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Question

Tmobile's now contractless. Suggestions on getting discounts

by Sep 2, 2013 6:10AM PDT

2 years ago, I got a Samsung Galaxy s2 for $200 up front, and no money after that. There was the usual FCC fees, etc. Today, I'm interested in upgrading to a Samsung Galaxy s4. However, it's $25 for 24 months, which adds up to the list price of $600! I'm told that when I was on the g2, Tmobile found a way to tack on more charges as part of its subsidies, and that since it's per month, after the contract was over, they come out on top if you did NOT renew right away. I doubt that + the upfront $200 added up to the $600 list price back then, but then again, I haven't been able to confirm nor refute that claim.

What's the best way to get subsidized discounts, or any discounts in general? Order through them online? Call them? Threaten to switch carriers?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Answer
I'm not sure there's a way around this w/ T-Mo now
by Sep 3, 2013 3:46AM PDT

You have to prorate the total cost over a 24 month period vs another large carrier (e.g. either Verizon or ATT). My guess, even with the added cost of the phone you still come out a little ahead. Again, this will vary slightly from person to person.

Ask them if you can pony up $200 instead of $99 when you upgrade to the new smartphone. That would hypothetically lower your subsequent monthly bills.

Also ask over in the T-Mobile sub-forum @ howardforums.com. A very helpful place to learn more about wireless related service/, etc.

hth

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Still don't get how the new way's cheaper....
by ackmondual Sep 3, 2013 3:05PM PDT

I'm still not seeing it....
The old way, I pay $200 up front, nothing else after that.
Total cost w/2 year contract = $200

The new way, I pay nothing up front, but $25 x 24 months
Total cost w/o contract = $600

How would prorating the cost (spreading it) over the course of 2 years save money when I'm paying more in the end?

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It's all smoke and mirrors.....
by birdmantd Forum moderator Sep 3, 2013 9:47PM PDT

I guess that their new alternative to phone sales/pricing isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

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Yes you will be paying more, but...
by Pepe7 Sep 4, 2013 12:49AM PDT

compared to service/handset purchase ATT & Verizon, your total costs for phone & service over the same 24 month contract will (likely) be slightly less. I'm not going to do that math for you. Try it out to see if it's worth it to stick with a carrier that has such poor coverage nationally anyway.

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Also about the $200 vs. $100
by ackmondual Sep 3, 2013 3:06PM PDT

Also, if I were to pay $200 instead of $99 for the upgrade, how would I be saving $$ in the long run vs. paying $100 more?

Thanks!

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Will T-Mobile...
by Pepe7 Sep 4, 2013 12:52AM PDT

..reduce the residual monthly payment for the handset if you pay more up front? That's what I was getting at. See what the folks @ Howardforums say on that topic. So in this regard, the phone would be less than $25/month if they are looking for a fixed total cost for the phone broken up into xx number of payments.

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Answer
The best suggestion....
by Forum moderator Sep 3, 2013 6:01AM PDT

.....would be an employer discount if you are eligible.

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That's a good idea to check on (n/t)
by Pepe7 Sep 3, 2013 6:37AM PDT

n/t

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