should i...buy a phone online or in a retail store.???

Question

im looking to buy the t mobile sidekick slide but i would like to know if i should get it online w/ a contract or just go to the store and get it there.. which would be cheaper??

i already know what the phone looks like b/c i payed around with it a little bit a the store but i just want to know which way would be less expensive??

Answer 1

definitely retail store...you never know what defects the phones have from the internet.

Answer 2

I would consider the following options:

Extend contract or NOT: If NOT, you can go to website like craigslist.com or ebay and try to get a T-mobile specific or unlocked phone for acceptable price. Problem solved.



If you are OK to extend contract, then I would look for online prices from T-mobile website, which are usually cheaper than retail, but would personally visit a store to feel and take a look at the phone to decide on exact model, but eventually order online.



Also, check for any employer discounts from the company you work for.



I hope this helps!

Answer 3

it really depends on what deals you have available at this time from both venues. Compare how much the phone will cost online vs how much it is in a brick and mortar store. I'm also guessing u're buying online through an authorized channel, like Cingular's own site and not through ebay



Online:

pros

-some of the best deals are found here. Many phone service companies will even freely admit to this

-if not cheaper price, they may throw in extras like accessories that won't be given for free at a store

-don't have to leave the comfort of your home, drive out of your way, or take a long, winding bus /Metro train

-Most states won't have sales tax charge levied against it

-sometimes there may even be free shipping as a promo.



cons

-shipping can take up to a business week, so if u need it right away, you'll wanna inquire about faster (and more expensive) shipping methods or get it at a store. Keep in mind u'll want to charge the phone for at least 3 hours priorpto using it

-shipping adds a noticeable extra $$ to the phone

-overall more cumbersome to deal with returns, exchanges, repairs. Also gotta package the phone to return thjis way.



retail store:

pros

-get it right away, minus the time it takes to drive to and fro

-get to deal with an actual person with any questions

-returns, exchanges, or troubleshooting done by an actual person



cons

-you save on shipping and handling, but gas has recently gone up average $0.40 per gallon. In a suburban area where u gotta drive further distances to where u wanna go, that could add up to $5 right there (dep on distance, your vehicle mpg, etc.)

-you'll definately pay sales tax

-the store clerks are not always helpful, and worse, may have u jump through more hoops than with dealing through online channels

Answer 4

If you get it with a contract it will be cheaper online or in-store...(probably the best price) also, ebay is really great for buying phones without contracts, i had t-mobile and re-newed my contract and got this super crappy phone, so i bought an awesome phone on ebay for a really good deal!



if shopping on ebay, you should read about the product you are getting, some are brand-new in box, etc, some are used, mine was used and in perfect condition, really happy with it. only buy fron sellers with good ratings!

Answer 5

It would probably be about the same price for the sidekick itself, but don't forget that you will have to pay the shipping charges if you order online.



I would just go to the store and get it that way you don't have to wait a few days for your new toy. :)



...and if you have problems with it you can go right back to the store instead of having the hassle of mailing it back.

Answer 6

I would buy it at a retail store. You know what you're getting, you can talk to sales people in person if you need advice, and you don't have to wait for it to arrive through the mail.