[Closed] Mobile phone through carphone warehouse avoid or Ok?

I'd avoid both of those, personally (though my beef with Vodaphone is purely location specific, coverage in my house is non-existent).

Any particular reason to stay with Voda?

Big plus of buying from CPW is that phone will be unlocked and free of network bloat

No burning desire to stay with them - previously had a great home broadband service with them (which they have discontinued) but just a long term customer that doesn't seem to be gettign much grom them

I had contract with them for years but one year had massivce problem with them so I ditched them and went to Dial a phone. I think you'll get a mix of people who think they are ok, those who say "great" and those like me who've had a bad experience but tarnish them all saying no way. Advantage is you can walk into a shop if you have a problem.

used CPW last 3 times I've upgraded. Best deals available for me. Can't fault them and better than dealing with the reprotards in o2.

good point iamsporticus - I am sure they will try and cross sell loads of things like insurance as well - but I am good at saying no!

I've not had a problem with them so far. The only thing which was a bit funny was that the shops couldn't match their own website.

yes I found that out this week - crazy - but you can order on line and collect at the store - think I am going to order on line with online discount website link tonight

I use mobiles.co.uk who are part of the CPW group. I always go for a cashback by redemption deal as these offer the best savings. I NEVER stay on a contract after the tie in period.

they have been fine all the times I have used them

CPW good retailer, used them for several years no complaints and frequently v pleased with the service.

Been with CPW for about 8 years. Never had an issue and on the occasion I have needed anything I can walk into the shops. I haven't stayed so much from loyalty as they had the best offers for my usage at the time.

Re unlocked phones: I think even though the phones are supplied via CPW they are locked still. I know my previous phones have been as CPW is a reseller, they may for example have a phone in stock on 02 but not vodaphone. Happy to be proven wrong and this could be my misunderstanding, I know my old old Sony was locked to 02 but supplied by CPW.

unlocked and unbranded phones sold it for me, never had a problem

yes, go through www.mobiles.co.uk as they are part of the carphone warehouse group anyway, and if you diligently send in copies of your bills on a redemption deal it works out pretty cheap.

if you get a phone via CPW, is the actual contract still with the network provider ?
(I can get a discount on monthly payments to voda, see)

the airtime contract is, but I think the phone is supplied by cpw, so the airtime is a thirdparty in the contract

Only draw back I've found is if the phone goes faulty. My wife and I are direct with Vodafone. If a phone has gone faulty, they send a pre-post package and generally send a replacement by return. No handset for 4 days tops. Got my daughter's Blackberry from Carphone Warehouse. With them you have to take it into store where it will be triaged and then sent away. When it's fixed you have to go back to store to pick up. Turnaround about a fortnight. Don't like the fact that I ordered over the web and couldn't return the same way. Wouldn't necessarily avoid but this would be a factor.

Been shopping around for the last few weeks for an upgrade, CPW have come out top with the iPhone. Waiting for the order to be processed as ordered late last night.

As it's an Apple they'll be no issue of who to send it back to, pop it Apple and they'll sort it all for me.

cheers for the info coyote, luckily for me there is a carphone warehouse a mile from me!

They will probably sign you up for a months free insurance and a months free tech support, but you have to remember ot cancel them otherwise you will get billed every month.

No big deal.