Upgraded via Carphone Warehouse but got a text saying I’ve started a brand new plan?

[domh929]

I have less than 14 days left of my current contract. I’ve just paid the final payment for the 24 months & upgraded via Carphone warehouse on the upgrade options. 

Originally I called them but they said the deal I see online wasn’t on their system yet and I should do it online if I can. It also asked me for my existing Vodafone number whilst upgrading. 

I’ve received a message this evening saying thank you for your brand new plan, implying I have not upgraded and took a new plan out? 

[AnnS]

Yes, @domh929 , going through a third party will give you a new plan and number. 

If you are going to keep the new contract, to get your number onto the new contract you will need to PAC out the existing number and PAC back in on the new contract or request Vodafone to transfer the existing contract number to PAYG taking 30 days to complete and then move the number to the new contract.  From the forum search facility there are examples on how this is completed.

One thing to bear in mind is the April CPI, going third party you will be paying the increase on the entire amount, upgrading direct with Vodafone , you only pay the increase on the airtime part of the contract, and you can just bet it's going to be a hefty one April this year.

[domh929]

Wait what? they said on the phone I’m upgrading, I had to go through some questions that said I was eligible for my upgrade because obviously it’s the end of my contract. They said I’m upgrading on the website too so really don’t understand now haha 

I originally went through a 3rd party and had same number though so not sure what’s happened. 

When I worked out the costs over 24 months seemed like Carphone warehouse was the better choice by 100s tbf 

[hrym]

I'm afraid the deal will almost certainly only have been that good because it was a new signup, whatever CPW told you.   It's also a matter that you'll need to take up with them, because Vodafone can only deal with what's passed through from the 3rd party.

That said, you may well be financially better off with what you have and porting your existing number as mentioned by @AnnS.   Do the calculation of the CPI+ price increase as well, though.

[domh929]

Thank you for your reply.

I received a phone call this morning from CPW stating a “ system error “ they thought had been sorted on their website has not & they would cancel the contract and sort it out for me as it was their mistake. 

I simply explained to them I followed the full upgrade eligibility process and they said the new plan opening was indeed by mistake and should’ve been an upgrade. It’s still odd though, how the website has 2 different options. Lowered phones / plans for new customers and UPGRADES for existing customers but then others say you cannot upgrade via website so why does it still take you down a different path for upgrades it makes no sense whatsoever. 

Quite surprised but customer service swiftly helped rectify the problem. 

Also how do I calculate the CPI into numbers? 

[hrym]

Glad to hear you're sorted.   As far as I'm aware, 3rd parties get a commission from new signups, which is how they're able to offer a lower price.   There'll still be something from renewals, but it'll be lower.

As regards calculating the price increase, it's the CPI as of (I think) the previous September plus 3 point something percent.   In the present circumstances, assume around 15% as a basic rule of thumb.   The daft thing is that, once your contract term is complete you can usually "upgrade" back to the same tarriff at the original base price (do this just after the price increase and you get 12 months of this and only one increase before you can do it again).