HTC 10 on Vodafone

[LordLanky]

So, exciting news about the HTC 10 yesterday.
The leaks left me doubting if the device was good enough, but initial reviews suggest it might have got it right.

In the meantime TechRadar suggests VF are sitting on the fence about whether to stock it.

I'm sure a helpful VF member of staff will point us to the pointless "Coming Soon" page. Thanks for that.

Meantime here in the real world who would like VF to stock the HTC 10?
Is it incredible or even possible that VF are considering to NOT run with it?

[burso83]

I think I'll cancel my VF contract, port my mumber to any PAYG sim card to keep the number and then with a clean sheet I'll pick the best deal for new customers through CPW or Mobilephonesdirect. It is obvious that new contracts have better deals than existing customers who want to upgrade.

[drey_p]

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@burso83 wrote:

It is obvious that new contracts have better deals than existing customers who want to upgrade.

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That isn't entirely correct.  If you upgrade directly with Vodafone you will get the same price as a new customer. However, the same cannot be said if you upgrade through a third party who often reduce the cost of a new contract using some of their commission. 

[burso83]

drey_p I was referring to the contract deals through CPW with VF plans. For the same plan as a new custmoer I would pay £50, but for an upgrade it's £99. As the sales guy said and I believe it;s a matter of fact VF focus on getting new customers. For me to saty with VF I would be demanding a better deal than what's on offer on their website. If I'm as an 8 yrs VF customer supoosed to pay the same money as an entirely new customer there is really nothing that would keep me with the provider, also in general.

[drey_p]

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@burso83 wrote:

As the sales guy said and I believe it;s a matter of fact VF focus on getting new customers. 

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All networks focus on getting new customers.  But what you need to compare is the price paid by new customers and existing customers dealing with the network directly.   Third parties will often sell new contracts at lower prices and use commission to lower the cost.  So you aren't really comparing like with like if you are comparing a contract taken directly with the network and a similar contract through a third party.

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@burso83 wrote:

If I'm as an 8 yrs VF customer supoosed to pay the same money as an entirely new customer there is really nothing that would keep me with the provider, also in general.

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It is actually pretty good that you can get the same deal directly if you are a new customer or an existing customer.  Not so long ago you would actually have paid more as an existing customer who was upgrading.   I personally think it is more than fair that everyone gets the same pricing when dealing direct.

[burso83]

@drey_p I see what you mean, unfortunately as VF have decided not to stock HTC 10 it's impossible to compare 3rd party VF contract vs direct VF plan. I'm sure I'm no different from other customers and potential customers, I just want the most cost efficient deal, and as long as VF will not sell the handset directly I don't care who I'll go with.

[IWonder]

Looks like shopping outside of VodaFone.co.uk is the best (possibly only) way to go for the HTC 10, shame but no big deal I guess. Have to see what deal I can get tomorrow I think.

It is only not wanting to change really as overall CS service has been OK (despite their appaling reviews).  In fairness, not many mobile phone companies get great reviews overall online anyway.

[bizarre_adz]

Okies, specifically I ended up paying £30 for the handset and renewing at £34/month on the 2gb/unlim texts&mins deal. The stores have the ability to match deals from other retailers which means they have digression to alter UPFRONT prices. I've seen this in way of free accessories (guy being served opposite me was given a free case). I started with a simple chat about the LG G5 and Huawei P9 and told the manager (who was serving me) about what VF had offered me direct (G5 no upfront cost and £34/month. P9 £27/month plus smartwatch no upfront cost). I asked what their renewal price in the HTC10 was (£100 upfront) and then asked if there was anything they could do to reduce that price. He said he could only take £20 off as it was a brand new handset not even released yet, I said (disappointedly) sure that will be fine, so that'll be £30 to pay today? He said no; £80, at which point I mentioned the £50 cash back. He laughed and said he'd forgotten about that bit, but agreed to the numbers. So.... £30 upfront, £34/month. Best deal I could find online was £34/month nothing upfront, but that wasn't renewal. £30 to keep my number.... I'll live with that.

Trade in on other handsets are useful, but you'll never get the same value you can get recycling to an online company or selling on eBay.

Is the HTC 10 worth the extra £30 over the G5?? Yes I think so. Is it worth the extra £198 + smartwatch over the P9?? I'm not sure, but I already have a smartwatch and wanted the 10

[burso83]

@bizarre_adz Thanks for the details. Do I understand it right regarding the cashback, you have only paid £30 upfront instore, have they waived the £50 in the amount of the cashback and you will not get the cheque later, or have you fooled him enough to pay £30 and you will get a cheque for £50 cashback?! (that would be sweet) I think I'll be happy to keep my number for the £30 upfront and £34/month wioth 2GB data. Still have a few days to go. 

[bizarre_adz]

Sorry, discretion. Autocorrect at its finest

[IWonder]

Being like a Rottweiller I thought I would sink my teeth in and have another attempt at VF CS, stilll no joy though.  They are still saying the same, they cannot imagine why they would not sell a phone like the HTC 10 but that they would normally have had a workshop by HTC and posters up by now.

I guess whilst I suspect I would get a better upgrade deal with VF direct (if they had the phone) after being with them for 16 years that I'll have to bite the bullet and visit the CPW shop to see what I can sort out.

So, thanks for the info @bizarre_adz