each month just to get a free gadget.
2) Many of the best "mobile phone + free gift" deals are to be found online, so comparing online is the perfect way of ensuring you get the best value for money package and free gift deal going. Comparing online also means you don't have to trudge around the shops or deal with pushy salespeople.
3) Mobile phone deals with free gifts are a great way of securing the latest must-have gadget because network operators and retailers often buy-up swathes of the latest devices in order to flog more mobile phone deals than normal. For example, O2 is currently giving away an Xbox 360 and Kinect - a must have gamers gadget this Christmas - when you sign a £24 per month, 24-month deal. A free phone isn't included, but the deal represents a saving of over £300 and means you could secure yourself a Kinect for the kids or yourself this Christmas.
For more information, visit mobilechoices.co.uk.