Monday, March 12, 2012

Get Out Of A Cell Phone Plan

Cell-phone networks are able to offer such great deals on phones because they can recoup their cost by locking you into a long-term contract. If you opt out, you may be subject to a hefty penalty. Through shrewd bargaining or taking advantage of websites that let you sell contracts, you can escape a contract with relatively little pain.


Instructions


1. Drop the cell phone plan quickly. Most cell phone providers will give you between 14 and 30 days to cancel the plan without penalty.


2. Scrutinize your contract for clauses that will allow you to quit the plan early. For instance, if the company raises data plan rates, you may find a clause that allows early cancellation in the case of rate changes.


3. Call your provider's customer service line.You will need to offer a compelling reason to avoid or reduce the penalty if you cannot cite a clause in the contract. The penalty might be waived it the account holder is going on active duty in the military, moving to an area not covered by the provider or has passed away. Be prepared to offer proof.


4. Ask if the early termination fee can be prorated. Many providers, such as Verizon, are starting to offer this feature.


5. Request that the wireless provider produce a copy of your cell phone contract. It is only legally binding if they can provide a hard copy with your signature.


6. Unload your contract if all else fails. For example, you can post details about your contract on the website cellswapper.com. To attract buyers, you might include the cell phone and accessories that came with the contract. Your posting will need to detail such information as the months remaining on the contract and the plan's charges.

Tags: cell phone, your contract, will need