The iPhone has seen strong rivals emerge in the form of HTC and Samsung and can no longer win customers simply by it's technology or ubiquitous media campaigns. The death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has done even more to divert eyes over to other manufacturers.
There are now a range of mobile phone retailers who have gone all out to win custom, including offering a variety of free gifts, including 'cash-back'. Instead of getting a second laptop, games console or tablet, many consumers are realising that being given money to buy something is quite appealing. It must be made clear that there are two types of cash-back: 1. Standard 'cash-back' 2. 'Automatic (or 'auto') cash-back'.
Many find themselves frustrated by signing up to a deal promising cash-back, only to discover that the amount quoted will be paid in instalments, spaced out over periods of six months e.g. £20 after six months, £20 after 12 months for a total of £40 cash-back. If you don't want to receive your money like this then opt for automatic cash-back.
Although called 'automatic', this simply means that the money you receive will not be spread out across the duration of your contract. In reality there will still be a period before you receive a cheque for the full amount/the full amount is credited into your bank account. With the top two websites for automatic cash-back this is after either 27 or 30 days, but to call it a month is more accurate.
The bonus of automatic cash-back mobile contracts is not only that you get money for buying something, but that you have several options for what to do with the cash. Sites such as www.dialaphone.co.uk give you an 'effective cost' of the contract - what this means is they have offset the cash-back against the total cost of the price plan over the duration of your contract. In theory you could hold onto the cash-back and use it to pay/contribute to your monthly bill and thus achieve a lower monthly charge.
Another option, which is particularly useful if you go for a higher cash-back deal, is to sell the basic handset you receive with the contract and buy a better one. Taking advantage of the January sales can lead to paying a competitive monthly tariff with a quality handset, while still having some extra cash in your pocket. For example you could get a Samsung E2550 from www.phones4u.co.uk, with £400 automatic cashback, and use £199.95 to buy a Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY in their Pay As You Go sale. You would then be getting a decent phone for £36 a month with 600 minutes and unlimited texts, PLUS £200 still in your pocket!
Decide on what you want out of a mobile phone contract - decent phone, maximum cash-back or maximum minutes/texts - and then make an informed choice. Strike while the iron is hot in the January sales and the current highly competitive market and you could find yourself walking away with a great deal, cash in your pocket and a smile on your face.
Top sites:
http://www.phones4u.co.uk/special-offers/cashback/?intcid=salebanner-autocash
http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/gift/automatic_cashback/FG_CB1/
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