Magic words to get T-Mobile deal on new phone

January 3, 2023 11:24 AM

What do I say to T-Mobile to get a good deal on a new phone, and to whom do I say it?

I've been a T-Mobile custom for 20+ years, and only replaced my phone twice in that period. I've heard that carriers will give you deals on phones for switching to them, but that they also sometimes reward loyalty. Do I just call them and say "I need a new phone, what kinds of deals can I get for being with you for so long?". Or is it better to go into a store and ask a rep in person? Any language that is useful or helpful in terms of unlocking specials?

posted by Gorgik to Technology (4 answers total)

Best answer: Make the phone call and visit the store; take the best offer. I'd shop on their site to see what's available and what you might like. In general, getting 'free' phones with a contract is a bad deal for consumers, esp. for you, since you were likely eligible for a new phone every 3 - 4 years. Re-negotiate your contract while you're at it. And lean hard on the reps; you have been a loyal and profitable customer. Do some comparison shopping; there are some great plans out there.
posted by theora55 at 12:10 PM on January 3, 2023

Best answer: Are you even on a contract any longer? Most carriers have given up contracts with free phones and switched to huge discounts with trade-ins as long as you pay the remaining cost monthly. You should first log into your account and see what it says there bout a new phone. The store and the phone line will give you the same offer as the website most of the time.

They want to sell you a new phone and don't require code words or anything. You should have an idea of what models or features you want and what those models go for if you buy directly from the manufacturer. Then you know if they are giving you a deal or if they are just marking it up and pretending to give you a deal. Be ready to say no and try again elsewhere.
posted by soelo at 12:25 PM on January 3, 2023 [1 favorite]

My strategy is to purchase a used, unlocked phone outright at a good phone repair shop, then pay a tiny bit for a month-to-month or other service (with T-Mobile, actually).

I always get GSM phones because hey, maybe I'll travel sometime :)
posted by amtho at 1:07 PM on January 3, 2023 [4 favorites]

Best answer: People say contracts are gone, but it's not really accurate (even setting aside that "contract" colloquially means agreeing to maintain service for X time in exchange for a subsidized price on a device, instead of the fact that everyone has a contract with their mobile provider, even if it doesn't have a timed component). Instead of giving you a "free" or heavily subsidized phone in exchange for maintaining service for a certain period of time, you now agree to pay monthly on a 0% APR loan for a device that is often discounted, especially when purchased in conjunction with a trade-in of an older device. If you cancel service, your device loan comes due immediately. And the discount for the device is given by reducing your monthly payment, so you don't get it if pay off the device early.

So I have no idea how the idea of the "contract" going away really took hold. Well, clever marketing, I suppose.

Anyway, there are no magic words beyond "I want to cancel my 20-year-old account to go to Verizon and get XYZ phone that they are offering for free with trade-in," which should get you transferred to retention/saves. If it doesn't, hang up and try another rep. It probably won't work in-store, since they'd have to call in anyway and put you on the phone with retention.

If you're focused on getting a discounted phone, negotiate for the discount to be up-front on an immediate purchase instead of setting up a loan with discounted payments. If you're focused on getting a better rate plan, retention has access to plans that normal reps do not to "save" your line(s) of service. I believe T-Mobile is very competitive on rate plans so saying you'll switch if you don't get some ridiculous deal on the plan, beyond what they're willing to offer, is unlikely to get any traction.

Re-negotiate your contract while you're at it.

Can you elaborate on what you meant by that? Consumers don't negotiate contracts with companies the size of T-Mobile, and it's extremely unlikely Gorgik is under a timed contract with them, either. Do you mean negotiate for a discount on service?
posted by tubedogg at 9:46 PM on January 3, 2023