1. Be prepared, don't rush in without knowing your current usage, do you really need unlimited text messages? how much do you currently spend? who do you call? do you have coverage problems and any network preference.
2. Consider if your usage requires a commitment to a contract or would a pay as you go offer suffice? this will obviously depend on your current usage, call costs and handset requirement. Once you have your current usage details on paper this should be easily comparable.
3. What type/model of handset do you need, what features do you need or prefer, social use, business or both?. List all the feature requirements that you need and will actually use.
4. Handset operating software, in addition to handset choice there are now a number of operating platforms to choose from that your mobile will operate on, this is the interface of the phone and offers various features that can also be synced with your desktop, calendars, diaries and app markets. Platforms such as Google's Android, Apple's operating system, Symbian, Windows, Blackberry, Maemo, all offer a unique operating system with different features and benefits, again research what you feel will be best for you in terms of features and usability.
5. Make a shortlist of the handsets you would like and research mobile phone reviews, there are lots of forums, magazines and mobile phone review sites. Committing to a 12 or 24 month contract only to find you detest the handset is a costly mistake you want to avoid.
6. Armed with your usage details and handset requirements you can begin your search for a suitable mobile phone deal, and these days it can be done from the comfort of your home via mobile price comparison sites such as ours www.rightmobilephone.co.uk , simple to use and compares the whole market, over 600,000 available deals from all of the major networks and online retailers. The alternative would be to head to 4 or 5 high street stores or individual websites which can be time consuming and can be hindered by keen sales staff.
7. Avoid temptation – Don’t be overly tempted by contract deals with free gifts, if you are actually looking and want the incentivised gift it can be a good way to budget the cost of it, however tariffs that come with a free item, such as a games console, often come with a lower text and minute allowance, as the retailer has to make up the money for the gift somehow. Check the tariff carefully before committing, just to ensure it will be suitable for the length of the contract.
8. Consider the cost of each contract over the contract term (12/18/24 months), this can be a quick way to work out your total commitment for the duration of the contract and sometimes provides an easier route to comparison than working out monthly payments, bolt on packages etc and will provide the true cost of any gift incentive.
9. Check contract length – If you’re the sort of person who changes their mind or handset often, avoid committing to longer contract deals, such as 24 month deals. Look for the shorter 12 month contract deals and you’ll be able to get a new phone within a year, rather than having to wait longer.
10. Check the small print and don't be afraid to ask questions or for clarification, your mobile phone is a contractual commitment so ensure you are fully aware of all the details before signing, also ask about the returns or fault policy. After that all that's left to do is enjoy your new shiny handset knowing you have signed up to a deal that was right for you and your usage.