What to Watch Out for with Free Cell Phones

The idea of a free cell phone is very overpowering. A pay per minute calling plan coupled with a shiny and sleek, brand name new Motorola Razor may seem far from deceptive or ambiguous. We all know, a free cell phone might be the deciding factor when it comes to a consumer's decision to enlist with a service provider and a calling plan. With cell phones competing for our attention with marketing tactics and tricks, it is easy to see the reason for someone going for a free cell phone.

The saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" definitely applies with free cell phone offers. The fact of the matter is, many of them give the wrong impression about what is being offered in the fine print. You are bound to their policy and regulations by receiving a free cell phone from any service provider. Read on and you will find some of their not so common tactics and ploys.

Free cell phones come with a price in many cases. First, you redeem your savings through a mail-in reimbursement form to be sent in covering the cost of the purchase. However, mail-in rebates are infamously "shady" when it comes to timely repayment. With extended waiting times and the hassle in filling the form out, many people can go beyond their expiration dates or forget the rebate altogether, rendering the free phone non-free to start with. With rebates, free mobile phone marketers are counting on the complicated mailing in process to dishearten their patrons from going any further. Do not fall for this trick.

Free cell phones come with a mixture of obligations. A free cell phone may entail a one or two-year contract to a service carrier. Nevertheless, most require a long two-year service plan. In the case that you want to cancel your service plan, it might come with a heavy cancellation fee that voids the free cell phone by far. Another catch with free cell phones is limited options with the selection of service plans. Although service providers may put forward the latest free cell model, it possibly will only be had with the more costly plans.

The last catch I want to reveal about free cell phones is the quality of the product. Because they are obtainable for no money, quality may be substandard with more bulk or less features to them. It is always best to enroll in a low cost service plan with a shorter contract in case you want to switch service providers in the future. Remember, free cell phones are only for the unknowledgeable customers. Although there most likely could be deals out there, it is important to remember the most important reason why they are offered in the first place.