Contracts from the likes of CPW, P4U etc

Dreadi · 21 Jul 2010 at 10:35

Just after some advice really...
I've always had my phone direct from the company and have always avoided the "Get £50 cashback via redemption!!" bunch like dial-a-phone and other re-sellers like CPW and phones 4 U. But now, three are out right not willing to give me a phone I want on an 18 month contract and I am in no way willing to sign up for 24 months having always been on 12 months.
So my options as I see it are just cancel my contract and go PAYG with my E71 (don't really want to do but will if needs must) or go via some online seller (one stop phone shop, dial-a-phone etc) and get what i want on an 18 month contract. The only thing that's putting me off is I've never read anything good about any of these companies and just hear about how they ripped people off or have the worlds worst customer service and when they have your money, they just don't care.
Anyone have any advice or experiance with any of the companies? I'm looks at getting a desire or maybe a galaxy s (can't make up my mind), preferably on 3 but can't i don't think (due to the 24 month contract) so probably on 02.

TLDR: Can i trust companies like CPW, P4U etc? Which is best?

alex24 · 21 Jul 2010 at 10:37

I am in exactly the same postion as you. E71, three, want an 18 month or less contract, looking at the HTC Desire.

There's some good deals going on mobiles.co.uk (IIRC), but they do rely on cashback, and I haven't seen anyone report they've processed theirs successfully yet.

Beerbaron · 21 Jul 2010 at 10:46

i always went with the main providers until i upgraded the other month. i used dialaphone, once its setup you only deal with the provider, in my case orange. i have had no issues with them and the sales guy i spoke to was helpful.

bsoltan · 21 Jul 2010 at 11:18

I know a couple of people that have used the sites without a problem. You just have to make sure you keep your statements/bills and make sure you send them off at the right time to get your rebate. Assuming they still do it this way.

Dreadi · 21 Jul 2010 at 11:29

Well i have just seen beepy.co.uk mention in the galaxy s thread which seem to have some pretty good deals (Galaxy s, £25 a month, unlimited net a nd a bunch of txts and min plus some instant cash back instead of redemtions).

So once i have bought a contract from these people, does it just revert back to dealing with the operator from then on? (providing i don't go via the redemption route) ?

Dreadi · 21 Jul 2010 at 14:46

Sorted! I cracked three finally and got the desire on an 18 month contract for £25 a month. Even though i kind on had my head set on the galaxy, i'm happy with this

peige · 21 Jul 2010 at 17:29

Also make sure to read the contract properly, especially with regard to how it ends and if you have to give notice. CPW used to be quite shocking on auto renewing your contract.